About this training
This training teaches you how to prepare and lodge a tax return using myTax. It's important to complete this training so you have the knowledge and tools to help people using Tax Help meet their tax obligations.
The training will introduce you to:
- the scope of the Tax Help program
- tax topics.
If you need assistance, or would like to report an issue during training, contact Tax Help.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this training, you'll be able to:
- understand the role and responsibilities of a Tax Help volunteer
- identify topics you can and can't help with as a Tax Help volunteer
- source information on the ATO website to answer tax related queries
- prepare a myTax return for an individual
- prepare a myTax amendment, non-lodgment advice, and refund of franking credits.
Planning your training
This training package is comprehensive, and the time needed to complete it will vary from person to person.
To help you avoid feeling overwhelmed, consider completing the training package in segments over several days. Ensure that you schedule breaks as needed.
Take your time while you go through the training to ensure you have a good understanding of each topic.
Getting the most from your training
Follow the links in the training package to find more information on each topic and access the tools used to complete a return.
Answers to most questions people using Tax Help may ask can be found on our website. We recommend practising how to navigate through the ATO website so you become familiar with where to find specific information.
Assessment
Before becoming an accredited volunteer, you must complete the assessments.
We recommend using this training package to help you complete the assessments. The assessments will be provided to you separately. Once completed, forward them to the Tax Help team via email.
Tax Help will advise if you of the outcome of your assessments. They will also provide feedback and support if you have difficulty meeting the assessment requirements. If you need help completing the assessments, contact Tax Help.
Accreditation
Successful completion of each assessment counts towards your accreditation. You'll be accredited as a Tax Help volunteer once you have met the following requirements:
- agreeing to and signing the Conditions of Participation
- passing a police and security check (new volunteers only)
- successful completion of the assessments
- optional attendance at myTax Webex training sessions.
Online services
People can access a range of tax and super services using our online services, including lodging their tax return and activity statements, and keeping track of their super.
myTax
myTax is our free online tax return.
To use myTax, a person needs to register with myGov and link to the ATO.
ATO app
The ATO app makes it easier to conduct tax and super affairs from a tablet or smart phone. They can:
- log in to access ATO online services, including myTax
- enrol and use a voiceprint for fast, easy and secure access to ATO online services
- search for lost super
- access several other tools and calculators, including the myDeductions tool.
myDeductions tool
The myDeductions tool allows people to:
- capture and categorise work-related expenses, gifts and donations or the cost of managing their tax affairs
- store photos of receipts
- record car trips
- upload deductions directly to their myTax return.
Online security and scams
People may ask you if a phone call, email or letter they've received from us is genuine. To help people stay safe online, let them know we won't:
- ask for their tax file number (TFN) or bank details through email or SMS
- ask for their personal information through social media
- send emails from unsolicited email addresses
- share personal information without consent, unless the law allows it
- communicate on behalf of another government agency.
You can check our current campaigns at Current ATO SMS and email activities.
Spotting scams
Scammers use a range of methods to trick people into disclosing personal details or making payments. Being aware of these methods reduces the risk of being caught by the scam.
To learn about scams and how to report a scam refer to Verify or report a scam.
You can also check Scam alerts for known scams, which are updated throughout the year. Check regularly throughout tax time for new scams.
If you suspect it is an ATO related scam, you can phone 1800 008 540 to report it. This includes situations where:
- you're unsure whether a message claiming to be from us is legitimate
- you've received fraudulent communication claiming to be from, or on behalf of us
- you think you may have been affected by a tax-related scam.
Return to: Tax Help program training.