How to Do Your Own Tax Return Online in Australia?
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How to Do Your Own Tax Return Online in Australia?

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Saroj Manandhar
Published: August 07, 2025 | Last Updated: October 12, 2026 0 Comments

Quick Answer​

  • Lodge your tax return for free using myTax through your myGov account.
  • Check your income details and claim only eligible work-related deductions.
  • Keep receipts and records to support your claims.
  • Review your details carefully before submitting to avoid mistakes.
  • Most online tax returns are processed within about 12 business days, although some take longer.
  • The 2025–26 tax return deadline for most self-lodgers is 2 November 2026.
  • Consider using a registered tax agent if your tax situation involves rental properties, business income or complex deductions.

Doing your own tax return for the first time can feel confusing. You might be unsure what to include, which expenses you can claim or how to get started. Fortunately, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides myTax, a free online service that lets eligible individuals lodge their tax returns through myGov.

Before you begin, gather your income details and any records you need for your deductions. The ATO may already have some information ready, but you still need to check it and report anything that’s missing.

This guide explains how to do your own tax return online in Australia, from signing in to myGov to checking your refund. It also covers common deductions, important deadlines and situations where a registered tax agent may be able to help.

Why Should You Lodge Your Own Tax Return Online in Australia?

Lodging your own tax return online helps you save money by avoiding accountant fees, gives you full control over your finances, enables faster processing and refunds, and allows you to file from anywhere with internet access. Some reasons include:

  1. You avoid paying fees to accountants or tax agents.
  2. You have full control and understanding of your income, expenses, and deductions.
  3. The Australian Taxation Office typically processes online returns within two weeks, speeding up refunds.
  4. You can lodge your tax return from anywhere in Australia as long as you have internet access.
Tax Return Form

What You Need to Lodge a Tax Return Online?

Before starting your myGov tax return, make sure you have:

  1. Your Tax File Number (TFN).
  2. Access to your myGov account linked with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
  3. Your income statement or PAYG summary (usually provided by your employer through Single Touch Payroll).
  4. Details of any additional income, such as freelance work, investments, or other earnings.
  5. Records of any deductible expenses you plan to claim.
  6. Your bank account details for receiving any tax refund.

Take help for tax return services from the experts and professional tax agent.

Step-by-Step: How Do You Do Your Tax Return Using MyGov?

step-by-step-process-to-do-your-own-tax-return

If you want to lodge your own tax return, you can complete the process through myTax. You don’t need to fill in every detail from scratch, but you do need to make sure the information is correct.

Step 1: Sign in to myGov

Go to myGov and sign in to your account. Open your linked Australian Taxation Office service. If you haven’t linked the ATO to your account, follow the official instructions to set it up.

Once you’re in the ATO service, open myTax and select the tax return you need to complete.

Step 2: Check your income

The ATO may already have information about your salary, wages, tax withheld and other income. This information is collected from employers, banks and other organisations.

Check the figures before moving on. If you’re an employee, it’s generally best to wait until your income statement is marked “Tax ready”. You must also include any other income you’re required to report that isn’t already shown in your return.

This might include income from freelance work, investments or rental properties, depending on your circumstances.

Step 3: Review your tax deductions

Think about the expenses you paid during the financial year that may qualify for a deduction. These could include certain work-related phone costs, equipment, professional fees or working-from-home expenses.

You can’t claim every expense simply because you use it for work. The ATO has specific rules about what qualifies, so check the requirements before including a claim.

Keep your receipts and other supporting records. If an expense is used for both work and personal purposes, you can generally claim only the eligible work-related portion.

Step 4: Complete the other relevant sections

Depending on your circumstances, myTax may ask you about bank interest, investment income, government payments, private health insurance and other tax information.

Read each question carefully and provide the details that apply to you. If you have income from several sources, make sure you’ve included everything you’re required to report.

If you’re unsure how to report a particular payment or investment, check the ATO’s guidance before submitting your return.

Step 5: Review and lodge your return

Before submitting, go back through your answers. Check your income, deductions, personal details and bank account information. Make sure nothing is missing and that you’ve entered the correct amounts.

Once you’re satisfied with the information, follow the instructions in myTax to lodge your return.

Save your lodgment receipt and keep your supporting documents. You can check the progress of your return through your ATO online services accessed via myGov.

Remember that pre-filled information is there to help you, not to replace your own checks. You’re responsible for making sure your tax return is complete and accurate.

