How to Use ATO’s Online Portal for Tax Returns

Pre-Filled Information Saves Time

By late July, most people see income figures from employers, banks and government payments already entered in their tax file number record. This automatic pre-fill cuts down on manual data entry and minimises errors.

Secure Access for Australian Residents

Your myGov account, linked to the ATO by verifying your identity with your tax file number and personal details, keeps your tax information safe and private. You can lodge a tax return any time, day or night, year-round.

Getting Started: Linking Your myGov Account to the ATO

Before you can lodge online, you need a myGov account linked to the ATO.

Create and Verify Your myGov Account

1. Go to myGov and select “Create an account.”

2. Verify your identity by providing basic personal information and your tax file number.

3. Set up two-factor authentication with SMS or the myGov Code Generator app.

Link to the ATO Service

Once signed in:

• Select “Manage linked services” and choose the Australian Taxation Office.

• Answer simple questions about your last year’s tax refund or income to confirm your identity.

• Keep your bank account BSB and account number ready for any tax refund.

Understanding myTax: Step-by-Step Guide

After linking, you’re ready to lodge your tax return using myTax.

1. Start Your Individual Tax Return

• Sign in to myGov, click on the ATO service and select “Lodge your tax return.”

• Choose “Start a new return” for the current financial year.

2. Review Pre-Filled Income Details

The portal pulls in:

• Salary and wages paid by your employer

• Interest earned on bank accounts

• Government payments and allowances

• Dividends from investments

Double check each figure against your own records and receipts.

3. Claim Eligible Deductions

Head to the Deductions section to claim expenses such as:

• Work-related costs (tools, uniforms, travel)

• Self-education fees and equipment

• Gifts and donations

• Home office expenses

Upload digital copies of receipts and provide clear descriptions of each expense to support your claim.

4. Complete Additional Schedules

If you’re a sole trader or receive partnership income, add a separate business schedule to report your business income and expenses. Companies and partnerships can lodge a company tax return or partnership reports as needed.

5. Apply Offsets and Thresholds

Check your eligibility for:

• Tax free threshold for individual tax returns

• Private health insurance offsets

• Zone or spouse offsets

These can reduce the amount of tax you pay or boost your refund.

6. Review, Validate and Lodge

• Use the portal’s built-in review tool to spot missing information or potential errors.

• Confirm your expected refund or amount owing.

• Click “Lodge” to submit, then save or print your lodgment receipt for your records.

Tips for a Smooth Lodgment

Gather key documents early in tax time: income statements from employers, your tax file number, bank interest summaries and records of receipts. You’ll avoid rushing and ensure you claim every eligible deduction.

If you’d rather leave it to an expert, engage a registered tax agent or accountant—especially if you have complex business income or company profits. A tax agent can complete your own tax return on your behalf and guide you through any fee structures.

Conclusion

Lodging your tax return online with the ATO’s myTax portal keeps you in control of your income tax in Australia. By linking your myGov account, reviewing pre-filled income, and claiming eligible deductions, you can lodge accurately and access your refund sooner.

For most people, the need to lodge a tax return comes around once a year. But if you have company’s income, are a partner in a business, or need to submit partner reports, you might have a separate tax return or additional schedules to complete. The myTax portal makes it easy to manage these details, helping you report net income, pay tax, and check if you owe more tax.