You can lodge your Australian individual tax return online using myTax through your myGov account. The service is free, and information supplied to the ATO can appear automatically.
For the 2025–26 financial year, your return covers income earned from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
If you are wondering how to lodge tax return online Australia, start by gathering your records. Then link your accounts, check your information, and complete each section carefully.
This guide walks you through the process without making tax time more complicated than necessary.
What Is myTax?
myTax is the ATO’s online service for preparing and lodging individual tax returns.
You access it through a myGov account linked to the ATO. It guides you through questions about income, deductions, and other tax details.
Eligible sole traders can also report business income through their individual return. Companies and trusts have different lodgement requirements.
You can do your own tax return if you understand your circumstances and have the necessary records.
When Is Your 2026 Tax Return Due?
The usual deadline for lodging your own return is 31 October.
In 2026, this date falls on a Saturday. Applying the ATO’s next-business-day rule gives a lodgement deadline of Monday, 2 November 2026.
Aim to finish before the 31 October deadline rather than leaving everything until the final day.
A registered tax agent may have access to later lodgement dates. Contact your agent before 31 October and confirm your eligibility.
Do not assume an extension applies automatically, especially if you have overdue returns.
Step 1: Gather Your Tax Records
Prepare your documents before opening myTax. This reduces interruptions and helps you check the figures accurately.
Depending on your circumstances, gather:
- Your tax file number (TFN).
- Income statements or payment summaries.
- Bank interest and investment statements.
- Receipts for deductions.
- Private health insurance information.
- Rental property income and expense records.
- Business income and expense records, if applicable.
- Your bank account details.
Include records for share sales, crypto transactions, or overseas income where relevant.
Sole traders can use an ATO tax return checklist for Sydney small businesses to organise their business records.
Keep personal and business expenses clearly separated.
Step 2: Sign In to Your myGov Account
Visit the official myGov website and sign in using your supported method.
Create an account if you do not already have one. Follow the prompts to set up secure access.
Avoid opening login links from unexpected emails or text messages. Enter the website address yourself.
Keep your password and security codes private. An accountant should not need your myGov password to assist you.
Step 3: Link myGov to ATO
If the ATO is already linked, move to the next step.
Otherwise:
- 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 records ready. Follow the instructions shown for your circumstances.
Secret questions and answers are not supported for linking the ATO. Update your sign-in method if necessary.
If you cannot complete the connection, contact the ATO for help.
Step 4: Open Your 2025–26 Return
Select the ATO service from myGov.
Find the tax return for July 2025 to June 2026. Choose the option to prepare or resume it.
Check the financial year before entering information. Selecting the wrong year can create unnecessary corrections.
Confirm your contact details and bank account information. An incorrect account can delay your tax refund.
For first-time users, understanding how to file an online tax return in Australia can make the process easier to follow.
Step 5: Personalise Your Return
Answer the questions about your circumstances during the financial year.
Select the income sources and deductions that apply to you. Your answers determine which sections appear.
Consider employment, investments, rental properties, and any business activities.
Do not skip a section simply because no amount appears automatically. You may need to enter information yourself.
If a question is unclear, read the help text before continuing. Save your progress while checking your records.
Step 6: Check Your Pre-Filled Information
The ATO receives information from employers, banks, and other organisations.
This pre-filled information saves time, but you must check it against your records.
Review income from every employer and confirm your income statement is marked Tax ready.
Your employer uses this status after finalising the information. Lodging before finalisation can mean correcting your return later.
Also check bank interest, dividends, and other relevant income. Add missing amounts and resolve differences before lodging.
Automatic entries do not replace your responsibility to report correctly.
Step 7: Enter Eligible Deductions
Work-related deductions must meet the relevant rules.
Generally:
- You spent the money and were not reimbursed.
- The expense directly relates to earning your income.
- You have records supporting the claim.
For mixed personal and work expenses, claim only the work-related portion.
Possible deductions include eligible tools, protective clothing, professional subscriptions, and working-from-home expenses.
Different expenses have different calculation and record requirements. Follow the current ATO guidance for each claim.
Do not copy last year’s deductions without checking this year’s spending.
Step 8: Review and Lodge
Check every section before submitting.
Pay particular attention to income totals, deductions, bank details, and any unanswered questions.
Review the estimated result. An estimate is not your final notice of assessment or a guaranteed refund.
Read the declaration and submit only when the information is complete and accurate.
Save your lodgement receipt. Keep your supporting records securely.
What Happens After Lodgement?
You can check your return’s progress through ATO online services.
Most online returns process within two weeks, although some require additional checks and take longer.
Your notice of assessment shows the assessed result, including any refund or amount payable.
If tax is payable, follow the payment date shown on your assessment.
When Should You Get Professional Help?
Consider assistance for rental properties, capital gains, overseas income, or complicated business records.
UBS Accountants supports individuals and businesses with taxation and accounting.
If you are unsure about your return, contact the team before submitting.
Conclusion
Learning how to lodge tax online starts with accurate records and careful checks.
Use the correct financial year, review pre-filled information, and claim eligible deductions. Allow enough time to resolve questions before your deadline.