Tax

How to Lodge Your Tax Return in Australia

If you earn income in Australia, you must lodge a tax return each year. The financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June, and the deadline to lodge is 31 October. Lodging online with myTax is free and takes about 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready. This guide covers everything Nepali workers and students need to know.

Step-by-Step Guide

Check if you need to lodge a tax return

You must lodge a tax return if you earned above the tax-free threshold ($18,200 in 2024-25) during the financial year (1 July to 30 June). Even if you earned less, you should lodge if your employer withheld tax from your pay — you may get a refund. Temporary residents and working holiday makers have different rules.

Gather your documents

You need: (1) Your TFN (Tax File Number), (2) Income statements from all employers (accessed via myGov), (3) Bank interest details, (4) Receipts for deductions (work-related expenses, charitable donations), (5) Private health insurance statement if applicable, (6) Your myGov account linked to the ATO.

Log in to myGov and access myTax

Go to my.gov.au, log in, and select the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) service. If you have not linked the ATO to your myGov account, you will need your TFN and some personal details to link it. Once linked, select "Lodge a tax return" to start myTax.

Review your pre-filled data

myTax pre-fills most of your income data from employer reports, bank interest, and government payments. Wait until late July or August for all data to be pre-filled. Check that all employers are listed and the amounts are correct. Add any income that is missing (cash jobs, overseas income if you are a resident for tax purposes).

Claim your deductions

You can claim work-related deductions if you spent the money yourself, were not reimbursed, and the expense relates to earning your income. Common claims for Nepali workers: uniform costs, tools and equipment, work-related travel between job sites, self-education expenses (if studying in your current field), union fees, and charitable donations over $2. Keep receipts for 5 years.

Submit and wait for your notice of assessment

Review your return, confirm your bank details for refund, and submit. Most refunds are processed within 2 weeks (up to 28 days). You will receive a Notice of Assessment showing your refund or tax owed. If you owe tax, you can set up a payment plan with the ATO.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the tax return deadline in Australia?▾

The deadline to lodge your tax return is 31 October each year, for the financial year that ended on 30 June. If you use a registered tax agent, they can lodge later — often until May of the following year. If you miss the deadline, you may be fined $222 per late return.

How much does it cost to lodge a tax return?▾

Lodging with myTax online is free. If you use a tax agent, fees typically range from $100 to $300 depending on complexity. Tax agent fees are themselves tax-deductible in the following year.

What is the tax-free threshold in Australia?▾

The tax-free threshold is $18,200 for the 2024-25 financial year. If your total income for the year is below this amount, you pay no income tax. If you earn above $18,200, you pay 19% on every dollar above the threshold. International students and temporary residents are taxed differently — they do not get the tax-free threshold and are taxed from the first dollar unless they are residents for tax purposes.

Can I get free help with my tax return?▾

Yes. The ATO offers free Tax Help for people earning under $60,000 with simple tax affairs. Call 13 28 61 to find a Tax Help centre near you. Community organisations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane also offer free tax help sessions for migrants and students during July and August.

What deductions can Nepali workers claim?▾

Common deductions include: work uniforms and protective clothing, tools and equipment, work-related travel (between job sites, not home-to-work), self-education expenses related to your current job, union or professional association fees, charitable donations over $2, and costs of managing your tax affairs (tax agent fees from last year). Keep all receipts for 5 years.

Do international students need to lodge a tax return?▾

Yes, if you earned any income in Australia during the financial year. If you are a resident for tax purposes (usually if you have been in Australia for more than 6 months), you get the $18,200 tax-free threshold. If you are a non-resident for tax purposes, you pay tax from the first dollar at 32.5%. Most students are considered residents for tax purposes after 6 months.

Official Sources & References

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