MyTax

Find out how to access and use the ATO's MyTax for individuals.

What is MyTax?

MyTax is the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) free online tax return system. It allows you to lodge your individual tax return electronically through the ATO website or the ATO app.

MyTax is available for most individual taxpayers with straightforward tax affairs. If you have complex circumstances, you may need to use a registered tax agent or paper forms.

Accessing MyTax

To access MyTax, you need a myGov account linked to the ATO. Follow these steps to set up your MyTax.

Create a myGov account

Go to my.gov.au and create an account if you don't have one. You'll need an email address and mobile number.

Link your ATO account

In your myGov account, select "Link a service" and choose the Australian Taxation Office. You'll need your Tax File Number (TFN) and some identity documents.

Verify your identity

The ATO will ask you questions to verify your identity, such as details from your previous tax return or information from your bank account.

Access MyTax

Once linked, you can access MyTax through your myGov account. Look for "Lodge my tax return" or "Tax" in your services.

Make security a priority

Keep your myGov login details secure. Never share your password or security codes with anyone. The ATO will never ask for your password via email or phone.

When can you lodge?

The tax year in Australia runs from 1 July to 30 June. You can typically lodge your tax return from early July, once:

the tax year has ended (after 30 June)
your income statements are available (usually by mid-July)
your private health insurance statement is available.

The deadline for lodging is usually 31 October, if you're lodging yourself. If you use a tax agent, you may have until May the following year, but you must be registered with them before 31 October.

Pre-filled information

MyTax automatically pre-fills much of your information from data the ATO receives, including:

salary and wages from your employer
interest income from banks
dividend income from shares
private health insurance information
government payments (Centrelink, etc.)
some deductions (like work-related car expenses if you use the logbook method).

Important: Always review pre-filled information carefully. It may be incomplete or incorrect. You're responsible for ensuring all information is accurate.

Filling in your tax return

MyTax guides you through your tax return step by step. Here's what you'll need to complete:

Income

Report all income you received during the financial year, including:

salary and wages
interest from bank accounts
dividends from shares
rental income
capital gains from asset sales
government payments
any other income.

Deductions

Claim deductions for expenses you incurred to earn your income, such as:

work-related expenses (uniforms, tools, training)
car expenses (if used for work)
home office expenses
self-education expenses
charitable donations
tax agent fees.

Three golden rules for deductions

You must have spent the money yourself
The expense must be directly related to earning your income
You must have a record to prove it

Common sections in MyTax

Personal details: your name, address, and contact details (usually pre-filled).

Income: all sources of income. Review pre-filled amounts and add any missing income.

Deductions: work-related and other deductions. You'll need receipts and records.

Offsets and credits: tax offsets you may be entitled to, such as the low and middle income tax offset.

Private Health Insurance: your private health insurance details (usually pre-filled).

Summary: review your return before lodging. Check all figures are correct.

Keeping records

You must keep records to support your tax return. The ATO requires you to keep records for:

5 years for most records
longer if you have capital gains or losses.

Records you should keep:

Payment summaries or income statements
Receipts for deductions
Bank statements
Investment statements
Rental property records
Any other documents related to your income and deductions

Digital records are acceptable. You can take photos of receipts and store them electronically. Self Managed can help you track and store these records.

Lodging your return

Once you've filled in all sections and reviewed your return, you should follow these steps to complete it.

Review your summary

Check all income, deductions, and personal details are correct. Review the tax calculation.

Declare and sign

Read the declaration carefully. By signing, you're declaring the information is true and complete.

Lodge your return

Submit your return electronically. You'll receive a confirmation message.

Wait for assessment

The ATO typically processes returns within 2 weeks. You'll receive a notice of assessment showing your refund or amount owing.

Getting help

If you need help with MyTax, you can use these resources:

ATO Website – Visit ato.gov.au for guides and information
ATO Phone – call 13 28 61 (individuals) or 13 72 86 (Fast Key Code)
ATO Community – ask questions in the ATO Community forum
Tax Agent – consider using a registered tax agent for complex situations

Be cautious of tax refund scams. The ATO will never ask you to pay a fee to receive your refund, or ask for your password or credit card details via email or phone.

Key takeaways

MyTax is the ATO's free online tax return system
You need a myGov account linked to the ATO to access it
Much information is pre-filled, but always review it carefully
Keep records of all income and deductions
Lodge by 31 October if doing it yourself
You're responsible for the accuracy of your return

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