You can lodge your Australian individual tax return online through myTax. Start by signing into myGov, opening your linked ATO service, and selecting the correct financial year.
For the 2025–26 financial year, your return covers income earned between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
If you are learning how to lodge tax return online Australia, preparation makes the process easier. Gather your records before starting, check every entry, and ask questions when something is unclear.
This guide explains each step, from setting up access to checking your assessment.
What Is myTax, and Who Can Use It?
myTax is the ATO’s free online service for lodging individual tax returns.
It guides you through income, deductions, and other details relevant to your circumstances. Some information appears automatically.
Sole traders can also report business income through their individual return. Companies, partnerships, and trusts have separate return requirements.
You can do your own tax return when you understand the questions and have suitable records. More complicated circumstances may benefit from professional assistance.
When Is the Deadline for Your 2026 Return?
The usual deadline for lodging your own tax return is 31 October.
However, 31 October 2026 falls on a Saturday. Applying the ATO’s next-business-day rule gives a deadline of Monday, 2 November 2026.
Aim to finish before the usual 31 October deadline. This leaves time to resolve missing information or access problems.
A registered tax agent may have access to later lodgement dates. Contact your agent before 31 October and confirm your arrangements.
An extension does not automatically apply to everyone, particularly where earlier returns remain overdue.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you lodge tax online, collect records covering the full financial year.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
- Your tax file number (TFN).
- Income statements or payment summaries.
- Bank interest and investment statements.
- Receipts supporting deductions.
- Private health insurance details.
- Rental income and expense records.
- Business income and expense records.
- Your bank account details.
Include relevant share sales, crypto transactions, and overseas income.
For sole traders, a small business tax deductions checklist helps organise expense records before entering business figures.
Separate personal spending from business expenses. Having a receipt does not automatically make an expense deductible.
Step 2: Sign In to myGov
Open the official myGov website and sign in using your supported method.
If you do not have a myGov account, follow the instructions to create one.
Use a secure device and avoid login links from unexpected messages. Enter the website address yourself.
Keep your password and security codes private. Someone helping with your return should not need your myGov password.
Step 3: Link myGov to ATO
Skip this step if your ATO service is already connected.
To link myGov to ATO:
- Open View and link services.
- Select Link beside the Australian Taxation Office.
- Enter or confirm your personal details.
- Answer the identity questions.
Have your TFN and relevant tax records nearby. Follow the prompts shown for your situation.
Secret questions and answers are not supported for linking the ATO. Update your sign-in settings if you use this method.
Contact the ATO if you cannot complete the connection.
Step 4: Select Your 2025–26 Return
Open your linked ATO service.
Find the return covering July 2025 to June 2026. Select the option to prepare or resume it.
Check the year carefully before entering information. Older outstanding returns may also appear in your account.
Review your contact details and bank account information. Incorrect banking details can delay payment of a tax refund.
Step 5: Personalise Your Return
Answer the questions about your circumstances during the year.
Select the income sources, deductions, and other items that apply. These answers determine which sections you complete.
Consider employment, investments, rental properties, and business activities.
Do not leave out income simply because it has not appeared automatically.
Read the help text where a question is unclear. Save your progress if you need time to check records.
Step 6: Check Pre-Filled Information
The ATO receives information from employers, banks, and other organisations.
Your pre-filled information can save time, but you remain responsible for checking it.
Compare amounts against your records. Review every employer’s income statement and check that it is marked Tax ready.
This status means your employer has finalised the information. Lodging before finalisation may require an amendment later.
Check interest, dividends, and other income too. Add missing information and resolve unexplained differences before submitting.
Step 7: Add Eligible Deductions
Work-related deductions must meet the relevant rules.
Generally, you must:
- Have paid the expense without being reimbursed.
- Have incurred it directly to earn your income.
- Keep records supporting the claim.
For expenses covering work and private use, claim only the eligible work portion.
Possible claims include eligible tools, protective clothing, professional subscriptions, and working-from-home expenses.
Each category has its own requirements. Do not copy previous claims without reviewing this year’s expenses.
What About Sole Trader Expenses?
Enter eligible business expenses in the appropriate business section. Avoid claiming the same expense again as an employee deduction.
Common small business tax deductions in Sydney include eligible advertising, insurance, and operating costs. Their treatment depends on the expense and applicable rules.
Check current-year guidance before claiming assets or using a particular calculation method.
Step 8: Review and Lodge
Check your return before submitting.
Review income totals, deductions, personal details, and unanswered questions. Confirm that you have included all relevant information.
The estimated result is not your final notice of assessment. It does not guarantee a refund.
Read the declaration and submit when satisfied that your return is accurate.
Save the lodgement receipt and keep supporting records securely.
What Happens After You Lodge?
Track your return through ATO online services.
Most online returns process within two weeks. Some take longer because additional checks are needed.
Your notice of assessment shows the assessed result, including any refund or amount payable.
If you owe tax, follow the payment date shown on your assessment.
When Should You Ask for Help?
Consider assistance for complex deductions, business records, rental properties, or overseas income.
UBS Accountants provides taxation and accounting support for individuals and businesses.
If you are unsure about an entry, contact the team before lodging.
Conclusion
Learning how to lodge your tax return online starts with organised records.
Select the correct year, check pre-filled information, and claim only eligible deductions. Give yourself time to resolve questions before submitting.