How to Lodge Your First Tax Return in Australia Online: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Starting your first job in Australia is exciting. You’re earning your own money, building independence, and taking control of your future. But then July rolls around, and suddenly everyone’s talking about “tax returns,” “myGov,” and “lodging with the ATO.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

Here’s the truth: lodging your first tax return in Australia is actually much easier than you think. In fact, for most first-time filers, it takes just 30-45 minutes and won’t cost you a cent. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has made the process surprisingly straightforward with their free online system called myTax, which does most of the heavy lifting for you.

Think of your tax return as a simple reconciliation: your employer has been taking tax out of your pay all year (that’s called PAYG withholding), and now you’re just checking if they took the right amount. If they took too much (which is common for first-timers), you’ll get money back. If they didn’t take enough, you’ll need to pay the difference. Simple as that.

The best part? Once you set everything up this first time, future tax returns become even quicker. You’ll already have your myGov account, you’ll know exactly what documents you need, and you’ll understand which deductions you can claim.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every single step of lodging your first tax return online. No jargon, no confusion. Just clear, practical instructions that anyone can follow. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to maximize your refund.

Let’s get started.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

Don’t have time to read the full guide? Here’s what you need to know:

Deadline: 31 October 2025 (for 2024-25 financial year)
Where to lodge: Free online via myTax at my.gov.au
What you need: TFN, myGov account, income statement, bank details
Time required: 30-45 minutes
Cost: $0 (completely free if you do it yourself)
Processing time: Usually 2 weeks for online returns
Typical refund: Most first-timers get money back due to PAYG overpayments

Quick steps:

Get your Tax File Number (TFN)
Create myGov account and link to ATO
Wait until late July for income data to be ready
Log into myTax and follow the prompts
Review pre-filled information
Add deductions (if any)
Lodge and wait for refund

Keep reading for detailed step-by-step instructions and tips.

What You Need Before Lodging Your First Tax Return

Before you dive into myTax, let’s make sure you have everything ready. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist. Getting organized now will save you time and frustration later.

1. Do You Actually Need to Lodge a Tax Return?

Not everyone needs to lodge a tax return, so let’s start with the basics: do you?

You must lodge a tax return if:

You earned more than $18,200 during the financial year (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025)
You earned any amount and had tax withheld from your pay
You want to claim a tax refund (even if you earned under $18,200)
You’re a non-resident for tax purposes and earned any Australian income
You had more than $1 of tax withheld from income like interest or dividends
Your employer reported your income to the ATO through Single Touch Payroll

Here’s the key insight: If your employer took tax out of your pay (check your payslips), you should lodge a return even if you earned under $18,200. This is how you get that money back!

What if you don’t need to lodge?

If you genuinely don’t need to lodge (for example, you earned no income or only received tax-exempt government benefits), you should submit a non-lodgment advice to the ATO. This tells them you don’t need to file, preventing them from sending you reminder letters.

The bottom line: When in doubt, lodge. It only takes 30 minutes, it’s free, and you might get money back. If you’re worried about what happens if you don’t lodge, we’ve got a detailed guide on that too.

2. Get Your Tax File Number (TFN)

Your Tax File Number is your unique identifier in the Australian tax system. Think of it like your tax identity card. You absolutely need one to lodge your return.

What is a TFN?

A TFN is a 9-digit number (like 123 456 789) that the ATO issues to you once in your lifetime. It never changes, even if you move, change jobs, or get married.

Why you need it:

To be taxed at the correct rate (not the highest rate of 47%)
To lodge your tax return
To avoid your employer withholding maximum tax
To open a bank account without extra tax on interest
To receive government benefits

Don’t have a TFN yet? Here’s how to get one:

For Australian citizens and permanent residents:

The fastest way is online using myGov with Digital ID (myID):

Download the myID app from Apple Store or Google Play
Create a Strong Digital ID using your Australian passport and driver’s license
Apply through the ATO website
Receive your TFN instantly (in most cases)

Alternative methods:

Australia Post: Complete online form, then visit an Australia Post outlet within 30 days with ID documents (takes up to 28 days)
Paper application: Download form NAT 1432, complete, and mail with certified ID copies (takes up to 28 days)

For international students and temporary visa holders:

Apply online at the ATO’s foreign passport holder page
Provide your passport and visa details
Enter your Australian address
Receive TFN by mail (usually within 28 days)

Important: Your TFN application is completely free. Never pay anyone to apply for a TFN. That’s a scam.

Already have a TFN but lost it? We’ve written a complete guide on what a TFN is and how to apply, including how to find it if you’ve misplaced it.

3. Gather Your Required Documents

Having everything ready before you start makes the process much smoother. Here’s your comprehensive checklist:

Essential Documents (Must Have):

✅ Your Tax File Number (TFN)

✅ Bank account details for your refund:

BSB (6 digits)
Account number
Account name (must match your name)

✅ Income statement (available from mid-July):

Automatically available in myGov if your employer uses Single Touch Payroll
Shows your income and tax withheld for the year
Wait until it’s marked “Tax Ready” before lodging

Additional Documents (If Applicable):

✅ Receipts for work-related expenses:

Uniforms and protective clothing
Tools and equipment
Union fees
Home office costs
Vehicle logbook (if claiming car expenses)

✅ Investment income statements:

Bank interest statements
Dividend statements from shares
Rental property income and expenses

✅ Private health insurance statement:

Annual statement showing premiums paid
Policy number
Available from your health fund in July

✅ HECS/HELP debt information:

Only if you have student loans
Pre-fills automatically in myTax

✅ Superannuation contributions:

Usually pre-filled
Check your super fund statements

✅ Charity donation receipts:

Must be to registered charities
Need receipts for claims over $2

Pro Tip: The ATO requires you to keep all receipts and records for 5 years from the date you lodge your return. Use the free ATO app’s myDeductions tool throughout the year to snap photos of receipts and track expenses. This makes next tax time so much easier.

Want to get organized? Our guide on keeping simple records for tax time breaks it down for students and casual workers.

4. Understand Key Tax Dates for 2025

Timing matters when it comes to tax returns. Here are the dates you need to know:

Date	What Happens
30 June 2025	End of financial year (2024-25)
1 July 2025	Tax season opens – you can start lodging
14 July 2025	Employers must finalize all income statements
Late July 2025	Most pre-fill data becomes available (wait for this!)
31 October 2025	Deadline if you lodge yourself via myTax
15 May 2026	Extended deadline if using a registered tax agent

Should you lodge early?

My advice: Wait until late July. Here’s why:

Banks, employers, and other institutions send data to the ATO throughout July. If you lodge on July 1st, your information will be incomplete. You’ll likely need to amend your return later, which delays your refund and creates extra work.

