Avoid These 6 Tax Return Mistakes in 2025 – Don’t Let the ATO Bite

Let’s be real — tax isn’t fun, but stuffing it up is worse.

Every year the ATO dishes out warnings (and sometimes fines) because thousands of taxpayers hit the wrong button, guess a deduction, or forget something important.

So here’s your cheat sheet: the top six tax traps to avoid in 2025.

1. Guessing Your Deductions

“No receipt? No worries.”
WRONG.

If you’re just winging it with your claims, you’re practically inviting the ATO to come knocking.
Claim what you actually spent — and what you can prove.

???? Use Deduction Grabber to keep your receipts sorted all year long: [www.gotax.com.au/deduction-grabber]

2. Forgetting Extra Income

Did a bit of Uber driving? Sold stuff online?
That side hustle counts, and the ATO’s algorithms know it.

If you leave it off, it’s not a cheeky oversight — it’s undeclared income. And that can get ugly.

3. Using Old Personal Info

Moved house? Changed banks? Got a shiny new email?
If your ATO profile doesn’t match your current info, your refund could go wandering off into the digital abyss.

Double-check everything before you hit ‘Submit.’

4. Lodging Too Early

We get it. You’re keen to get your money back.
But lodge before your income is fully reported, and you’re asking for a hold-up.

Prefill data can take until mid-July. If you beat it to the punch, don’t be surprised if the ATO hits pause.

5. Claiming Stuff You’re Not Entitled To

If it’s not work-related, not necessary, or not properly documented — don’t claim it.

Yes, even if your mate at the pub reckons it’s “fine.”
The ATO doesn’t accept pub logic.

6. Not Asking for Help

This one stings — because it's so avoidable.

If you're confused, just ask us. Live chat, email, carrier pigeon (okay, maybe not that one). We’re here to make your tax return smarter, not harder.

Don’t let simple mistakes mess up your tax return.
Do it with GoTax and get it right from the start.
Start now at www.gotax.com.au/start

FAQs

Q: What happens if I make a mistake?
A: If it's picked up, the ATO might adjust your return — or flag you for a review. Either way, it's a pain.

Q: Can GoTax help fix it?
A: Yep. If something's gone sideways, we can submit an amendment. But better to avoid the drama and do it right first go.

Q: Is it okay to estimate deductions?
A: Nope. You need proof. That’s why the Deduction Grabber exists — it saves your bacon come tax time.

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