myTax
The ATO's free online tool for individuals to prepare and lodge their own tax return through myGov.
myTax is the ATO's free online tax return preparation and lodgement tool, accessible through your myGov account linked to the ATO. It guides you step-by-step through your tax return with pre-filled information from employers, banks, super funds, health insurers, and government agencies. Most individuals can complete their return in under 30 minutes using myTax.
The tool is available from 1 July each year for the financial year just ended. It includes built-in help, calculators, and validation checks to reduce errors. myTax also handles common situations like multiple employers, investment income, rental properties, and work-related deductions. For more complex affairs (e.g., business income, foreign income, or CGT events), you may find a registered tax agent more suitable.
Once lodged through myTax, you typically receive your Notice of Assessment within 2 weeks, and refunds are usually paid within 10–14 business days into your nominated bank account. The ATO recommends waiting until late July or August before lodging, as this allows more time for pre-fill data from third parties to become available.