The sweet spot is late July to early August. By then:

All your income statements will be marked “Tax Ready”
Bank interest will be pre-filled
Government payments will show up
Private health insurance details will be available

Trust me, the extra 2-3 weeks of waiting is worth it to avoid the headache of amendments.

Creating Your myGov Account and Linking to the ATO

Now we get into the actual setup. If you already have a myGov account from university enrollment or Centrelink, you can skip ahead to the linking section. If not, let’s create one from scratch.

What is myGov?

myGov is the Australian Government’s secure online portal. It’s your single gateway to multiple government services:

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Medicare
Centrelink/Services Australia
My Health Record
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Think of it like a hub. Once you create your account, you “link” different services to it. For tax returns, you’ll link the ATO.

Cost: Free Access: Available 24/7 on computer, phone, or tablet

Step-by-Step: Create Your myGov Account

Here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Go to my.gov.au

Open your web browser and type my.gov.au into the address bar. Make sure you’re on the official government site (look for the .gov.au at the end).

Step 2: Click “Create an account”

You’ll see this button prominently on the homepage. Click it to begin.

Step 3: Enter your email address

Use an email you check regularly. This will be your primary contact for all myGov communications.

Important: Don’t use a temporary or disposable email. You’ll need ongoing access to this address.

Step 4: Create a strong password

Your password must include:

At least 8 characters
A mix of letters (upper and lower case)
Numbers
Symbols

Example of a strong password: MyTax2025!Ref

Write this down somewhere safe. You’ll need it every time you log in.

Step 5: Set up security questions

Choose 3 security questions and provide answers. These help you recover your account if you forget your password.

Pick questions with answers you’ll definitely remember in 5 years. Avoid answers that might change (like “favorite movie” which could change) and go for facts (like “city where you were born”).

Step 6: Verify your email

myGov will send a verification email to the address you provided. Open it and click the verification link. This usually happens within a few minutes.

Can’t find the email? Check your spam folder.

Step 7: Set up two-factor authentication (2FA)

This is highly recommended for security. You have two options:

Option A: SMS codes (easier)

Add your mobile number
You’ll receive a code via SMS each time you log in
Works great for most people

Option B: Authenticator app (more secure)

Download an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator)
Scan the QR code myGov shows you
Use the app-generated codes to log in

I recommend SMS codes for simplicity. The extra security is worth the 10 seconds it takes to enter a code.

Step 8: Complete your profile

Add your basic details:

Full name (exactly as it appears on official documents)
Date of birth
Mobile number
Residential address

Double-check everything. Mismatched names are a common reason people can’t link to the ATO later.

Linking myGov to the Australian Taxation Office

Now comes the crucial part: connecting your myGov account to the ATO. This is what actually lets you lodge your tax return.

Step 1: Log into myGov

Use the email and password you just created.

Step 2: Navigate to “Services”

Look for the “Services” menu at the top of the page. Click it.

Step 3: Click “Link your first service”

You’ll see a list of available government services. Find Australian Taxation Office and click the “Link” button next to it.

Step 4: Confirm you want to link

The ATO will explain what linking means and what information will be shared. Read this (it’s actually pretty short), then click “I Agree” or “Continue.”

Step 5: Verify your identity

This is where it gets slightly tricky, but don’t worry. The ATO needs to confirm you are who you say you are. They’ll ask you to answer questions based on information they already have about you.

Typical verification questions include:

Your TFN: You’ll definitely need to enter this
Bank account details: BSB and account number from an Australian bank account in your name
Previous Notice of Assessment: If you’ve lodged a tax return before (unlikely for first-timers, so you can skip this)
Medicare details: Your Medicare card number if you have one
Centrelink information: If you receive or have received government payments

For first-time filers, you’ll typically only need:

Your TFN
An Australian bank account in your name

If you don’t have these yet, you’ll need to get them before you can link. This is why we covered getting your TFN first!

Step 6: Submit and wait for confirmation

After answering the identity questions, click “Submit” or “Link Service.”

If everything matches, you’ll see a success message immediately. The ATO service will now appear in your myGov dashboard.

Congratulations! You’re now set up and ready to lodge your tax return.

Troubleshooting: Common Linking Problems

Problem 1: “We couldn’t verify your identity”

This usually means:

You entered your TFN incorrectly (check for typos)
Your bank details don’t match what the ATO has on file
Your name in myGov doesn’t exactly match your ATO records

Solution: Double-check all your details. If it still doesn’t work, call the ATO on 13 28 61 and ask for a linking code. They’ll verify your identity over the phone and give you a special code to enter instead.

Problem 2: “Your myGov mobile number must be verified”

Solution: Go back to your myGov profile settings and complete mobile number verification. You’ll receive an SMS code to confirm your number.

Problem 3: Bank account not recognized

Solution: The ATO might not have your bank details on file yet. Use the “linking code” option by calling the ATO instead.

Problem 4: Locked out after too many attempts

Solution: Wait 24 hours, then try again. Or call the ATO for help.

How to Lodge Your First Tax Return Online Using myTax

Alright, here’s the main event. You’ve got your myGov account linked to the ATO. Your income statement is marked “Tax Ready.” It’s late July or August. Time to actually lodge your return.

Total time this should take: 30-45 minutes for most first-time filers

Cost: $0 (completely free)

Let’s walk through it step by step.

Step 1: Access myTax

1. Go to my.gov.au and log in with your email and password

2. Enter your 2FA code (from SMS or authenticator app)

3. On your myGov dashboard, you’ll see all your linked services. Click on Australian Taxation Office

4. You’ll be redirected to the ATO portal

5. Look for “Tax” in the top menu and click it

6. Select “Lodgments” from the dropdown

7. Click “Income tax”

8. You should see the current year’s tax return ready to start. Click “Start my tax return” or similar button for the 2025 financial year

If you can’t find this option, make sure you’re actually on the ATO portal (not just myGov homepage) and that your account is properly linked.

Step 2: Personalise Your Return

myTax will first ask you which sections apply to you. This customizes the form so you only see relevant questions.

For most first-time filers working a regular job, select:

✅ Salary and wages ✅ Work-related deductions (if you have any) ✅ Private health insurance (if you have it)

Don’t worry if you’re not sure. You can always add or remove sections later as you go through the return.

Common sections you probably DON’T need (unless they apply):

❌ Business income ❌ Rental property income ❌ Foreign income ❌ Capital gains tax ❌ Dividends and interest (these pre-fill automatically anyway)

Click “Save and continue” once you’ve selected your relevant sections.

Step 3: Confirm Personal Details

myTax will show your personal information:

Full name
Date of birth
Address
Tax File Number
Contact details

Check everything carefully. If anything is wrong (especially your address or bank details), update it now. Wrong bank details = delayed refund sent to the wrong account. Not fun.

