Which tool should I use?
To work out if you need to lodge a tax return, you can choose to use either"
Our website tool, which anyone can access
The ATO online services tool, which requires
- you to have a myGov account
- your myGov account to be linked to the ATO.
Both take 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
The benefits of using the ATO online services tool are:
- there are less questions you need to answer as it uses information we know about you from third parties, including employers and other government agencies
- the result is tailored to you.
For more detailed information see Do you need to lodge a tax return? 2026.
Website tool
Use this tool to work out if you need to lodge a return for an income year from 2012-13 to 2025-26.
If the result shows you don't need to lodge, you need to submit a non-lodgment advice. A link to the non-lodgment advice is available from the results page.
Go to the website toolATO online services tool
You can access the ATO online services tool for income years from 2018-19 to 2025-26.
If the result shows you:
- need to lodge a tax return, you can go straight to myTax to complete your return online
- don't need to lodge, you need to submit a non-lodgment advice. A link to the non-lodgment advice is available from the results page.
Alternatively, to navigate to the tool:
- sign in to your myGov account
- under Linked services select Australian Taxation Office
- select Tax, then Lodgments, then Income tax
- from the Not lodged tab, select the relevant income year
- then select Do I need to lodge for the relevant income year.
Australian Government payments and allowances
If you don't need to lodge a tax return, you still need to notify both us and Services Australia if you either:
- are a liable parent or a parent entitled to child support under a child support assessment
- receive family assistance payments (such as Family Tax Benefit or Child Care Subsidy).
When you notify Services Australia that you don't need to lodge a tax return, they will ask for your income for the financial year. If you don't provide the details, you may not receive your full entitlement.
Instructions for earlier income years
To work out if you need to lodge a tax return for income years from 2007–08 to 2011–12, use the following links:
- 2012 – Do you need to lodge a tax return?
- 2011 – Do you need to lodge a tax return?
- 2010 – Do you need to lodge a tax return?
- 2009 – Do you need to lodge a tax return?
- 2008 – Do you need to lodge a tax return?
For income years before 2007–08, go to our prior years individuals tax return forms and schedules and select the relevant year.
If you work out you don't need to lodge, you need to submit a non-lodgment advice.