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 choose to how to prepare and lodge your tax return. You can choose to:
If you choose to lodge your tax return online, you will need a myGov account linked to the ATO.
Lodging online with myTax
If you want to prepare and lodge your tax return online with myTax, you first need to setup a myGov account and link it to ATO online services.
If you don’t have a myGov account, use this information to get started.
If you already have a myGov account, you can log in and prepare your return.
If you don’t have a myGov account
To lodge online with myTax, you will need to:
- Create a myGov account
- Link your myGov account to the ATO.
myGov is a fast, simple way to access government services online. A secure myGov account lets you link to a range of Australian Government services with one username and password, all in one place.
As a first-time lodger you will usually need to contact us for assistance to link your myGov account to the ATO. Follow the steps below.
Next steps:
If you already have a myGov account
If you already have a myGov account linked to the ATO, log in and:
Start your tax return with myTaxSee also:
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
You can watch The best time to lodge with myTaxExternal Link in full screen on atoTV
See also:
Help services
We offer a free service called Tax Help that can help you prepare and lodge your tax return.
Next step:
Find out about:
If you’re lodging your tax return for the first time, before you can lodge online through myTax you’ll need to set up a myGov account and link to the ATO.