Update your bank details for refund:

This is critical. Make sure you enter:

Correct BSB (6 digits)
Correct account number
Account name matching your name

The refund can only go to an account in your name. No joint accounts, no friend’s accounts, no parent’s accounts.

Click “Save and continue.”

Step 4: Review Pre-Filled Income Information

Here’s where myTax starts to feel like magic. The ATO has been collecting income data about you all year through Single Touch Payroll.

You’ll see sections for:

Salary and wages:

Your employer’s name
Total income earned
Tax withheld (PAYG)
Status: “Tax Ready” (this is what you want to see)

Bank interest:

Interest earned from savings accounts
Usually small amounts for first-timers

Government payments:

Any Centrelink payments you received
These are taxable income

Your job here is simple: Check that everything looks correct.

Compare your income statement to your final payslip from June. The numbers should match (or be very close).

What if something is missing or wrong?

Wrong amount: Contact your employer first. They need to correct it in their system.
Missing employer: If you worked somewhere but they’re not showing up, contact that employer. They may not have submitted your information yet.
Extra employer you don’t recognize: This could be a mistake or even identity theft. Call the ATO immediately.

For most people, the pre-filled information is accurate. The ATO has been testing this system for years and it works pretty well.

Don’t add income manually unless you absolutely have to. If income isn’t pre-filled, there’s usually a reason (like your employer hasn’t submitted it yet).

Click “Save and continue” once you’ve verified everything.

Step 5: Declare Additional Income (If Any)

This section is where you declare income that hasn’t been automatically reported to the ATO.

Common types of additional income for first-timers:

Cash jobs: Did you do any work where you were paid cash in hand? Tutoring, babysitting, freelance work, helping with events?

Legally, you must declare this. Yes, even if it was just a few hundred dollars. The ATO has ways of finding out (through bank deposits, social media, tips from others), and penalties for not declaring income can be severe.

Where to enter: “Other income” section

Side hustles and freelance work: Income from freelancing, gig work, or side businesses needs to be declared.

If you have an ABN and work as a contractor, you’ll enter this in the business income section (not salary and wages).

Foreign income: Did you earn money from overseas? This depends on your tax residency status.

If you’re an Australian tax resident, you need to declare worldwide income. If you’re a non-resident, you only declare Australian income.

Most international students on student visas are considered residents for tax purposes if they’ve been in Australia for 6+ months.

Cryptocurrency: Sold any crypto? That can be taxable. Any profit from selling cryptocurrency is considered a capital gain.

For most first-time filers, you won’t have additional income to declare. If your only income was from a regular job that’s already showing in the pre-fill, just click “Save and continue.”

Step 6: Claim Tax Deductions

This is the section that can make a real difference to your refund. Deductions reduce your taxable income, which means you pay less tax (or get more back).

But here’s the thing: You can only claim deductions for expenses you actually paid for yourself, that were directly related to earning your income, and that you have proof of.

Let’s break down what you can and can’t claim.

What are Tax Deductions?

A tax deduction is an expense you can subtract from your income before tax is calculated.

Simple example:

You earned: $25,000
You claim $1,000 in deductions
Your taxable income becomes: $24,000
You pay tax on $24,000 instead of $25,000

The tax you save = deduction amount × your tax rate

For someone earning $25,000, the tax rate is 19%. So a $1,000 deduction saves you about $190 in tax.

The $300 Rule

This is important:

If your total work-related deductions are $300 or less, you don’t need receipts. You just need to be able to explain how you calculated your claim.

If your total work-related deductions are more than $300, you must have written evidence (receipts, invoices, bank statements) for everything.

Most first-timers don’t have more than $300 in deductions, which makes life easy.

Common Deductions for First-Time Filers

Let’s go through what you can actually claim:

Work-Related Clothing:

✅ You CAN claim:

Uniforms with company logo
Protective clothing (steel-cap boots, high-vis vests, gloves)
Occupation-specific clothing (chef’s pants, nurse’s scrubs)

❌ You CANNOT claim:

Regular clothes you wear to work
Suits and business attire
Black pants and white shirt for retail (unless they have company logo)
Gym clothes (even if your job requires you to be fit)

Example: You work at Coles and bought a uniform polo with the Coles logo for $25. That’s claimable. You also bought black pants to wear with it for $40. Those black pants are NOT claimable because they’re ordinary clothing.

Tools and Equipment:

✅ You CAN claim:

Tools you need for work that cost less than $300 each
Equipment your employer didn’t provide
Protective equipment

❌ You CANNOT claim:

Tools your employer provided
Tools that cost more than $300 (these need to be depreciated over multiple years)
Personal items you also use at home

Example: You work in a warehouse and bought a pair of steel-cap boots for $120. That’s claimable. Your laptop you use for uni and occasionally for work? Not claimable (it’s mixed use and over $300).

Union Fees and Professional Memberships:

✅ Membership fees for trade unions ✅ Professional association fees (if required for your job)

These are straightforward. If you paid union fees, you can claim them. Check your payslip – they’re often deducted automatically, and if so, they’ll show up in the pre-fill.

Home Office Expenses:

This got complicated during COVID, but here’s the current rule:

✅ You CAN claim if you worked from home and your employer didn’t have an office for you to work from

❌ You CANNOT claim if you just chose to work from home for convenience

For most students working casual retail or hospitality jobs, this doesn’t apply. You don’t work from home.

Car and Travel Expenses:

This is where people make mistakes.

✅ You CAN claim:

Travel between workplaces (if you have two jobs in one day)
Driving to different work locations (not your regular workplace)
Using your car to transport work equipment

❌ You CANNOT claim:

Travel between home and work (your regular commute)
Parking at your regular workplace
Traffic fines
Car registration and insurance (unless you use the logbook method)

Example: You work at two different cafe locations. Driving from home to the first cafe = not claimable (that’s commuting). Driving from the first cafe to the second cafe during your shift = claimable.

Phone and Internet:

✅ You CAN claim the work-related portion if you use your personal phone for work

❌ You CANNOT claim your entire phone bill

Most casual workers don’t use their personal phone enough for work to make this worth claiming. If your boss occasionally texts you about shifts, that’s maybe 5% work use. On a $40/month plan, that’s $2/month or $24/year. Probably not worth the hassle.

Self-Education Expenses:

Can you claim your uni fees or course costs?

It’s complicated. You can only claim if:

The course directly relates to your current job AND
It maintains or improves skills you need for your current job

You CANNOT claim if:

The course enables you to get a different job
The course is for personal interest
You’re studying something unrelated to your current work

Example: You work as a retail assistant and you’re studying IT at uni. Can you claim your uni fees? No. Your IT degree doesn’t relate to your retail job. It’s getting you qualified for a future job, which doesn’t count.

