Do I need to lodge a tax return?
Use the Do I need to lodge a tax return tool or instructions to help you work out if you need to lodge a tax return. You can use the tool in ATO online services through your myGov account or access the web-based tool below.
On this page:
Before you use the tool
We base the results from our tools on the information you provide us or information we know about you at the time. You may need to use the tool again to check if you need to lodge, if:
- your situation changes
- additional information becomes available from a third party.
Access the tool in ATO online through myGov
To access the tool you need a myGov account linked to the ATO.
When you access the tool through ATO online services it uses information we know about you. This information comes from third party reports, such as employers and government agencies. This means there are less questions you will need to answer, and the result is tailored to you.
This tool is available for the 2018–19 and 2019–20 income years.
If the result shows you need to lodge a tax return, you can go straight to myTax to complete your return online.
If the result shows you don't need to lodge a tax return, you need to tell us by submitting a non-lodgment advice. A link to the non-lodgment advice is available from the results page.
If you already have an account, access the tool by clicking the link below. This will open a new window where you can log in to myGov and access the tool.
Access the Do I need to lodge toolOr you can navigate to the tool, by:
See also:
Access the web-based tool
Anyone can access and use our web based Do I need to lodge tool.
Use the web-based tool if you:
- don't have a myGov account linked to the ATO
- need to work out if you need to lodge a return for an income year from 2012–13 to 2019–20.
This tool asks you a series of questions to determine whether you need to lodge a tax return. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Next step:
If you receive Australian Government payments and allowances
You won't need to lodge a tax return if you meet these conditions for 2019–20:
If you're not sure if you meet the above conditions, check using the Do I need to lodge a tax return?This link opens in a new window tool.
If you don't need to lodge a tax return you will need to notify us of this by completing a non-lodgment advice.
Next Step:
You will also need to notify Services Australia that you do not need to lodge a tax return. If you don't you may not receive the correct allowance or benefit.
Instructions for earlier income years
For income years prior to 2012–13 use the following links for the relevant year:
For income years before 2007–08 go to our Prior years individuals tax return forms and schedules and select the relevant year.
Use these tools or instructions to help you work out if you need to lodge a tax return. Last modified: 02 Dec 2020QC 21505