Lodging your tax return
The information you provide in your tax return allows us to work out your tax refund or tax debt. Tax returns cover the financial year, which ends on 30 June, and are due by 31 October. If you use a registered tax agent, you can usually lodge later than this, but you need to register with them as a client before 31 October to qualify.
Most people need to lodge a tax return each year. If you had tax taken from any payment you received, you almost certainly need to lodge a tax return.
Work it out
Use our tool to help work out whether you need to lodge a tax return.
End of work it outIf you don't need to lodge a tax return, you can complete a non-lodgment advice
Lodgment options
Online
We offer two free, convenient and secure ways to lodge your own tax return online - myTax and e-tax. Lodging online means we can pre-fill your return with information from your previous tax return and with information provided by your employer, bank, government agencies and others. The longer you wait to start your tax return the more information will be pre-filled with most information available by early-August. The majority of dividend data has been received from providers. Check the status of pre-fill data
Tax returns lodged online are usually finalised within 12 business days.
Before you lodge online you need to create a myGov accountExternal Link and link to the ATO.
If you're lodging your first tax return, or are an infrequent lodger, you may receive an error message when trying to link your myGov account to the ATO because we don't have the information needed to confirm your identity yet. Contact us on 13 28 61, then select option 5, between 8.00am and 8.00pm (local time) Monday to Friday or 10:00am and 4:00pm (local time) Saturday. Have three pieces of information ready to establish your identity
End of attentionPaper
You can use the paper Tax return for individuals and the Individual tax return instructions to lodge your tax return by mail. However, it will take up to 50 business days after lodgment to finalise your tax return.
Registered tax agent
You can get help preparing and lodging your tax return by using a registered tax agent
Tax Help program
If you have a low income and straightforward tax affairs you may be eligible to use our Tax Help program
Get help from family or friends
You can ask a family member or friend to help you. You must sign the return yourself and you are legally responsible for its accuracy.
Find out more
End of find out moreDo you need to lodge a tax return?
Most people need to lodge a tax return each year - but there are some exceptions. If you had any tax taken from any payment you received, you almost certainly need to lodge a tax return. If you need to lodge a tax return but don't, you may have to pay a penalty.
Lodge online
If you're lodging your own tax return this year, we have two free options for lodging online - myTax and e-tax.
Paper tax return
You can use the paper Tax return for individuals and the Individual tax return instructions to lodge your tax return by mail. Most refunds are issued within 50 business days of lodgment.
Getting a tax agent or helper
You can get help preparing and lodging your tax return by using a registered tax agent or asking a family member or friend to help you. If you have a low income and straightforward tax affairs you may be eligible to use our Tax Help program.
Things you'll need
To complete your tax return, you'll need the financial documents you have received or records you have kept during the year, and your tax file number. If you're using e-tax or myTax you can download the information that is available using our pre-filling service.
When to lodge your tax return
If you prepare your own return, you have until 31 October to lodge. If you use a registered tax agent, you can usually lodge later than this, but you need to register with them as a client before 31 October to qualify.
Refunds, assessments and amendments
We will process your tax return and issue you a notice of assessment, which shows the details of your tax refund or bill. You should check your notice of assessment and tell us if it's not correct. If you think you made a mistake on your return, you can lodge an amended return.
Not everyone needs to lodge a tax return, but if you do, you need to lodge it on time to avoid penalties. You can lodge your tax return online, by mail or through a registered tax agent.