Example 2: You’re an apprentice carpenter and you pay for extra carpentry courses. Yes, those are claimable because they directly relate to your current work.

For more details, check out our guide on tax basics for students.

Charity Donations:

✅ Donations to registered charities over $2 ❌ GoFundMe campaigns, giving money to friends, buying charity raffle tickets

You’ll need receipts for these.

How to Enter Deductions in myTax

For each deduction category:

1. Click “Add” or “Edit” next to the category 2. Enter the total amount you’re claiming 3. Write a short description (e.g., “Steel-cap boots for warehouse work”) 4. Save

myTax will ask you to confirm you have records to prove your claims if they’re over $300 total.

My advice for first-timers: Only claim what you’re 100% sure about. It’s not worth risking an audit over a questionable $50 claim. The ATO’s data matching is very sophisticated.

Want to see exactly what you can claim? We have a comprehensive guide on common tax deductions for students and casual workers.

Step 7: Tax Offsets and Medicare Levy

You’re almost done. This section handles some automatic calculations and a couple of optional things.

Medicare Levy

The Medicare Levy is an additional 2% tax that funds Australia’s public health system.

For most people: This is calculated automatically based on your income. You’ll pay 2% of your taxable income.

Low-income earners: If you earned under $24,276, you might get a reduction or exemption.

International students: If you’re on a student visa and have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) instead of Medicare, you can claim an exemption from the Medicare Levy.

To claim exemption:

Get a Medicare Entitlement Statement from Services Australia
Enter the statement details in myTax

This can save you hundreds of dollars, so it’s worth doing if you’re eligible.

Low and Middle Income Tax Offset (LMITO)

If you earn under $126,000, you automatically get this tax offset. For first-timers earning around $20,000-$40,000, this could be worth $600-$1,500.

The good news? It’s automatic. myTax calculates it for you. You don’t need to claim it.

Private Health Insurance Rebate

If you have private health insurance, you might be eligible for a rebate (discount on your premiums).

Two ways to get this:

As a reduction on your premiums throughout the year (most common)
As a tax offset in your tax return

If you’ve been getting the rebate throughout the year, myTax will show this but it won’t change your refund.

myTax pre-fills your private health insurance information automatically if your fund has reported it to the ATO.

Just verify the details are correct and move on.

Step 8: Review, Lodge, and Submit

You’re at the finish line! Time to review everything and lodge your return.

Step 1: Review the Summary Page

myTax will show you a summary of your return:

Total income
Total deductions
Taxable income
Tax on your taxable income
Tax already paid (PAYG withholding)
Your refund or amount owed

This is your final chance to check everything.

Go through each section:

Income: Does it match your payslips?
Deductions: Did you enter the right amounts?
Bank details: Are they correct?

If you spot a mistake, click “Edit” next to that section and fix it.

Step 2: Understand Your Result

Refund: If you see a positive number, congratulations! The ATO will deposit this money into your bank account. This means your employer withheld more tax than you actually owed.

Amount owing: If you see a negative number, you need to pay this to the ATO. This is less common for first-timers but can happen if:

You had multiple jobs and didn’t claim the tax-free threshold properly
You earned additional income that didn’t have tax withheld
Your employer didn’t withhold enough tax

Don’t panic if you owe money. You’ll get instructions on how to pay.

Step 3: Read the Declaration

Before you can lodge, you need to confirm that:

All information is true and correct
You’ve included all your income
Your deductions are accurate
You have records to support your claims

Check the box to agree.

Step 4: Lodge Your Return

Click the big “Lodge” button.

That’s it. You’re done!

What Happens Immediately After Lodging

1. Confirmation Screen

You’ll see a confirmation message with:

Lodgment receipt number (save this!)
Date and time you lodged
Expected processing timeframe

Screenshot this or write down your receipt number.

2. Email Confirmation

Within a few minutes, you’ll receive an email in your myGov inbox confirming your lodgment.

3. Processing Begins

The ATO’s systems start processing your return immediately. For most straightforward returns, this is fully automated.

After Lodging: What to Expect

You’ve lodged your return. Now what? Let’s talk about what happens next and how to track your refund.

Processing Timeline

Here’s the realistic timeline:

Lodgment Method	Average Processing Time	Notes
Online (myTax)	2 weeks	90% processed within 14 days
Paper return	50 business days (10 weeks)	Much slower, avoid if possible
Tax agent	2-4 weeks	Similar to myTax
Complex returns	4-6 weeks	Returns flagged for manual review

Most first-time filers lodge online with simple returns. Expect your refund in 2 weeks.

Track Your Return Status

You can check the status of your return anytime:

1. Log into myGov 2. Go to ATO 3. Select “Lodgments” > “Income tax” 4. Look at the status

Status meanings:

“Received” = ATO has your return, processing hasn’t started “Processing” = Your return is being checked and calculated “Processed” = All done! You’ll get your Notice of Assessment soon “Refund issued” = Money is on its way to your bank

Understanding Your Notice of Assessment

Within a few days of your return being processed, you’ll receive your Notice of Assessment (NOA) in your myGov inbox.

What is it?

Your NOA is the official summary of your tax return. It shows:

Your total income
Deductions claimed
Tax calculated
Tax already paid
Refund amount (or tax owed)
Any HECS/HELP debt repayment
Superannuation guarantee charged
Medicare levy

Keep this document safe. You might need it for:

Future tax returns
Loan applications
Rental applications
Visa applications

Download a copy and save it to your computer or cloud storage.

When Your Refund Arrives

Timeline: Usually 7-14 days after your return is “Processed”

How you’ll know:

The ATO will send you an SMS or email notification
The money will appear in your bank account
You can check the payment history in myGov under “Accounts” > “Payment history”

Refund amount different than expected?

Sometimes your actual refund is less than what myTax calculated. Common reasons:

1. HECS/HELP debt repayment If you have a student loan and earned over the repayment threshold (around $54,000 for 2025), the ATO will take your compulsory repayment from your refund.

2. Other ATO debts If you owe the ATO money from previous years, they’ll automatically take it from your refund.

3. Child support debts If you have child support obligations, these can be deducted.

4. Calculation errors Rarely, the ATO might recalculate something and get a slightly different result.

Your Notice of Assessment will explain any differences.

Refund still not arrived after 3 weeks?

Check your bank details are correct in myGov. If they are, call the ATO on 13 28 61 to follow up.

What If You Made a Mistake?

Realized you forgot to include something? Claimed a deduction you shouldn’t have? Don’t panic.

You can amend your tax return within 2 years of lodging it (or 4 years in some cases).