Tax Deductions You Can Claim

If you’re eligible, don’t forget to claim deductions like:

  • Internet and phone (if used for work)
  • Professional development or certifications
  • Tools and equipment
  • Working-from-home expenses
  • Work-related travel (public transport, fuel)

These apply to individuals filing tax returns in any part of Australia—from Melbourne freelancers to Brisbane office workers.

Always keep receipts and documentation for at least 5 years.

How Long Does a Tax Refund Take?

After lodging your tax return, you’ll probably want to know when your refund will arrive.

The ATO says most electronically lodged tax returns are processed within about 12 business days. Some returns take longer if additional checks or information are needed.

You can check the progress of your return through myGov or the ATO app. Make sure your bank account details are correct so the ATO can pay your refund to the right account.

Once your notice of assessment is available, check whether you’re entitled to a refund or need to pay additional tax. If a refund is due, allow extra time for the payment to reach your bank account.

If your return is taking longer than expected, check its status for updates or requests for information. Avoid lodging another return while the original one is still being processed.

Can You Do Your Own Tax Return Without an Accountant?

Yes. Many Australians lodge their own tax returns through myTax without using an accountant.

If you earn a salary, have straightforward income and only a few deductions, completing your own return may be manageable. The ATO provides online instructions to help you understand the process.

Things can become more complicated if you have rental properties, business income, investments, capital gains or income from overseas. You may need to understand additional rules and keep more detailed records.

If you’re unsure what to report or which deductions you can claim, a registered tax agent may be able to help. Professional assistance can be useful when your tax situation is more complicated or you don’t feel confident preparing the return yourself.

You don’t need an accountant simply because you’re lodging a tax return. It depends on your circumstances and how comfortable you are handling your tax obligations.

Recommended Read: Difference Between Accountant and Tax Agent

What Is the Deadline for Lodging Your Tax Return in Australia?

The usual deadline for individuals lodging their own tax returns is 31 October following the end of the financial year.

For the 2025–26 tax return, 31 October 2026 falls on a Saturday. Under the ATO’s next-business-day rule, the deadline for most self-lodgers moves to Monday, 2 November 2026.

If you use a registered tax agent, you may qualify for a different lodgment schedule. This depends on the agent’s arrangements with the ATO and your circumstances. You generally need to engage an eligible agent by the relevant deadline to access their lodgment program.

If you think you’ll miss your deadline, contact the ATO or a registered tax agent as soon as possible. They can explain which requirements apply to you and what steps you should take.

It’s worth preparing your documents early rather than waiting until the last few days. This gives you time to find missing information and resolve questions before submitting your return.

What to Check Before Submitting Your Tax Return

Before you lodge your tax return, take a few minutes to review your answers. It’s easier to correct a mistake before submission than to discover it later.

Make sure you’ve:

  • Included all the income you’re required to report, not just the information pre-filled by the ATO.
  • Checked your personal details and bank account information.
  • Confirmed that your deductions meet the ATO’s requirements.
  • Kept the receipts and records needed to support your claims.
  • Completed the sections that apply to your income and circumstances.
  • Corrected any missing information or incorrect amounts.
  • Saved your lodgment receipt and supporting records.

If you’re unsure about a deduction or how to report a payment, check the ATO’s guidance before submitting your return.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Lodging Your Own Tax Return

Most mistakes happen when people overlook a detail or assume the ATO already has all their information.

Here are a few things to watch out for:

  • Leaving out income: Check whether you have income from other jobs, freelance work, investments or rental properties that needs to be reported.
  • Claiming private expenses: An expense doesn’t become deductible just because you sometimes use it for work.
  • Guessing your deductions: Work out the eligible amount and keep records to support your claim.
  • Lodging before your income is ready: If you’re an employee, generally wait until your income statement is marked “Tax ready”.
  • Entering incorrect bank details: Check your account information before submitting if you’re expecting a refund.
  • Missing the deadline: Check the applicable lodgment date and prepare your documents early.

Taking a little extra time to review your return can help you avoid problems and reduce the chance of needing to correct it later.

What Happens If You Make a Mistake on Your Tax Return?

Finding an error after lodging your tax return can be worrying, but there are ways to correct it.

If you discover that you’ve left out income, claimed an incorrect deduction or entered the wrong information, check the ATO’s instructions for amending your return. You can access your tax details through your myGov account and follow the available amendment process.

Individuals generally have two years from the date of their notice of assessment to request an amendment, although different rules can apply in some circumstances.

