Know your tax and super position
Tax and super obligations vary depending on whether you’re an individual or running a business.
Your tax and super position refers to the current status of your obligations, for instance whether:
- your lodgments are up to date or behind
- you are owed a refund or need to pay us
- any payments you owe pay are up to date or overdue.
Knowing your position helps you understand what you need to do, when to ask for help, and what support options are available to you.
One way to know your current position is to use our online services.
Using ATO online services
ATO online services allows you to access a range of tax and super services in one place. This includes, but is not limited to:
- reminders of due dates
- requesting lodgment deferrals, making payments or setting up payment plans
- online lodgment of your activity statements and tax returns
- keeping track of super
- updating your details, , digital identity access or authorised contacts.
Our online services are convenient, secure and accessible at any time.
Individuals and sole traders
Individuals and sole traders can use ATO online servicesExternal Link. You'll need a myGov account linked to the ATO.
See our guide on using ATO online services.
Businesses
Businesses (including SMSF auditors) can use Online services for businessExternal Link. If you're a business, you'll need to use Digital ID and Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) to access the service.
See our Online services for business user guide.
Know your due dates
Tax returns, activity statements and other tax and super obligations must be lodged by their due dates:
- Individual tax return
- Business and organisations – Due dates by topic or Due dates by month
- Alcohol excise
- Fuel excise
- Self-managed super fund annual return
- Taxable payments annual report.
Manage payments
When you have tax to pay, it's important that you pay it in full and on time. If you don't pay, we will apply a general interest charge on your unpaid amounts.
We have information and resources on how to manage your payments, including helping you understand and plan for your payment obligations.
Have good record keeping practices
A good record keeping system will help you manage your tax and super obligations. This will make it easier to report and lodge on time with us.
See our guides on good record keeping:
- Record keeping for individuals
- Record keeping for business
- Record keeping for not-for-profits
- Record keeping evaluation tool.
Use the ATO app
Download the ATO app to manage your tax and super on the go. The ATO app provides many useful functions, including:
- downloading key lodgment and payment dates into your phone's calendar
- using myDeductions, individuals and sole traders you can record your expenses and work-related trips (car expenses).
Use SBR-enabled software
Standard Business ReportingExternal Link (SBR) is a standard approach to online or digital record-keeping to simplify business reporting obligations.
You can prepare and lodge reports to us directly from your SBR-enabled business softwareExternal Link, using information you record as part of the day-to-day operations of your business.
If you can't lodge or pay on time
If you forget a due date or are worried that you won't be able to lodge or pay on time, it's important to ask for help. Find out more about what can happen if you don't lodge or if you don't pay.
We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible before the due date or after a missed due date.