How to Amend Your Return

Option 1: Online Amendment (easiest)

1. Log into myGov and go to ATO 2. Go to “Lodgments” > “Income tax” 3. Find the return you want to amend 4. Click “Request an amendment” 5. Make your changes 6. Provide an explanation of what you’re changing and why 7. Submit

Processing time: 2-4 weeks

Option 2: Call the ATO

If you’re not sure how to make the amendment online, call 13 28 61 and ask them to help.

Option 3: Use a Tax Agent

If the amendment is complicated, consider getting professional help.

What happens after amending?

The ATO will review your amendment and issue a new Notice of Assessment. If you need to pay more tax, they’ll send you a bill. If you’re owed more refund, they’ll deposit it.

Penalties for amendments:

Generally, there are no penalties if you genuinely made an honest mistake and fix it yourself promptly.

Penalties apply if:

You deliberately tried to cheat
You were reckless with your claims
You don’t fix errors after the ATO asks you to

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Tax Return

Let’s talk about the mistakes I see first-timers make repeatedly. Avoid these and you’ll have a smooth experience.

1. Not Declaring All Income

The mistake: Forgetting to include bank interest, cash jobs, freelance work, or income from a second employer.

Why it’s bad: The ATO has sophisticated data matching. They know about your bank interest, your employer income, your share dividends. If you don’t declare it, they’ll catch it eventually. This can trigger an audit and penalties.

How to avoid it: Make a list of every single place you earned money from July 2024 to June 2025. Check your bank statements for deposits. Include everything.

Reality check: Yes, even that $200 you earned from tutoring your neighbor’s kid. Even the $50 interest from your savings account. Everything.

2. Claiming Deductions You're Not Entitled To

The mistake: Claiming regular clothes as “work uniform,” claiming your entire phone bill when you barely use it for work, claiming travel to and from your regular workplace.

Why it’s bad: This is how people get audited. The ATO has clear rules about what you can claim. Breaking them (even accidentally) can result in having to pay back the money plus penalties and interest.

How to avoid it: When in doubt, don’t claim it. Only claim expenses you’re 100% sure about. Read the ATO guidelines for your specific industry. Better to miss a small deduction than risk penalties.

Our guide on common deductions for students explains exactly what you can and can’t claim.

3. Not Keeping Receipts

The mistake: Claiming deductions but throwing away receipts, or not keeping any records at all.

Why it’s bad: If the ATO audits you (even randomly), they’ll ask for proof of your claims. No proof = no deduction, plus possible penalties.

How to avoid it: Keep receipts for everything you plan to claim. Take photos and store them digitally. Use the myDeductions app. Keep them for 5 years.

Even if your deductions are under $300, you still need to be able to show how you calculated your claim.

4. Lodging Too Early

The mistake: Lodging on July 1st before all your income data is ready.

Why it’s bad: Your income statement might not be finalized. Your bank interest won’t be reported yet. You’ll end up with incomplete information, have to amend your return later, and delay your refund.

How to avoid it: Wait until late July or early August. Check that your income statement is marked “Tax Ready” in myGov before you lodge.

The extra few weeks of patience will save you hassle.

5. Wrong Bank Details

The mistake: Entering incorrect BSB or account number, or using someone else’s account.

Why it’s bad: Your refund can’t be deposited. You’ll have to call the ATO, prove your identity, update your details, and wait even longer for your money.

How to avoid it: Triple-check your bank details before lodging. Make sure the account is in your name (not a joint account, not your parent’s account). Get your BSB and account number directly from your bank app or statement, don’t rely on memory.

6. Claiming Tax-Free Threshold at Multiple Jobs

The mistake: Having two jobs and claiming the tax-free threshold at both.

Why it’s bad: The tax-free threshold ($18,200) applies to your total income, not to each job separately. If both employers only withhold tax as if you’re under the threshold, you’ll end up owing money at tax time.

How to avoid it: Only claim the tax-free threshold at your main job (the one you earn the most from). At your second job, tick “no” to the tax-free threshold question. They’ll withhold tax at a higher rate, but your total tax will be correct.

Not sure about this? Read our explanation of how tax works with multiple jobs.

7. Missing the Deadline

The mistake: Forgetting to lodge by October 31st.

Why it’s bad: The ATO charges Failure to Lodge penalties of $330 for every 28 days your return is late, up to a maximum of $1,650.

How to avoid it: Set a reminder on your phone for mid-October. Lodge in August or September and you won’t have to worry about it.

If you know you’ll miss the deadline, register with a tax agent before October 31st. This gives you until May next year to lodge.

Special Situations for First-Time Filers

Not everyone fits the standard “single job, simple return” mold. Here are some special situations and what to do:

International Students

If you’re an international student in Australia, here’s what you need to know:

Tax residency: If you’ve been in Australia for 6 months or more, you’re generally considered an Australian resident for tax purposes. This means:

You get the $18,200 tax-free threshold
You pay tax on your worldwide income (including income from your home country)
You pay lower tax rates

Medicare Levy exemption: Since you have OSHC (not Medicare), you can get an exemption from the 2% Medicare Levy. This saves you hundreds of dollars.

To claim it:

Get a Medicare Entitlement Statement from Services Australia
Enter the details in myTax

Work hour limits: Make sure your income aligns with your work hour restrictions (48 hours per fortnight during study periods, unlimited during breaks).

More details: Check our dedicated guide on tax returns for international students.

Students Working Part-Time

Tax-free threshold: If you only worked part-time and earned under $18,200, you probably won’t owe any tax. But you should still lodge to get back all the tax that was withheld.

Education expenses: Unfortunately, you usually can’t claim your TAFE or university fees unless your course directly relates to your current job. A retail worker studying IT? Can’t claim. An apprentice electrician doing electrical courses? Can claim.

Textbooks and supplies: Same rule applies. Only claimable if directly related to your current employment.

Multiple Jobs

Tax-free threshold: Only claim it at one job (your main one).

Declaring income: Both (or all) income sources should appear in the pre-fill section of myTax. Check they’re all there.

Deductions: You can claim work-related expenses for both jobs. Just keep them separate and note which expense relates to which job.

Travel between jobs: If you travel from one job to another on the same day, that travel is deductible. Keep a logbook or diary.

Cash Jobs and Side Hustles

Got paid cash for some work? Did some freelancing? Drove for Uber?

You must declare this income. It doesn’t matter that it was cash or that “it’s just a side thing.”

How to declare it:

Regular cash wages: Enter under “salary and wages”
Contractor work with ABN: Enter under “business income”
Freelance work without ABN: Enter under “other income”

The ATO can track cash income through:

Bank deposits
Data matching with platforms (Uber, Airtasker, etc.)
Tips from other people
Social media posts

Not declaring income is tax evasion and comes with serious penalties.

