What Evidence Do You Need for Your Tax Return in Australia?

Filing a tax return requires proper documentation to support your income, deductions, and tax offsets. Keeping the right records helps you comply with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and claim all eligible deductions.

1. Income Records

  • PAYG Payment Summary: Shows salary and tax withheld (provided by your employer).
  • Bank Statements: Interest earned from savings.
  • Rental Income Statements: Property earnings and expenses.
  • Investment Income: Dividend statements and capital gains records.
  • Government Payments: Centrelink or other benefit statements.
  • Business Income: Sales records, invoices, and financial statements.
  • Foreign Income: Documents of overseas earnings (if applicable).

2. Work-Related Deductions

To claim work expenses, keep receipts for:

  • Uniforms & Protective Gear: Purchase and maintenance costs.
  • Work-Related Travel: Fuel, transport, and logbooks.
  • Home Office Costs: Internet, electricity, and equipment.
  • Education & Training: Course fees and textbooks.
  • Union Fees & Memberships: Professional association fees.

3. Investment & Asset Records

  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Documents: Purchase and sale records for property, shares, etc.
  • Dividend Statements: Proof of earnings from shares.
  • Investment Property Expenses: Mortgage interest, rates, insurance, and depreciation reports.

4. Superannuation Contributions

  • Salary Sacrificed Contributions: Employer records of extra super payments.
  • Personal Super Contributions: Receipts for voluntary after-tax contributions.

5. Charitable Donations

  • Donation Receipts: For registered charities (must be over $2).

6. Medical & Insurance Records

  • Private Health Insurance Statement: Premium payments and rebate eligibility.
  • Medical Expense Receipts: If applicable for tax offsets.

7. Business Records (if applicable)

  • Invoices & Receipts: Proof of business expenses.
  • BAS & GST Records: If GST registered.
  • Payroll Records: PAYG withholding details if employing staff.

8. Other Deductible Expenses

  • Income Protection Insurance Premiums
  • Loan & Interest Records
  • Tax Agent Fees

9. Keeping Records

The ATO requires records to be kept for five years. Digital copies help prevent loss and ensure compliance.

10. Professional Advice

A tax agent or accountant can ensure proper documentation and help you maximise deductions while staying compliant.

Keeping these records makes filing your tax return easier and ensures you claim what you’re entitled to.

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