ato

 
Show download pdf controls
Show print controls

  • Lodging your first tax return

    If you had tax taken from any income you received during the financial year, you need to lodge a tax return unless you fall within certain exceptions.

    If you’re unsure whether you need to lodge, use our Do I need to lodge a tax return tool below to find out.

    If this is your first year lodging a tax return, follow these tips to make tax time simple.

    Next step:

    How to lodge your tax return

    You can choose to prepare and lodge your own return or use a registered tax agent.

    Lodge online with myTax

    The easiest and fastest way to lodge your tax return is online using myTax.

    To lodge online you'll need a myGov account linked to the ATO.

    As a first time lodger, there are a few steps you need to follow:

    Step 1 – Have your tax file number (TFN) handy.

    Step 2 – Create a myGov account.

    Step 3 – Phone us on 13 28 61 and enter your TFN and date of birth when requested. Select 1 at the prompt to get your unique linking code to verify your account from an operator. Each unique code will expire after 24 hours.

    Step 4 – Sign in to myGov, go to the Services page and link to the ATO. Select I have a linking code and follow the instructions as prompted.

    Watch the video below on how to create a myGov account and link to the ATO.

    Step 5 – You’re now ready to use ATO online services and start your tax return using myTax.

    Watch:

    This video shows how to create a myGov account and link to the ATO.

    Media: [How to create a myGov account and link to the ATO]
    http://tv.ato.gov.au/ato-tv/media?v=bd1bdiubfo8e4mExternal Link (Duration: 03:56)

    Create a myGov account now

    Already have a myGov account but forgotten your username and/or password?

    Next step:

    Use a registered tax agent

    You can use a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge your tax return. Registered tax agents are the only people allowed to charge a fee to prepare and lodge your tax return.

    Next step:

    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 in August or September, most of your information will already be pre-filled in your tax return. You'll be less likely to leave something out.

    Watch:

    This video shows the best time to lodge with myTax

    Media: [The best time to lodge with myTax]
    http://tv.ato.gov.au/ato-tv/media?v=bd1bdiubos3wn7External Link (Duration: 00:30)

    Help services

    We offer a free service called Tax Help that can help you prepare and lodge your tax return.

    Next step:

    See also:

    Last modified: 29 Jun 2018QC 45962