How to lodge your tax return interactive video

Introduction

So, you’d like to know about tax returns and how to lodge one?
This interactive video is a great way to find out. Click the ‘GO’ button to start.

Introduction 2

Which part of lodging a tax return would you like to know more about?
If you want to get ready to lodge your tax return, click here.
If you want to know how to lodge your tax return correctly, including claiming the right tax deductions, click here.
Or click here to find out what happens after you've lodged.
Look for the house icon, if you want to return to this main menu at any time.

Video 1 – Lodging for the first time

If you haven’t lodged a tax return before, here are a few things you should know.
To start with, you should find out if you need to lodge a tax return. And you can find out by clicking here.
If you want to know more about lodging your own tax return, click this button.
Or click here if you’d prefer to lodge using a registered tax agent.

Click on a button or to return to the main menu, click the house icon.

Video 1A – Do I need to lodge a tax return?

So, do you need to lodge a tax return? Let’s find out.
Generally, if you earned over $18,200 during the financial year or had tax taken out of your pay then yes, you'll need to lodge a tax return.
You can lodge your tax return yourself or use a registered tax agent.
If you’re still not sure whether you need to lodge a return, we've got a handy tool to help you work it out.
Click this button to go straight to the ‘Do I need to lodge?’ tool and other useful information.

Video 1B – Lodging your own tax return

You can lodge your own tax return quickly, easily and securely through myTax using ATO online services.
This is accessed through myGov. You will need a myGov account linked to the ATO.
If you haven’t already set up your myGov account, it’s well worth your while. Because myGov lets you access a whole range of Australian Government services including the ATO using only one username and password.
Click this button to find out how to create your myGov account and link it to the ATO.

Video 1C – Lodging through a tax agent

You can also lodge your tax return through a registered tax agent.
But it's important to make sure your tax agent is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board. Check their website to see if your agent is registered.
If you use a registered tax agent to lodge your return, you may be able to lodge later than the 31 October deadline.
Contact your agent before the deadline to arrange this.

Video 2 – How to lodge correctly

This is an interactive guide to lodging your tax return — the right way!
If you click here, you'll learn about some of the information you'll need to provide when you lodge your tax return.
Click this button to learn about deductions and how to correctly claim them.
And this button will help you find out which deductions you can claim for your occupation or industry.

Click on a button or to return to the main menu, click the house icon.

Video 2A – Information you need to include

What information do you need to provide in your tax return? Let’s find out.
When you lodge online or with a registered tax agent, the ATO does some of the work for you by pre-filling information like employment income and bank interest into your return.
We'll usually pre-fill this information in your tax return by late July. It's important to check the pre-filled information against your own records to make sure it is correct. If you received income that isn't pre-filled, then you need to add it into your tax return.
It's important to include ALL your income including all pay from your jobs (including cash wages), some government payments (including JobSeeker), investments (such as dividends), bank interest, and sharing economy income (like ride sourcing or renting all or part of your home).
Click the button to find out more about the information you need to provide in your tax return.

Video 2B – Deductions and how to claim them

What's a tax deduction? And how do you claim a deduction at tax time?
Deductions reduce your taxable income. You can claim things like tax deductible donations and the cost of managing your tax affairs.
You can also claim some expenses related to your job. But there are rules for claiming a work- related deduction.
First: You must have spent the money yourself and weren't reimbursed.
Second: It must relate to earning your income and must not be private in nature.
And third: you must have a record to prove it. Make sure you keep your records for 5 years from the date you lodge your return.
To find out more about deductions and the records you need to keep, click the button.

Video 2C – What can you claim?

It’s a good idea to get to know which deductions you can claim at tax time.
On our website, you can look up the common deductions available to your occupation so you can claim the deductions you’re entitled to. See our claiming tips for your occupation by clicking this button.
Don’t forget, if you've been working from home, you may be able to claim a deduction. Click the button for more information.

Video 3 – After you've lodged

Now that you've lodged your tax return, what happens next?
Click here if you want to know how to check on the progress of your tax return.
Click this button to learn more about managing a tax bill and to be scam safe at tax time, click here.

Click on a button or to return to the main menu, click the house icon.

Video 3A – Checking the progress of your return

If you lodge your tax return online using myTax or through a registered tax agent, it generally takes two weeks to process.
You can check the progress of your return at any time using the ATO app, or in ATO online services accessed through your myGov account.
For more help keeping track of your tax return, click the button.

Video 3B – Will you have to pay a tax bill?

While it’s common to receive a refund at tax time there are times when you'll owe money to us — and need to pay a tax bill.
You may receive a tax bill if your employer hasn't withheld enough tax, you're a sole trader and haven’t paid enough tax, or, you received other income where no tax was withheld.
If you can’t pay your tax bill by the due date, contact us early so we can help. We have support available to help you, including payment plans. Click the button for more information.

Video 3C – Be scam safe at tax time

At tax time, it's important to be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
Scammers may try to trick you into paying money or sharing your personal information. It can be difficult to tell the difference between legitimate ATO interactions and scams.
If you’re unsure whether someone contacting you is really from the ATO, don’t reply, and instead contact us directly to check.
To get to know the warning signs of a scam, or to report or verify a scam, click the button.