Don’t submit another tax return to replace the original one. Check the ATO’s amendment process and follow the instructions for correcting your information.

If you’re unsure how to fix the error, a registered tax agent may be able to help.

10 Tips for First-Time Own Tax Returns Filers

  1.  Take your time and carefully read the ATO’s explanations while completing the forms.
  2. Use the myDeductions app throughout the year to keep track of your work-related expenses.
  3. Lodge your tax return early but only after your employer has marked your income statement as “Tax Ready.”
  4. The ATO’s online system works the same nationwide, so whether you live in Adelaide, Hobart, or elsewhere in Australia, you can follow these steps.
  5. Keep all your receipts and documentation for at least five years in case the ATO requests proof.
  6. Make sure to double-check your bank details so any refund goes straight to the right account.
  7. Remember to include all your income sources, like freelance gigs, investments, or government payments.
  8. If you’re ever unsure about something on your return, don’t hesitate to use the ATO’s online help tools or reach out to their support team.
  9. Setting reminders for important tax deadlines can really help you avoid missing anything.
  10. And if anything changes during the year, like starting a new job or moving house; be sure to update your details in myGov.

Pros and Cons of Doing Your Own Tax Return

pros-and-cons-of-own-tax-return-online

Doing your own tax return online can be a good idea, but it’s worth thinking about the ups and downs before you jump in.

The good stuff:

  • You save money because you don’t have to pay an accountant.
  • You get a better handle on your own money and what you can claim back.
  • It’s super convenient, you can do it anytime, wherever you are, as long as you have internet.
  • Usually, you’ll get your refund faster than if you go through other methods.

The tricky bits:

  • If your taxes are a bit complicated, it’s easy to make mistakes that could cause trouble later.
  • It can take a while to gather all your paperwork and figure out what you need to do.
  • You might miss some tax deductions if you’re not sure what to look for.
  • Tax stuff can get stressful, especially if you’ve got different income sources or if you’re not used to the process.

Recommended Read: Australian Tax Law

When to Contact an Expert Tax Accountant?

If you have a complex tax situation, such as being self-employed, owning a business, managing investments, or dealing with rental properties, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. Expert tax accountants can maximize your deductions, ensure compliance, and save you from costly mistakes.

For trusted, experienced assistance, choose ISM Accountants & Advisors. Our professional team provides personalised tax solutions tailored to your needs, making tax time simple, accurate, and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Filing your own tax return online in Australia is easier than ever, thanks to the helpful tools offered by the ATO. With the right guidance, you can save money, stay in control, and complete your return from the comfort of your home—no matter where you live.

Pressed for time or just want peace of mind that everything’s done correctly? ISM Accountants & Advisors has your back. From straightforward tax returns to more detailed cases, we make the process simple, stress-free, and accurate.

Reach out to ISM Accountants & Advisors today and lodge your tax return with confidence.

FAQs

Yes, myGov and the ATO use secure portals that protect your personal and financial information.

The deadline for individuals lodging their own tax return is October 31 for the financial year ending June 30.

You can easily amend your tax return through your myGov account after submission.

Yes, you can lodge from July 1, but you should wait until your income statement is marked “Tax Ready” by your employer.

It’s completely free to lodge your tax return online using ATO myTax through your myGov account.

Yes, as long as you have internet access and a linked myGov account, you can lodge your return from anywhere in Australia.

Yes. Eligible individuals can use the ATO’s myTax service through myGov to lodge their own tax return for free. If you choose to use an accountant or registered tax agent, their services may involve a fee.

The Australian financial year ends on 30 June. You can generally start preparing your return from 1 July, but it’s best to wait until your income information is ready. If you’re an employee, check that your income statement is marked “Tax ready” before lodging.

For most individuals lodging their own return, the deadline is Monday, 2 November 2026, because 31 October falls on a Saturday. Check the ATO’s current guidance if you have special circumstances or use a registered tax agent.

Sign in to myGov and open your ATO online services, or use the ATO app. You can check the progress of your return and view your notice of assessment when it becomes available.

You may be able to claim eligible additional running expenses if you meet the ATO’s requirements. For the 2025–26 income year, the fixed-rate method is 70 cents per eligible hour worked from home. You must keep the required records and cannot claim the same expenses twice.

Yes. If you find a mistake after lodging, you can generally request an amendment through the ATO’s available process. The time limit and procedure depend on your circumstances, so check the official guidance before making changes.

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