Read more about side hustles and tax obligations.

Working Holiday Makers

If you’re on a working holiday visa (subclass 417 or 462):

Tax rates: You’re taxed at 15% on the first $45,000 (no tax-free threshold for working holiday makers).

Superannuation: Your employer still has to pay super. You can claim this back when you leave Australia.

Tax return: You must lodge a tax return just like everyone else, even though you don’t get the tax-free threshold.

Leaving Australia Permanently

Planning to leave Australia for good?

You can request early assessment of your tax return if you’re leaving Australia permanently and won’t have any Australian income anymore.

Process:

Call the ATO on 13 28 61
Tell them you’re leaving permanently
Provide your departure date
They’ll assess your return early

This lets you get your refund before you leave instead of waiting until the normal tax season.

Tips to Maximize Your First Tax Return Refund

Want to get the biggest refund possible (legally)? Here’s how:

1. Wait for All Pre-Fill Data

Lodge in late July or August, not July 1st. This ensures all your income and deductions are properly reported.

2. Claim All Eligible Deductions

Review the deductions section carefully. Don’t leave money on the table, but don’t claim things you’re not entitled to.

Common ones people forget:

Union fees (often auto-deducted from wages)
Donations to registered charities
Work-related professional memberships
Tools and equipment under $300

3. Keep Digital Records Year-Round

Don’t wait until tax time to start organizing. Use the myDeductions app throughout the year to:

Snap photos of receipts immediately
Log car trips for work
Track work-related expenses

This takes 30 seconds per expense and makes tax time effortless.

4. Check Your Tax-Free Threshold

If you only worked part of the year or earned under $18,200, make sure you claimed the tax-free threshold with your employer. If you didn’t, you might have had too much tax withheld, meaning a bigger refund for you.

5. Review Your Payslips

Before you lodge, look at your payslips from the whole year. Check:

Is the tax withheld consistent?
Are there any errors in your pay?
Did your employer deduct anything unusual?

Mistakes happen. If you spot something wrong, talk to your employer before lodging.

6. Consider Medicare Levy Exemption

If you’re an international student with OSHC or in another exempt category, don’t forget to claim Medicare Levy exemption. It’s automatic money saved.

7. Understand What You're Getting Back

Your refund isn’t “free money.” It’s your money that was over-withheld throughout the year. A huge refund means you were essentially giving the government an interest-free loan.

For next year, you might want to adjust your withholding so you get more money in each paycheck and a smaller refund.

When to Use a Tax Agent vs. DIY

Most first-timers can easily lodge their own tax return via myTax. But there are times when paying for a tax agent makes sense.

Do It Yourself If:

✅ You only had one or two jobs ✅ Your income is under $50,000 ✅ You have minimal or no deductions ✅ All your income shows up in the pre-fill ✅ You feel confident following instructions ✅ You have time to do it yourself

Cost: $0 (myTax is free)

Time: 30-45 minutes

Use a Tax Agent If:

✅ You have complicated income sources (business, rental property, investments) ✅ You have lots of deductions to claim ✅ You’re not confident doing it yourself ✅ You want professional advice ✅ You want the extended deadline (May instead of October) ✅ You’re being audited or have tax problems

Cost: $80-$200 for a basic return

Time: 30 minutes meeting with agent + their processing time

Finding a Good Tax Agent

If you decide to use an agent:

1. Check they’re registered: Visit the Tax Practitioners Board website and search for their registration. Only registered agents can legally charge for tax services.

2. Get recommendations: Ask friends, family, or coworkers who they use.

3. Understand the fees: Get a quote upfront. For a simple return, you shouldn’t pay more than $150-$200.

4. Ask about their process: Will you meet in person? Via Zoom? Can you just email documents?

5. Deadline benefit: Remember, using a registered agent gives you until May next year to lodge (instead of October this year).

Key Dates and Deadlines Summary

Let’s recap all the important dates in one place:

Date	Event	Action Required
30 June 2025	End of financial year	Gather your last payslip, calculate any deductions
1 July 2025	Tax season opens	You can start lodging, but don’t rush
14 July 2025	Employers finalize income statements	Check your myGov for income data
Late July 2025	Pre-fill data complete	Safe to lodge now
31 October 2025	Lodgment deadline (self-lodgers)	Must lodge by this date or face penalties
31 October 2025	Tax agent registration deadline	Register with agent by today to get extended deadline
15 May 2026	Extended deadline (tax agent clients)	If using agent, this is your deadline

My recommendation: Lodge anytime between late July and mid-September. No rush, no last-minute panic, no penalties.

Resources and Support

Need extra help? Here are official resources:

ATO Resources

Website: www.ato.gov.au Phone: 13 28 61 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm) myGov: my.gov.au

Specific ATO guides:

myTax help and tutorials (video guides available)
Individual tax return instructions
Work-related deductions guide
Deduction calculator tools

Free Help Options

Tax Help Program: The ATO runs free Tax Help volunteers who can help you lodge if:

You earn under $60,000
Your tax affairs are relatively simple
You need assistance due to language, disability, or other barriers

Find a Tax Help volunteer near you on the ATO website.

myDeductions App: Free app from the ATO to track expenses throughout the year. Available on iOS and Android.

Our Other Helpful Guides

We’ve written detailed guides on related tax topics:

Final Thoughts

Lodging your first tax return might seem daunting at first, but thousands of people do it successfully every year. Most first-timers actually get money back, which is a nice reward for taking the time to lodge properly.

Remember the key points:

You need a TFN and myGov account linked to the ATO
Wait until late July for complete pre-fill data
Only claim deductions you’re genuinely entitled to
Keep receipts for 5 years
Lodge by October 31st to avoid penalties
Most refunds arrive within 2 weeks

You’ve got this. The process is designed to be straightforward, and myTax guides you through every step. Take your time, double-check your information, and don’t stress about getting everything perfect.

If you run into problems, call the ATO. They’re actually quite helpful for genuine questions (they save their tough side for people deliberately avoiding tax).

Good luck with your first tax return! Once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why you were ever worried about it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Tax Return in Australia

How long does it take to lodge my first tax return online?

About 30-45 minutes for most first-time filers with a straightforward return. This includes reviewing your pre-filled information, adding any deductions, and submitting through myTax.

If you have your documents ready (TFN, bank details, receipts), the actual lodgment process is quite quick. The ATO has designed myTax to be user-friendly, and it walks you through each section step by step.

The longest part is usually setting up your myGov account and linking it to the ATO, which might add another 15-20 minutes if it’s your first time.

Do I need to lodge a tax return if I earned under ,200?

Yes, you should lodge if any tax was withheld from your pay, even if you earned under the tax-free threshold of $18,200. This is how you get that withheld tax refunded to you.

