To lodge your tax return, you need the following information:

• bank account details (BSB and account number)
• income statement or payment summaries from all of your employers
• payment summaries from Centrelink (Services Australia)
• receipts or statements for the expenses you are claiming as deductions
• your spouse’s income (if you have one)
• private health insurance information (if you have coverage)

If you are using a registered tax agent, all they should need to complete your tax return is:

• your PAYG form
• a copy of your ID
• your TFN number and
• a signed letter of engagement.

Due dates for your tax return

If you’re lodging your tax return yourself, you must lodge it by 31 October each year. If 31 October falls on a weekend, the due date to lodge your tax return is the next business day after 31 October.

If you choose to use the services of a registered tax agent, they will generally have special lodgment schedules and can lodge returns for clients later than 31 October. If you are using a registered tax agent, you need to engage them before 31 October.

If you’re having difficulties meeting your tax obligations or are unable to lodge by 31 October, contact the ATO as soon as possible.

If you lodge your own tax return and it results in a tax bill, payment is due by 21 November.

How do I claim tax back from Australia?

You can apply for your refund for free online on the ATO website. However, it can be confusing! We recommend using a Tax Agent if you feel you need some help.

What happens if I don’t do my tax return in Australia?

All Australians who earn above the $18,200 tax-free threshold are required by law to file a tax return. Failure to do so can lead to penalties and fines, so it is advisable to file on time and compliantly.

Paying the ATO from overseas (NZ)

Paying the Australian Taxation Office from overseas just got easier through OFX. What does this mean for you?

Any payment you make via OFX to the ATO will be directly reconciled with your unique “PRN” (Payment Reference Number). You no longer have to transfer money back to your Australian bank account or pay with your credit card, meaning you can say goodbye to unnecessary FX fees and hello to competitive exchange rates. You can make payments in over 20 currencies.

How does this work?

• Helping individuals – if you’re new to OFX you can register here or log in to OFX using this link. “ATO” will be added as a recipient within your OFX account. Then you’re ready to go.
• Helping small and medium businesses – paying capital gains tax, GST, or company taxes? Here’s what you need to do. If you’re new to OFX, you can register here, or if you’re an existing OFX Customer, you need to call OFX, and they’ll get the “ATO” set up as a recipient within your OFX account. Then you’re ready to go.
• Once the ATO has set up on your account, simply –
  1. Select your currency and enter your payment amount
  2. Enter your PRN (Payment Reference Number); you can find it on your ATO statement
  3. Send your funds to OFX

  OFX will do the rest and fast, and we’ll confirm your payment directly with the ATO.

Read more about OFX and paying the ATO through them here.

You might also be interested in…

The below posts might interest you:

• Australian Tax
• Everything Money
• Buying a house in Australia

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