Simple tax returns require good records and getting your work in on time.

1. Organise Your Documents Early

  • Organise Your Documents Early: Start gathering your financial documents well before the tax filing deadline. This includes your income statements (such as from employment, investments, and other sources), receipts for deductible expenses, and records of tax credits or deductions you’re eligible for.

2. Understand Your Tax Obligations

  • Understand Your Tax Obligations: Familiarise yourself with the basics of tax law that apply to your situation. This doesn’t mean becoming an expert but having a general understanding of the income thresholds, deduction criteria, and tax credits that can affect your return.

3. Use the ATO’s Online Services

  • Use the ATO’s Online Services: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) offers online tools and resources that make it easier to file your tax return. The ATO’s myTax platform, for instance, pre-fills much of your income information, simplifying the process. This makes for simple tax returns.

4. Know What Deductions You Can Claim

  • Know What Deductions You Can Claim: Common deductions include work-related expenses, charitable donations, and the cost of managing your tax affairs. Ensure you understand what deductions you’re entitled to claim to reduce your taxable income, achieving a simple tax returns.

5. Double-Check Your Return

  • Double-Check Your Return: Before submitting, review your tax return carefully. Ensure all income is reported and that you’ve claimed all the deductions and credits you’re entitled to. Mistakes can delay processing or result in ATO queries.

6. Seek Help If Needed

  • Seek Help If Needed: If you’re unsure about something, the ATO website is a great resource. For more complex situations, consider seeking advice from a tax professional or using a tax preparation service.

 Why You May Be Able to Do It Yourself

1. Simplified Online Processes

  • Simplified Online Processes: The ATO’s myTax platform is designed for taxpayers to easily file their returns online. Its intuitive interface and pre-filling capabilities remove much of the complexity from the tax filing process. Resulting in simple tax returns.

2. Cost Savings

  • Cost Savings: Professional tax preparation services can be costly. By filing the return yourself, especially if you have a straightforward financial situation, you can save on these expenses.

3. Empowerment Through Understanding

  • Empowerment Through Understanding: Taking charge of your tax return can demystify the tax process and give you a clearer picture of your financial health. Understanding where your money goes and how tax laws apply to you can lead to more informed financial decisions throughout the year.

4. Quick and Convenient

  • Quick and Convenient: Filing online through myTax is quick, and you can do it at a time that suits you. The system is available 24/7 during the tax season, allowing you to file your return without having to schedule an appointment with a tax agent.

5. Faster Refunds

  • Faster Refunds: When you file online using myTax, your return is processed more quickly than paper returns, meaning any refund owed to you will be in your bank account sooner.


In summary, taking a proactive approach to your tax return can not only save you money but also enhance your understanding of personal finance, empowering you to make better financial decisions in the future.