For example, if you earned $15,000 and had $500 withheld in tax, you should lodge to get that $500 back. Without lodging, you won’t get your refund.

The only time you don’t need to lodge is if you earned under $18,200 AND had no tax withheld AND don’t want to claim any tax offsets. In that case, you can submit a non-lodgment advice instead.

Can I lodge my tax return before July 1st?

No, not for regular workers. The tax year runs from July 1 to June 30, so you can’t lodge for the 2024-25 financial year until July 1, 2025.

There are only two exceptions:

You’re leaving Australia permanently and won’t have any more Australian income
You’re facing serious financial hardship

For these special cases, you need to contact the ATO directly and request early assessment. For everyone else, the earliest you can lodge is July 1.

That said, you shouldn’t lodge on July 1 anyway. Wait until late July or early August when all your income data has been finalized and marked “Tax Ready.”

What if I don't have all my documents yet?

Wait until you do. Don’t rush to lodge with incomplete information because you’ll likely need to amend your return later, which delays your refund and creates extra work.

Most documents become available by mid-to-late July:

Income statements are usually ready by July 14
Bank interest statements arrive throughout July
Private health insurance statements come in July

Check your myGov account regularly. You’ll see when each income source is marked “Tax Ready.” Once everything shows this status, you’re good to lodge.

If something is missing by early August, contact the relevant organization (your employer, bank, etc.) to follow up.

How much tax refund will I get?

It depends on how much tax was withheld versus how much you actually owe. There’s no standard amount.

Your refund is calculated like this:

Tax withheld from your pay (PAYG)
MINUS tax you actually owe (based on your total income and deductions)
EQUALS your refund (or amount owing)

Typical scenarios:

If you earned $25,000 with $3,500 withheld but only owe $1,325 in tax, your refund would be about $2,175.

If you earned $20,000 with $2,000 withheld but owe $380 in tax, your refund would be about $1,620.

The myTax calculator shows your estimated refund as you go through your return, so you’ll know before you lodge.

Most first-timers get a refund because employers often withhold slightly more tax than necessary to be safe.

Can I claim my laptop, phone, or car on my tax return?

It depends on how you use them for work.

Laptop: Only claimable if you use it for work purposes AND it cost less than $300. If it cost more than $300, you need to depreciate it over several years. If you use it mostly for personal use (like uni work and Netflix), you can’t claim it.

Phone: You can only claim the work-related portion. If your boss occasionally texts you about shifts, that’s maybe 5-10% work use. On a $50/month plan, that’s $5/month or $60/year. Most casual workers don’t use their phone enough for work to make this worthwhile.

Car: You cannot claim your regular commute to work. You can only claim if you drive between different work locations during your shift, or if you transport bulky work equipment that can’t be left at work.

For most first-time filers working casual retail or hospitality jobs, these items aren’t genuinely work-related enough to claim. Check out our detailed guide on common deductions for students and casual workers.

What if I worked multiple jobs during the year?

All your jobs should appear in the pre-fill section of myTax. Each employer reports your income to the ATO through Single Touch Payroll, so you should see separate entries for each job.

Important things to check:

Tax-free threshold: Make sure you only claimed it at one job (your main one). If you claimed it at both jobs, you might owe tax.
All jobs showing: Verify that every employer you worked for appears in your return. If someone’s missing, contact that employer.
Dates are correct: Make sure the income shown matches the period you actually worked there.

When you lodge, myTax automatically combines all your income and calculates your total tax liability. You might find that having multiple jobs pushes you into a higher tax bracket, but the system handles this automatically.

Do students need to lodge tax returns in Australia?

Yes, if you earned income and had tax withheld. Being a student doesn’t exempt you from lodging a tax return.

If you worked part-time while studying and had PAYG tax withheld from your wages, you should lodge to get your refund. Many students who only work part-time end up getting all or most of their withheld tax back.

International students: If you’re studying on a student visa and working within your allowed hours, you definitely need to lodge. You may also be eligible for a Medicare Levy exemption which can save you hundreds of dollars. Read our complete guide on tax returns for international students.

The only exception: If you’re a full-time student who didn’t work at all and had no income, you don’t need to lodge. But you should submit a non-lodgment advice to let the ATO know.

Can I use myTax on my phone or do I need a computer?

Yes, you can use myTax on your phone! The ATO’s online system works on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

That said, I recommend using a computer or laptop if possible because:

It’s easier to see all the information on a larger screen
You can more easily switch between myTax and your documents
Typing is faster for entering information
You’re less likely to make mistakes

But if you only have a phone, it definitely works. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection and enough time to complete it without interruptions.

The myGov app is available for both iOS and Android, which makes logging in and checking your return status convenient.

What if myGov won't link to the ATO?

This usually happens because of identity verification issues. The most common problems are:

Incorrect TFN: Double-check you’ve entered your Tax File Number correctly
Bank details don’t match: The account details you enter must match what the ATO has on file
Name mismatch: Your name in myGov must exactly match your name with the ATO

Solution: If you’ve tried multiple times and it still won’t work, call the ATO on 13 28 61 and ask for a linking code. They’ll verify your identity over the phone and give you a special code to enter instead of the standard verification questions.

The ATO is used to this problem and the phone process is straightforward. Have your TFN, ID documents, and bank details ready when you call.

How do I know if my tax return is being processed?

Check the status in myGov anytime:

Log into myGov
Select Australian Taxation Office
Go to “Lodgments” then “Income tax”
Look at the status column

The statuses mean:

Received: ATO has your return, not yet processing
Processing: Your return is being checked and calculated
Processed: Complete! Your Notice of Assessment is ready
Refund issued: Money is being transferred to your bank

Most returns show “Received” for a day or two, then jump to “Processed” within 2 weeks.

If your return is stuck on “Processing” for more than 3 weeks, it might be flagged for manual review. This isn’t necessarily bad – it could be random, or they might need to verify something. Wait for the ATO to contact you, or call them after 4 weeks.

Can I change my tax return after I've already lodged it?

Yes, you can amend your return within 2 years of lodging (sometimes 4 years depending on the situation).

How to amend:

Log into myGov and go to ATO
Navigate to “Lodgments” > “Income tax”
Find the return you want to change
Click “Request an amendment”
Make your changes and explain why
Submit

The ATO will review your amendment and issue a new Notice of Assessment. This usually takes 2-4 weeks.

Common reasons people amend:

Forgot to include some income
Found receipts for deductions they didn’t claim
Made a calculation error
Claimed something they shouldn’t have

Important: If you realize you made a mistake, it’s better to amend it yourself proactively rather than waiting for the ATO to catch it. Self-corrections generally don’t result in penalties.

