Lodge your first tax return

Find out what you need to do if you are preparing and lodging a tax return for the first time.

On this page

• How to lodge your tax return
• Tax return due date

How to lodge your tax return

Before you lodge a tax return, work out if you need to lodge a tax return. You should also check what's new for individuals for updates and changes this income year.

If you don't need to lodge, you still need to lodge a non-lodgment advice. Most individuals who earn income and had tax withheld from that income need to lodge a tax return.

If you need to lodge you can choose how you prepare and lodge your tax return. You can choose to:

• Lodge your tax return online with myTax
  Prepare and lodge your own tax return online. It is the quick, safe and secure way to lodge, most process in 2 weeks.
• Lodge your tax return with a registered tax agent
  Use a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge your tax return, they are the only people that can charge a fee.
• Lodge a paper tax return
  You can use the paper tax return to lodge your tax return by mail, most refunds issue within 50 business days

If you need help to prepare and lodge your tax return, you may be eligible for our free Tax Help program. This is a service to help eligible individuals with simple tax affairs.

Tax return due date

If you are preparing and lodging your own tax return, you have from 1 July to 31 October to lodge. If you lodge online we will pre-fill most of your information in your tax return for you. You'll be less likely to leave something out.