In today’s fast-paced digital world, preparing and filing your tax return has never been easier. As a tax agent, I encourage clients to take advantage of digital solutions to streamline the process. Not only does it save time, but it also enhances accuracy and security. Here’s what you need to know about the information required for your tax return and how you can provide it digitally.

1. Essential Information for Your Tax Return

Personal Identification

  • Tax File Number (TFN): Your unique identifier for tax purposes.
  • Personal Details: Full name, address, date of birth, and contact information.

Income Documentation

  • Income Statements: From employers, including salary and wages, PAYG summaries.
  • Government Payments: Details of any payments from government agencies.
  • Investment Income: Bank statements for interest, dividend statements, and rental property income records.

Deduction Records

  • Work-Related Expenses: Receipts for uniforms, home office costs, professional development, etc.
  • Charity Donations: Receipts for charitable contributions.

Other Relevant Information

  • Health Insurance Statement: For private health insurance details.
  • Superannuation Information: Records of any personal contributions.
  • Previous Year’s Notice of Assessment: Useful for reference and verification.

2. Digital Submission: The Preferred Method

  • Secure Online Portals: Many tax agents, including myself, offer secure online portals where clients can upload their documents. This method is fast, secure, and eliminates the need for physical paperwork.
  • Cloud Storage Services: Clients can also use cloud storage services to share documents securely with their tax agent.

3. Advantages of Digital Submission

  • Efficiency: Digital submission significantly speeds up the process of gathering and submitting tax information.
  • Accuracy: Electronic records minimise the risk of errors that can occur with manual entry.
  • Security: Digital channels often have robust security measures in place to protect sensitive information.
  • Environmental Impact: Reduces the need for paper, contributing to environmental sustainability.

4. Preparing Digital Records

  • Scanning Physical Documents: Use a scanner or scanning app on your smartphone to digitise physical documents.
  • Organising Files: Organise your digital documents clearly, labeling them appropriately for easy identification.

5. The Role of Accounting Software

  • Integration with Tax Systems: Modern accounting software can integrate seamlessly with tax systems, allowing for direct data transfer, further streamlining the process.
  • Real-Time Data Access: Provides both the taxpayer and tax agent with real-time access to financial data, ensuring up-to-date information for the tax return.

6. Staying Informed Digitally


Embracing digital methods for preparing and submitting your tax return can make a significant difference in efficiency, accuracy, and security. As your tax agent, I’m committed to offering digital solutions that simplify the tax filing process. Preparing your information digitally not only streamlines your tax return but also aligns with modern, eco-friendly practices. Get in touch to learn more about how we can transform your tax return experience into a seamless digital process.