What happens if I lodge my tax return late?

The ATO charges Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalties:

$330 for each 28-day period your return is late
Maximum penalty of $1,650 (after 5 periods)

These penalties apply automatically if you miss the October 31 deadline and haven’t arranged an extension.

Example: If you lodge 6 weeks late (2 periods), you’ll be charged $660 in penalties on top of any tax you owe.

How to avoid penalties:

Lodge on time (October 31 for self-lodgers)
Register with a tax agent before October 31 to get extended deadline until May
If you know you’ll be late, call the ATO and explain your situation before the deadline

What if you haven’t lodged for several years? The penalties stack up, but it’s better to lodge late than never. The ATO is usually willing to reduce penalties if you have a reasonable excuse and lodge voluntarily. Read more about what happens if you don’t lodge.

Do I need to hire an accountant or tax agent for my first return?

Most first-timers don’t need a tax agent. If you only worked one or two jobs, earned under $50,000, and have simple deductions (or none), you can easily do it yourself using free myTax.

When you SHOULD use a tax agent:

You have rental property income
You run a business or work as a contractor
You have complex investment income
You have lots of deductions to claim
You want professional advice on tax planning
You feel overwhelmed and want someone else to handle it
You want the extended deadline (May instead of October)

Cost: A tax agent typically charges $80-$200 for a basic return. Make sure they’re registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.

For most first-time filers working casual or part-time jobs, the free myTax service is perfect and you don’t need to pay anyone.

Where do I find my Tax File Number (TFN)?

If you have a myGov account linked to the ATO:

Log into myGov
Go to Australian Taxation Office
Select “Profile” or “Personal Details”
Your TFN will be displayed there

Other places to find it:

Previous year’s Notice of Assessment (if you’ve lodged before)
Your super fund statements
Your payslip (sometimes shown there)
Old correspondence from the ATO

If you genuinely can’t find it: Call the ATO on 13 28 61. They won’t tell you your TFN over the phone for security reasons, but they can mail it to your registered address.

Never had a TFN? You need to apply for one first. Read our guide on what a TFN is and how to apply.

Can I lodge my tax return if I worked for only part of the year?

Absolutely yes. You still need to lodge even if you only worked for a few months.

The financial year runs from July 1 to June 30. Whatever you earned during that period needs to be declared, whether it was 1 month or 12 months of work.

Example scenarios:

Started your first job in March: Lodge for income from March to June
Quit in December to travel: Lodge for income from July to December
Worked 3 casual shifts: Still lodge if any tax was withheld

Your income statement will show exactly how much you earned and how much tax was withheld during the period you worked. That’s all you need to lodge.

Many people who only worked part of the year get a refund because their total income for the year is below the tax-free threshold, even though their employer was withholding tax.

What's the difference between a tax return and a tax refund?

Tax return: The form you lodge with the ATO showing your income, deductions, and tax paid. This is the paperwork/process.

Tax refund: The money the ATO gives back to you if you paid more tax than you owed. This is the result.

Example:

You lodge a tax return (the form) in August
The ATO processes it and calculates you overpaid tax by $1,200
They send you a tax refund (the money) of $1,200

Not everyone gets a refund. If you didn’t pay enough tax during the year, you’ll owe money instead. But most first-time filers do get refunds because employers tend to withhold conservatively.

Think of it this way: the tax return is the assessment, the refund is the outcome.

How far back can I claim tax deductions I forgot about?

You can amend your return within 2 years of lodging it (sometimes 4 years). So if you lodge your 2024-25 return in August 2025, you have until August 2027 to amend it and claim forgotten deductions.

But there’s a catch: You can only claim deductions for expenses you actually incurred during that tax year.

Example:

You worked July 2024 to June 2025
You bought work boots in March 2025 but forgot to claim them
You can amend your 2024-25 return (anytime before August 2027) to include the boots
But you can’t claim the boots on your 2025-26 return because that would be the wrong year

Practical advice: If you forgot deductions worth less than $50, it might not be worth the effort of amending. The refund benefit would be minimal (maybe $10-15). But if you forgot $500 in deductions, definitely amend – that’s worth $100+ in refund.

What if I disagree with my Notice of Assessment?

You have the right to object if you believe the ATO made a mistake in assessing your return.

First step: Check carefully

Read your Notice of Assessment thoroughly
Compare it to what you lodged
Make sure you understand what changed and why

Sometimes the ATO adjusts things correctly (like disallowing a deduction you weren’t entitled to) and their assessment is right.

If you still disagree:

Call the ATO on 13 28 61 within 60 days and discuss it
Often they can explain or fix it over the phone
If that doesn’t resolve it, you can lodge a formal objection

Formal objection process:

You have 2 years (sometimes 4 years) to object
Put your objection in writing explaining why you disagree
Provide evidence supporting your position
The ATO will review and respond

Most disagreements get resolved at the phone call stage. Formal objections are for more serious disputes.

Need help? Consider consulting a registered tax agent, especially if the amount in dispute is significant.

Can I track when my refund will arrive?

Yes, through myGov:

Log into myGov and go to ATO
Select “Lodgments” > “Income tax”
Check the status of your return

Once it says “Refund issued,” your money is being transferred. The ATO will also send you an SMS or email when they issue your refund.

Timeline:

Day 1-14: Return is processing
Day 14-21: Notice of Assessment issued
Day 21-28: Refund arrives in your bank account

Most people receive their refund within 14 days of lodging, with the money hitting their account within 7 days after the Notice of Assessment is issued.

Refund taking longer?

Check your bank details are correct in myGov
Look for any messages from the ATO (they might need more information)
If it’s been more than 3 weeks, call 13 28 61 to follow up

You can also check payment history under “Accounts” > “Payment history” to see if the refund has been processed.

Do I need receipts for everything I claim?

It depends on the total amount of your deductions:

If your total work-related deductions are $300 or less:

You don’t need receipts
But you must be able to show how you calculated your claim
Keep a record or note of what you claimed

If your total work-related deductions are more than $300:

You MUST have written evidence for every claim
Receipts, invoices, bank statements, etc.
Just having a credit card statement isn’t enough – you need itemized receipts

Important: Even if you’re under $300, you still need to have actually spent the money and be able to explain the claims if asked.

How long to keep records: 5 years from the date you lodge your return.

Pro tip: Take photos of receipts and store them digitally. Use the free ATO myDeductions app to snap and save receipts throughout the year. Physical receipts fade and get lost, but digital copies last forever.

Our guide on keeping simple records for tax time has a practical system you can set up in under 10 minutes.

Still have questions? The ATO’s phone line (13 28 61) is staffed by people who answer tax questions all day. They’re actually quite helpful for genuine inquiries, and the call is free. Have your TFN ready when you call.