Lodging your tax return in Australia is important to ideally do on time every year. If it is not lodged or it is lodged late their can be penalties that can impact your financial circumstances and well-being. In this article we are outlining important steps to help you get your tax return done. We are also including affordable and free options; plus options if your tax is simple or complex. We hope you find these details helpful, especially if you are on a low income or if you have run into difficulty getting your taxes done in a timely manner.
Financial Counsellors are regularly asked about tax returns and what options are available. Financial Counsellors do not do tax returns. However, having your taxes done is an important financial obligation that anyone receiving an income needs to understand and complete when required.
The Australian Financial year runs from 1 July – 30 June every year. Every Australian who earns income must lodge a tax return annually after the 1 July unless exempt. If you’re not sure whether you need to lodge a tax return, make sure to check out the ATO’s website for guidelines on lodgement here.
To get organised for lodging your taxes in Australia, here’s what you need to know:
1. Key Dates & Deadlines
- 31 October 2025 – Standard deadline for everyone lodging yourself via myTax or paper.
- 15 May 2026 – If you use a registered tax agent, you have until this date—but only if you’ve engaged them before 31 October 2025 and lodged on time last year.
👉 See the ATO’s official deadlines here: ATO tax-time key dates.
2. Lodge Yourself via myTax (Free & Easy)
The easiest way to lodge your return is through myTax. The key benefits of doing this are:
- It pre-fills information already supplied from places like from your employers, banks and Centrelink.
- You can claim work-related expenses, donations, and more.
- It is absolutely free for everyone.
📌 To complete this self lodgement, you will need:
- A myGov account that you have linked to ATO.
- Your Tax File Number (TFN).
- Any relevant records like PAYG summaries, bank interests, receipts.
If you are not sure what work related expenses you can claim, make sure you check out the ATO’s tips on deductions you can claim.
3. Free Help – ATO Tax Help & Tax Clinics
A) Tax Help Program
- A tax help program is offered each year during July – October 2025.
- It is important to note it has defined criteria for assistance. This includes being for individuals with simple tax affairs earning less than $70,000 or less per year.
- Appointments are scheduled via ATO. You will need to call: 13 28 61, option 3 → 2.
- Volunteers will:
- Lodge your return using myTax,
- Help set up myGov,
- Advise if you don’t need to lodge.
- Lodge your return using myTax,
B) National Tax Clinics
- National Tax Clinics also run July – October 2025.
- National Tax Clinics are for individuals and small businesses with complex financial situations who can’t afford an accountant.
- Government-funded, available online, by phone, or face‑to‑face.
- Locate your nearest clinic via the ATO: Find a Tax Clinic.
Both the Tax Help program and the National Tax Clinic options are completely FREE.
4. If You Can Afford It – Registered Tax Agents
Using a tax agent can be helpful if your affairs are complex (e.g. investments, rental income, small business). Important considerations when using a Registered Tax Agent are:
- Cost: Fees can range from $100 to $500 or more depending on complexity of your taxes and the fees the Registered Tax Agent charges.
- Tax Advantages: Agents may know of or highlight deductions you might miss.
- Lodge by Agent Deadline: You have until 15 May 2026 only if engaged pre‑31 Oct 2025.
Check for a registered tax agent via the ATO: Find a registered tax professional.
5. How to Prepare
✅ Summary: Tax-Time Checklist
- Link or set up your myGov–ATO account
- Collect all income and expense records
- including but not limited to your income statements, payslips, receipts for work related expenses. If you’re not sure what you can claim, check out the ATO’s tips on what are eligible deductions.
- including but not limited to your income statements, payslips, receipts for work related expenses. If you’re not sure what you can claim, check out the ATO’s tips on what are eligible deductions.
- Decide how to lodge:
- myTax: Free & easy for straight-forward tax returns
- Tax Help / Clinics: Free support for simple or complex situations
- Tax Agent: Paid, best for complex affairs
- myTax: Free & easy for straight-forward tax returns
- Lodge by 31 Oct 2025 (if using myTax/clinic) or if through a tax agent, ensure engagement with a tax agent before 31 Oct 2025. Find a registered tax agent via the ATO website.
- Receive Assessment, pay or plan repayment. Check out the ATO’s suggestions on creating a payment plan with the ATO.
- Keep records for 5 years. If you want to understand more about what records you need to keep of your tax return, visit the ATO.
6. After You Lodge
- You’ll get a Notice of Assessment via myGov or by mail.
- Keep records for 5 years in case of an audit.
- If you owe money, ATO offers flexible payment plans. Learn more about the ATO payment plan options here.
7. Need More Help?
Filing your tax return doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With free services, affordable support, or self-service through myTax, there are affordable options to assist no matter what your circumstances are.
If you are finding yourself stressed or worried about your tax bill or your finances, book in with a Financial Counsellor so you can gain free, independent and confidential support and guidance plus any relevant referrals to support you. Simply call 1800 007 007 or visit https://ndh.org.au to book your free consultation.
- Call the National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 (Mon–Fri, 9 – 5 AEST) or visit https://ndh.org.au
