Tax Return
An annual form lodged with the ATO reporting your income, deductions, and tax payable or refundable for the financial year.
A tax return is a formal declaration you lodge with the ATO each financial year (1 July to 30 June), reporting all assessable income you earned, deductions you're entitled to claim, and any tax offsets that apply. The ATO uses this information to calculate whether you owe additional tax or are entitled to a refund. Most individuals must lodge by 31 October if self-lodging, or by the extended deadline (usually 15 May the following year) if using a registered tax agent.
You can lodge your tax return through myTax (free, via myGov), a registered tax agent, or approved tax return software. The ATO pre-fills much of the return with data from employers, banks, health funds, and government agencies — but you should always check the pre-filled data for accuracy and add any items that are missing.
Most Australian residents who earned above the tax-free threshold ($18,200) must lodge a return. Even if you earned less, you may want to lodge to claim a refund of tax withheld by your employer or to report other income. Non-lodgement can result in penalties and interest charges.