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

    If you need help with English, you can phone the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50.

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

    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 – Call 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.

    Watch:

     

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

    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 for you. 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.

     

    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: 11 Dec 2017QC 45962