How to Do Your Own Tax Return in Australia (myTax Step-by-Step)
Quick answer
To do your own tax return in Australia, sign in to myGov, open the ATO and start your 2026 return in myTax. Check the pre-filled income, add any missing income and deductions, review your estimate and submit. If you lodge yourself, your 2025–26 return is due by 31 October 2026. That date is a Saturday, so you can lodge on Monday 2 November.
Most people with straightforward tax affairs can lodge their own return online in under an hour, for free. Here’s how to do your own tax return in Australia, from setting up myGov to getting your refund.
Before you start
- A myGov account linked to the ATO
- Your bank account details for your refund
- Records of income the ATO may not have, such as cash jobs, side income or crypto sales
- Receipts for any deductions you’ll claim
- Your private health insurance details (usually pre-filled)
- If you’re a sole trader: your business income and expense totals
For the full list, see what documents you need for your tax return.
Step-by-step: lodging with myTax
1. Sign in and start your return
Sign in to my.gov.au, select the ATO from your linked services, then go to Tax › Lodgments › Income tax and choose to prepare your 2026 return.
2. Personalise your return
Tick the boxes that apply to you, such as salary and wages, interest, deductions, or business income if you’re a sole trader. This decides which sections myTax shows you.
3. Check the pre-filled information
The ATO pre-fills information from employers, banks, health funds and government agencies. Most of it is available by late July, but check each figure against your own records. Pre-fill is a starting point, not a guarantee.
4. Add missing income
Add any income that isn’t pre-filled, such as cash work, foreign income or capital gains. Sole traders enter business income and expenses in the business section.
5. Claim your deductions
Enter work-related or business expenses you have records for. Sole traders should read sole trader tax deductions first.
6. Review, declare and submit
Check the tax estimate, read the summary, tick the declaration and submit. You’ll get a receipt number on screen.
7. Get your refund or pay what you owe
Most refunds for online returns arrive within about two weeks. If you owe tax, your notice of assessment shows the due date. For people who lodge their own return, it’s usually 21 November.
Key dates for 2025–26 returns
| What | Date |
|---|---|
| Income year | 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026 |
| Self-lodgement deadline | 31 October 2026 (lodge by Monday 2 November) |
| Using a registered tax agent | Later dates, if you’re on their books before 31 October |
Tip: Running out of time? Contact a registered tax agent before 31 October. Once you’re on their client list, you’ll usually get a later lodgement date.
Should you do it yourself or use a tax agent?
| DIY with myTax suits you if… | A tax agent is worth it if… |
|---|---|
| You only have wages and bank interest | You run a business or are a sole trader with many expenses |
| Your deductions are simple | You sold shares, crypto or property |
| Most of your income is pre-filled | You have rental properties or foreign income |
| You’re confident checking the figures | You’ve missed past returns or owe the ATO |
Tax agent fees are tax deductible in next year’s return. If your income is around $70,000 or less and your affairs are simple, the ATO’s free Tax Help program can also help. It doesn’t cover sole traders or business income.
Rather have it done for you?
Our registered tax agent partner prepares and lodges individual and sole trader returns, so you don’t miss a deduction.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to lodge my tax return online?
Yes. Lodging through myTax in myGov is free.
How long does a tax return take to process?
Most online returns are processed and refunds paid within about two weeks, although some take longer if the ATO needs to check details.
Can I lodge before pre-fill is complete?
You can, but it’s better to wait until late July so employer and bank information is pre-filled. Lodging too early can lead to mistakes and amendments.
What if I made a mistake on my return?
You can amend your return online in myTax after it’s processed. Fix mistakes as soon as you notice them.
This article is general information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check ato.gov.au or speak with a registered tax agent about your situation.
