Lodge a paper tax return
You can use the paper Tax return for individuals and the Individual tax return instructions to lodge your paper tax return by mail. Most refunds are issued within 50 business days of lodgment.
To get your refund faster – generally within 2 weeks – why not join over 3 million Australians and lodge your tax return online with myTax this year?
Benefits of lodging with myTax
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Paper
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myTax
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I can do it myself
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Fastest way to get my refund
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Environmentally friendly
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Pre-fills available information
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Helpful messages to guide me
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Easy to amend a mistake
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Lodge now with myTaxMyTax is accessed through myGov. If you don’t have a myGov account, you'll be asked to set one up first.
On this page:
How to lodge a paper tax return
To lodge a paper tax return you will need:
Alternatively, you can order a pack that includes the instructions and two copies of the tax return form either:
You will also need to lodge the Tax return for individuals (supplementary section) if you have:
- distributions from a partnership or trust
- capital gains
- foreign source income
- rental income.
The Individual tax return instructions (supplement) is only available online. You can order the supplementary section return form at the same time as you order your tax return form.
You will also need to lodge the Business and professional items schedule for individuals if you have:
- personal services income
- a net income or loss from a business
- deferred non-commercial business losses.
The Business and professional items instructions are only available online.
Contact us to request a copy of the Business and professional items schedule for individuals, along with your other tax return forms.
Where to send your tax return
Send your completed tax return to:
Australian Taxation Office
GPO Box 9845
[insert the name and postcode of your capital city]
For example;
Australian Taxation Office
GPO Box 9845
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Sending your tax return from outside Australia
If you are sending your paper tax return from overseas, change the address on the pre-addressed envelope by crossing out 'IN YOUR CAPITAL CITY' and replacing it with:
SYDNEY NSW 2001, AUSTRALIA
It will help us if you also cross out the barcode above the address.
If you are using your own envelope, mail it to:
Australian Taxation Office
GPO Box 9845
SYDNEY NSW 2001, AUSTRALIA
See also:
How to lodge online with myTax
MyTax is available for all individuals who want to do their own tax return, including sole traders. MyTax is quick, easy, safe and secure and can be accessed on most devices such as tablets, smartphones or computers.
Watch:
This video shows a quick demonstration of lodging with myTax
You can watch A quick demonstration of lodging with myTaxThis link opens in a new window in full screen on atoTV.
See also:
You can obtain paper tax return forms online or by calling us. Alternatively, you can lodge your tax return online using myTax.