Does your teen need to lodge a tax return this year? We’ve answered some of the common questions we receive each tax time to help make lodging a breeze.
Do I need to lodge a tax return?
Generally, when you have tax taken out of your pay during the year or earn over $18,200 during the income year, you need to lodge a tax return.
How do I lodge?
You can prepare and lodge your own tax return online for free via myTax. To access myTax and our other online services, you’ll need a myGov account that’s linked to the ATO. Lodging online is quick, safe, secure.
You can also use a registered tax agent – just make sure they’re registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.
The deadline for lodging your tax return is 31 October. If you lodge through a tax agent you have longer to complete your return, but make sure you contact them before 31 October.
How do I link my myGov account to the ATO?
Sign in to your myGov account and select the ATO from the list of services you can link to.
The fastest and easiest option is to select Questions specific to you.
We recommend that you select the questions so you can self-serve. Otherwise, you will have to phone the ATO for a linking code.
When is the best time to lodge?
The best time to lodge your tax return is from late July. This is because most of your information from your employers, banks, health funds and government agencies will be automatically pre-filled in your return for you. This makes it easier to lodge your tax return online through our online services, saves you time and reduces errors.
When will I get my refund?
Most tax returns lodged online are processed within two weeks. You can check the progress of your tax return at any time using the ATO app or ATO online services, accessed through your myGov account.
More information
For more information, visit ato.gov.au/taxessentials