A practical walkthrough of lodging your Australian income tax return through myTax or a registered tax agent.
Most income data (employer income, bank interest, dividends, health insurance) is pre-filled into myTax automatically by mid-to-late July, sourced directly from employers and financial institutions.
Common deductions include work-related expenses, self-education, and donations — see our Tax Deductions Guide.
Most individuals lodge free through myTax (via myGov), typically completed in under 30 minutes for simple returns. Registered tax agents can lodge on your behalf and often have a later deadline.
The ATO typically processes electronic returns within about 2 weeks, issuing a Notice of Assessment showing your refund or amount owing.
Check your key lodgment dates.
See ATO Tax Deadlines →This is a general walkthrough, not a substitute for ATO instructions. For complex situations (business income, foreign income, capital gains), consider using a registered tax agent.