How to do your end of year tax return

Jun 28, 2021

How to do your end of year tax return

Information sourced by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - www.ato.gov.au

Your tax return covers the income year from 1 July to 30 June. If you need to complete a tax return you must lodge it or engage with a tax agent, by 31 October.

When you lodge a tax return you include how much money you earn (income) and any expenses you can claim as a deduction.

You can lodge this from in three ways: 

  1. Online using myTax
  2. Through a registered tax agent 
  3. Paper tax return 

Lodging your tax return online with myTax 
Lodging online with myTax is the quick, easy, safe and secure way for you to prepare and lodge your own tax return. 

Returns are issued within 14 days once your form is completed. 

See Lodge your tax return online with myTax | Australian Taxation Office for information on:

  • Benefits of lodging with myTax
  • What you can do with myTax
  • Access to myTax
  • How-to videos 

Lodge with 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 that can charge a fee to prepare and lodge your tax return.

See Lodge your tax return with a registered tax agent for information on:

  • Choosing a tax agent 
  • Due dates for lodging tax returns
  • Lodging prior year tax returns

Lodge a paper tax return 
You can use the paper tax return to lodge your paper tax return by mail. Most refunds are issued within 50 business days of lodgment. 

See Lodge a paper tax return | Australian Taxation Office for information on how to lodge a paper tax return. 

Lodging your first tax return 
If this is the first year you need to lodge a tax return, use this information to learn about the lodgment options, due dates and help that is available to you.

Most individuals who earn any income and had tax withheld during the income year, need to lodge a tax return.

If you’re unsure if you need to lodge a tax return, see Work out if you need to lodge a tax-return to find out.

See Lodging your first tax return | Australian Taxation Office for information on:

  • How to lodge your tax return
  • Tax return due date
  • Help services 


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