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Work out if you need to lodge a tax return

Use our Do I need to lodge a tax return? tool to check if you need to lodge a tax return.

Last updated 8 August 2024

Options to work out if you need to lodge

To work out if you need to lodge a tax return, you need to consider your personal circumstances. You can use either the:

You can also read our full list of reasons you need to lodge at Do you need to lodge a tax return? 2024.

Authenticated tool through online services for individuals

You can access an authenticated version of the Do I need to lodge? tool in ATO online services. You need the ATO linked to your myGov account.

If you don't already have a myGov account, to access and use our online services you will need to create an account. Then link the ATO to your myGov account.

This version is available for the 2018–19 income year onwards. It can give you a more accurate result because it uses information we already know about you from our systems.

To use this version, you will need to sign in to your myGov account then:

  1. Select ATO from your linked services.
  2. Select Manage tax returns.
  3. Select Not lodged tab.
  4. Under the heading 'Outcome' select Do I need to lodge? for the relevant income year.

Web version of the tool

Alternatively, you can use the web version of the tool Do I need to lodge a tax return?

The web tool is available for the current income year and prior income years back to 2012–13.

Taking action on the result

If you need to lodge, find out more about your lodgment options:

If you don’t need to lodge, you usually still need to let us know by:

QC32119