Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. To prepare for tax season in Australia, gather your documents early, understand your eligible deductions, and choose the best method to lodge your return. With a bit of organisation, you can save time, reduce errors, and maximise your refund.
At TaxReturn.com.au, we help thousands of Australians lodge their returns quickly and accurately using our simple online system. From free checklists to refund calculators, we’ve got the tools to make tax time easier.
Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to prepare for tax season and lodge with confidence.
Get Organised Early — What to Prepare Before Tax Time
Organising Your Documents for Tax Season
The first step in preparing for tax season is getting your paperwork in order. Having all the right documents on hand helps you lodge faster and avoid missing out on deductions.
Be sure to gather:
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Income records
PAYG payment summaries, bank interest, investment income, Centrelink statements -
Expense receipts
Work-related expenses, home office costs, car and travel expenses, uniforms -
Other important items
Private health cover details, rental property statements, donation receipts, capital gains documents
Not sure what you need? Download a detailed tax return checklist to help you keep track. These checklists are designed to cover a wide range of occupations and income sources, making prep simpler for everyone.
Save Time with a Tax Checklist
A well-organised checklist not only speeds up the process but ensures you don’t forget any claimable expenses. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce stress and avoid delays.
Our tax tools include free, printable checklists that make it easy to tick off what you’ve collected—so you can move straight to lodging without second-guessing.
Know What You Can (and Can’t) Claim
Common Tax Deductions You Might Be Missing
To properly prepare for tax season, it’s essential to know what deductions you’re entitled to. Many people miss out on legitimate claims simply because they’re unaware of what qualifies.
Check if you’re eligible to claim:
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Work-related expenses: Tools, uniforms, memberships, training or certification directly related to your job
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Home office deductions: A portion of your utilities, internet, and work-related equipment
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Vehicle and travel costs: Work-related travel (excluding commuting), including fuel and maintenance
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Occupation-specific claims: Teachers, tradies, hospitality workers, and others may have unique eligible deductions
To help identify what applies to you, browse our claimable expenses page or explore our industry-specific guides for detailed breakdowns tailored to your job.
When You Don’t Have a Receipt
You may still be able to claim certain deductions without a receipt. The ATO allows claims up to $300 without written evidence, as long as they’re reasonable and related to your income.
You can use:
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Bank or credit card statements
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Digital invoices or confirmation emails
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Written records or calendar entries
Read more in our guide on what you can claim without a receipt to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Choose the Right Lodgement Method
Lodging Your Tax Return — DIY or Tax Agent?
With your documents and deductions ready, it’s time to choose how to lodge. Australians typically choose between:
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myGov: Best for those with very simple tax affairs, though it offers limited guidance and requires manual entry.
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Tax agent: Suitable for complex cases but often involves delays, higher costs, and in-person meetings.
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Online tax service: A fast, flexible alternative—ideal for busy individuals who want to lodge accurately with support.
With TaxReturn.com.au, you can lodge completely online in minutes. Our guided platform helps identify deductions, checks for errors, and makes the process hassle-free—without needing appointments or phone calls.
Why More Australians Are Lodging Online
More people are turning to online tax services for convenience and confidence. Benefits include:
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Fast refunds and real-time progress tracking
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Mobile-friendly interface for lodgement on the go
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Automated checks to reduce mistakes
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Transparent, fixed pricing—no surprises
Whether you’re a first-time lodger or a returning client, TaxReturn.com.au makes it easy to get it right the first time.
How to Prepare for Tax Season with Less Stress
Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference
A few smart habits can make a major difference during tax season:
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Start early: Don’t wait until October—begin collecting your documents as soon as the financial year ends.
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Use a digital folder: Keep your receipts, statements, and invoices in one place throughout the year.
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Set reminders: Add calendar alerts for important dates like lodgement deadlines and income reporting.
Preparing in advance means less panic, fewer errors, and a better refund outcome.
Tools That Can Help You Get It Done
TaxReturn.com.au offers free tools to help you lodge with confidence:
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Tax Return Calculator: Quickly estimate your refund.
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Income Tax Calculator: Calculate your total tax payable or refundable.
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Tax Checklists: Stay on track with exactly what to prepare.
Ready to get started?
Lodge your tax return online with TaxReturn.com.au—fast, accurate, and built for everyday Australians.
*General Advice Warning – “Any financial advice provided by TaxReturn.com.au is general in nature and is not personal financial advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of it regarding your own objectives, financial situation and needs.”
