Do I need receipts to claim deductions?

Yes — you must keep digital or paper receipts for at least 5 years to support your claims. This is a legal requirement by the ATO.

Can I lodge my tax return myself?

Yes, you can lodge through MyGov using the ATO’s online myTax tool. But using a registered tax agent often helps maximise your refund and avoid mistakes.

Is my accountant’s fee tax deductible?

Yes — fees paid to a registered tax agent for preparing your return are fully deductible on your next tax return.

What is the tax return deadline in Australia?

If lodging yourself, the deadline is 31 October. If you use a tax agent and register by 31 October, you may have until 15 May the following year.

Can I change tax accountants mid-year?

Yes — you can switch at any time. Your new tax agent can notify the ATO and handle the transition on your behalf.

Essential Tips To Maximize Your Tax Return

Adenix Accounting
Aug 4
3 min read

How to Lodge a Tax Return in Australia (2025 Guide)

Updated for 2025 | Written by Adenix Accounting Sydney

Wondering how to lodge your tax return and get the biggest refund possible? Whether you're a freelancer, sole trader, or PAYG employee, this step-by-step guide breaks it all down simply and clearly.

What Is a Tax Return

A tax return is a report you lodge with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that outlines your income, deductions, and any offsets. The ATO uses this to work out how much tax you owe—or how much you’ll get back.

Who Needs to Lodge?

You must lodge a tax return if:

You earned more than $18,200
Tax was withheld from your income (even part-time)
You received government payments (like Centrelink or JobSeeker)
You earned foreign income
You want to claim deductions and offsets

Learn more: ATO – Do You Need to Lodge?

Man in a white shirt holds head in frustration, facing a black wall with large white "TAX" text. Mood appears stressed. Wondering how How to Lodge a Tax Return in Australia

Key Dates

Financial Year: 1 July – 30 June
Lodgement Deadline (DIY): 31 October
With a Tax Agent: Up to 15 May (if you register with one before 31 October)

➡️ Book a consultation with our tax team

📂 What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather:

Your TFN (Tax File Number)
Income statement from your employer
Bank account details (for your refund)
Receipts for work-related expenses
Records of investments, rental income, or business income
Private health insurance statement (if applicable)

If you're a business owner, see our Business Tax Returns Guide

How to Lodge Your Tax Return

Option 1: Lodge Online via MyGov

If you’re confident doing it yourself, link your MyGov account to the ATO and use their online tool, myTax.

Option 2: Use a Registered Tax Agent (like us)

We’ll make sure you:

Claim everything you're entitled to
Avoid costly mistakes
Get access to extended deadlines

💰 What Can You Claim?

Maximise your refund with these common deductions:

Work-related expenses: Uniforms, tools, software, internet
Home office costs: Internet, electricity, office equipment
Vehicle & travel expenses: If used for work (not commuting)
Donations to charities
Accounting and legal fees
Self-education expenses
Subscriptions & memberships
Super contributions

📌 Keep your receipts for at least 5 years—you’ll need them if audited.

❌ Top Mistakes to Avoid

Lodging with missing income
Guessing deductions without receipts
Claiming non-deductible personal expenses
Missing the deadline and incurring penalties

💡 Refund Boosting Tips

Lodge early (from July 1)
Use a registered tax agent to uncover hidden deductions
Prepay deductible expenses before June 30
Keep digital records year-round using tools like Dext or Xero

🧍 Special Situations

Freelancers & Sole Traders: Claim tools, subscriptions, website costs, advertising, phone bills, and even part of your rent. See: Tax Deductions for Small Business Owners

Property Investors: Deduct interest, maintenance, depreciation, and property management fees.

Students: You may still need to lodge if you work part-time or receive government support.

💸 Understanding PAYG Withholding & Instalments

PAYG withholding is the tax your employer takes out of your pay.
PAYG instalments apply if you're self-employed or earning investment income—you pay tax in advance throughout the year.

🛠 Amending or Fixing a Return

Made a mistake? Don’t panic. You can:

Request an amendment online through ATO Online
Speak to your tax agent to fix it properly
Contact the ATO with supporting documents

📍 Based in Sydney? Let Adenix Handle It

We’ve helped thousands of individuals and small businesses lodge accurate, maximised tax returns—stress-free. We’re based in Rockdale and service clients across Sydney and beyond.

📞 Ready to Lodge?

Let’s get your refund sorted.👉 Book your FREE consultation. Call us at 02/9599-1674

Want a Free Deduction Checklist?

We’ll send you our “Ultimate 2025 Tax Deduction Checklist” so you don’t miss a single claim.👉 Download now – free

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Do I need receipts to claim?	Yes. Keep digital or paper receipts for 5 years.
Is my accountant’s fee deductible?	Yes, if used for preparing your tax return.
Can I switch accountants?	Absolutely. We handle the transfer and contact the ATO on your behalf.