Your First Tax Return? Here’s a Step-by-Step Checklist Before 30 June

Published: Sept 2025 Gotax Publishing

If you’ve just started working, finished your first year as a freelancer, or picked up casual shifts, you might be staring down your first tax return—and wondering what on earth to do. The good news? Lodging your tax return online is easier than ever, especially with Gotax.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know before 30 June, including what documents to gather, what the ATO expects, and how to avoid rookie mistakes. Whether you’re going for a Quick Return ($25) or a Full Tax Return ($65), this checklist will help you lodge fast and lodge right.

Who Needs to Lodge a Tax Return?

If you earned income during the financial year (1 July to 30 June), chances are you need to lodge. This includes:

• Full-time, part-time, and casual employees
• Freelancers and sole traders
• Gig workers and online earners
• Students with part-time jobs
• Anyone who received government payments or allowances

Even if your income was below the tax-free threshold, you may still need to lodge to claim a refund or report deductions. If you’re unsure, Gotax can help you check your lodgement requirement in minutes.

What You’ll Need Before You Lodge

Here’s your EOFY prep list. Tick these off before you start your online tax return:

• PAYG Payment Summary or Income Statement (from your employer)
• Bank interest earned
• Centrelink payments (if applicable)
• Private health insurance details
• Work-related expenses (uniforms, tools, travel, etc.)
• Receipts for deductions
• ABN and GST info (if you’re self-employed)

If you’re a freelancer or small business owner, check out our Freelancer Tax Returns and Small Business Tax Returns pages for tailored advice.

Common Mistakes First-Timers Make

1. Forgetting to declare all income

The ATO gets data from employers, banks, and platforms like Uber and Airtasker. If you leave something out, they’ll know.

2. Claiming deductions without receipts

You can’t just guess. Keep records or use Gotax’s deduction tools to stay compliant.

3. Lodging late

The deadline is 31 October. Miss it and you risk penalties. Gotax sends reminders so you don’t forget.

4. Choosing the wrong tax service

Some platforms overcomplicate things. Gotax offers Fast Online Tax Returns with two simple options:

• Quick Return ($25) – for basic income and deductions
• Full Tax Return ($65) – for more complex returns, including ABN, GST, and multiple income sources

How to Lodge Online with Gotax

Lodging online is fast, secure, and built for Aussies. Here’s how:

1. Go to www.gotax.com.au
2. Choose Quick Return or Full Tax Return
3. Answer a few simple questions
4. Upload your documents (if needed)
5. Submit and relax—Derek’s got it from here

Gotax is built for speed, simplicity, and maximum refunds. And if you need help, our support team is just a click away.

EOFY Deadlines and What Happens If You Miss Them

The standard deadline for lodging your tax return is 31 October. If you lodge through a registered tax agent like Gotax, you may get an extension—but only if you’re registered before the deadline.

Miss the deadline and you could face:

• Late lodgement penalties
• Interest charges
• Delays in receiving your refund

Don’t risk it. Lodge early and avoid the EOFY panic.

Gotax Online Library: Your Tax Return Resource Hub

Need more help? Visit the Gotax Online Library for guides, tips, and updates. It’s packed with resources for first-time lodgers, freelancers, rideshare drivers, and small business owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to lodge a tax return if I only worked casually?

Yes, if you earned income—even part-time or casually—you likely need to lodge.

What if I earned less than $18,200?

You may still need to lodge to claim a refund or report deductions.

Can I lodge without a PAYG summary?

Yes. Most employers report directly to the ATO. Gotax can retrieve your income data.

What deductions can I claim?

Work-related expenses, uniforms, tools, travel, phone, internet, and more—if they relate to earning income.

Do I need an ABN to lodge?

Only if you’re self-employed or running a business. Gotax handles both ABN and non-ABN returns.

What’s the difference between Quick Return and Full Tax Return?

Quick Return ($25) is for basic returns. Full Tax Return ($65) covers complex income, ABN, GST, and more.

Can I lodge on my phone?

Yes. Gotax is mobile-friendly and built for fast online tax returns.

What happens if I lodge late?

You may face penalties or interest. Lodge before 31 October to avoid issues.

Can I claim deductions without receipts?

You need records. Gotax helps you track and store deductions properly.

Is Gotax a registered tax agent?

Yes. We’re fully registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.

How long does it take to get my refund?

Most refunds arrive within 10–14 days after lodgement.

Can I lodge for previous years?

Yes. Gotax supports prior-year tax returns.

What if I made a mistake?

You can amend your return. Gotax helps you fix errors quickly.

Do I need private health insurance to lodge?

No, but if you have it, include the details—it may affect your rebate.

Can I lodge if I’m overseas?

Yes. Gotax is online and accessible anywhere.

What Now?

Ready to lodge your first tax return?
Choose your path:

• Quick Return – $25
• Full Tax Return – $65

Fast, simple, and built for Aussies. Gotax makes online tax returns easy.