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Guide · Australia · Published 2026-10-11

How to file your income tax return in Australia

Filing your income tax return in Australia: who must file, the tax year and deadline, what documents you need, and what happens if you are late.

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Who must file

Everyone whose income is above the tax-free threshold ($18,200) or who had tax withheld; sole traders report business income on the same return.

Tax year and deadline

Tax year 1 July to 30 June; lodge by 31 October, or later through a registered tax agent.

Filing step by step

  1. Sign in to myGov linked to the ATO from late July, when income data is pre-filled.
  2. Check the pre-filled income and add business income and deductions.
  3. Lodge through myTax; refunds usually arrive within two weeks.

Sources

How this guide was made

Written from published tax-authority guidance and reviewed on 2026-10-11. Everything here is indicative rather than a ruling on your circumstances, and rules change. Confirm anything you rely on with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) before acting on it, and tell us if you find something out of date so we can correct it.

This guide explains the rules in general terms and is not tax advice for your circumstances. Confirm your position with a qualified adviser or with Australian Taxation Office (ATO).