About this training
This training teaches you how to prepare and lodge a tax return using myTax. It's important to complete this training so you have the knowledge and tools to help Tax Help clients meet their tax obligations.
The training will introduce you to:
- the scope of the Tax Help program
- tax topics.
If you require any assistance, or would like to report an issue during training, contact Tax Help.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this training, you'll be able to:
- understand the role and responsibilities of a Tax Help volunteer
- identify topics you can and can't help with as a Tax Help volunteer
- source information on the ATO website to answer tax related queries
- prepare a myTax return for an individual
- prepare a myTax amendment, non-lodgment advice, and refund of franking credits.
Planning your training
This training package is comprehensive, and the time needed to complete it will vary from person to person.
To help you avoid feeling overwhelmed, consider completing the training package in segments over several days. Ensure that you schedule breaks as needed.
Take your time while you go through the training to ensure you have a good understanding of each topic.
Getting the most from your training
Follow the links in the training package to find more information on a topic and access various tools used to complete a return.
The answers to most questions your clients will ask, can be found on our website. We recommend you practise navigating through the ATO website to become more familiar with where to find specific information.
Assessment
Before becoming an accredited volunteer, you must complete the assessments.
We recommend you use this training package to assist you in completing the assessments. Assessments will be provided to you separately. Once you've completed the assessment, forward it to the Tax Help team via email.
Tax Help will advise if you have passed the assessments. They will also provide feedback and assistance if you're having trouble passing your assessment. If you need help completing the assessments contact Tax Help.
Accreditation
Successful completion of each assessment counts towards your accreditation. You'll be accredited as a Tax Help volunteer once you have met the following requirements:
- agreeing to and signing the Conditions of Participation
- passing a police and security check (new volunteers only)
- successful completion of the assessments
- optional attendance at myTax Webex training sessions.
Online services
Clients can access a range of tax and super services using our online services, including lodging their tax return and activity statements, and keeping track of their super.
myTax
myTax is our free online tax return.
To use myTax, a client needs to register with myGov and link to the ATO.
ATO app
The ATO app makes it easier for clients to conduct their tax and super affairs from a tablet or smart phone. They can:
- log on to use our ATO online services including myTax
- enrol and use a voiceprint for fast, easy and secure access to ATO online services
- search for lost super
- access several other tools and calculators, including the myDeductions tool.
myDeductions tool
Clients can use the tool to:
- capture and classify work-related expenses, gifts and donations or the cost of managing their tax affairs
- store photos of receipts
- record car trips
- upload deductions to their myTax return.
Online security and scams
Clients may ask you if a phone call, email or letter they've received from us is genuine. To help clients stay safe online, let them know we won't:
- ask them for their tax file number (TFN) or bank details through email or SMS
- ask them for their personal information through social media
- send them an email from an unsolicited email address
- give their personal information to anyone without their consent, unless the law permits us to do so
- communicate with them on behalf of another government agency.
You can check our current campaigns at Current ATO SMS and email activities.
Spotting scams
Scammers use different ways to trick people into disclosing personal details or make payments. Awareness of these methods reduces the chances of being caught by the scam.
To learn about scams and how to report a scam refer to Verify or report a scam.
You can also check Scam alerts for known scams.
Alerts are updated throughout the year. Check regularly throughout tax time for new scams.
If you suspect it is an ATO related scam, you can phone 1800 008 540 to report it. This includes instances where:
- you're unsure of the legitimacy of a communication claiming to be from us
- you've received fraudulent communication (claiming to be us or on behalf of us)
- you think you've been a victim of a tax-related scam.
Return to: Tax Help program training.