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Frequently Asked Questions About GoTax Online Tax Returns

Got a few tax questions rattling around your head? You’re in the right place. This page covers the most common things Aussies ask when doing their return online — with simple, no-nonsense answers and a system built to make tax easy, quick, and fully secure.

Is GoTax right for me?

Of course it is.  GoTax is Australia's easiest tax return online service.

GoTax is more than just an online tax return service. We are a team of qualified and experienced tax professionals who are passionate about helping you get the most out of your taxes.

  1. We understand that lodging your tax return online can be confusing and stressful. That's why we make it simple and easy for you to complete your tax return online with GoTax.
  2. We also know that you want to maximise your refund and minimise your tax liability. That's why we help you claim all your deductions and offsets, and advise you on the best tax strategies for your situation.
  3. Whether you have a simple or complex tax return, whether you are an individual or a sole trader, whether you have income from Australia or overseas, we can help you lodge your tax return online with GoTax.
  4. We are not just an online service. We are also a human service. We are always here to support you and answer any questions you may have along the way. You can contact us by phone, email or chat anytime.
  5. We are also a trusted and reliable service. We are registered with the ATO as a tax agent and we comply with all the tax laws and regulations. We also use the latest encryption technology to protect your personal information and data.
  6. With GoTax, you can lodge your tax return online with confidence and peace of mind. You can enjoy the convenience, speed and security of our online service, and get your refund faster than ever before.

How does GoTax know which questions to ask?

Because we are smart.

Lots and lots and lots and lots of years of doing this makes us pretty shit hot at what we do.  

We've taken all that Brain power added a bit of program code, smothered it with some of that smart stuff and created a smart tax return online experience.

An experience we know you'll enjoy (where you can, after all it is about tax - BORING).

And over all those lots of years I can pretty much say we've touched on just about all the occupations you'll find in this country.

That means your Income Tax Return will not only have the tender loving care that we provide but also comes with a fair dose of SMARTS.

Tax Returns Online, Gotax will make you look smart.

Can I get my Tax Refund immediately?

Using GoTax with your Tax Return Online gives you the quickest path to your refund.

Gotax has direct communications with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that ensures there is no other quicker way to get your tax refund.

The ATO refund pipeline can run from 5 days to 14 days, or longer, if issues appear.

And the ATO advertised refund time is ten working days.

So what do we take away from all this?

You refund will be smooth sailing if there are no errors or issues with your return. 

The GoTax tax return online system is designed to make sure that happens.

No issues with GoTax and your income tax refund will be on time and on estimate.

A BIG NOTE FOR EARLY RETURNS.......

You can complete and lodge your current year's tax return with us before the 1st July each year.  You just need to realise the crank handle that starts the ATO churning process doesn't generally kick in until around the 5th of July. 

 

 

What if I don't have a bank account?

You need a bank account for your refund to process.

If you don't have a bank account then it's a case of "tough luck".  

NO BANK ACCOUNT.... NO REFUND

Can you Trust doing your Tax Return on the Internet?

To even jump through the hoops to get Australian Tax Office approval you must have super dooper security.  

So, we have two factor authentication and AES Encryption and we must engage ISO 27001. 

So that means that lots and lots of effort have gone into protecting all the things about you that may be recorded.  And we don't go selling or giving your details to anyone.

Sit back, relax, take your shoes off your tax online experience will be a safe and secure one.

 

 

What is the Quick Return?

The Quick Tax Return is our way of helping you get your tax return done quick.

The quick tax return is an online tax service that allows you to lodge your tax return in minutes. And all you need to do is enter some personal details and follow a few prompts, GoTax will do the rest for you. 

The quick tax return has many benefits:
- It's fast: You can complete your tax return in as little as 10 minutes and get your refund in as little as 10 days.
- It's easy: You don't need any tax knowledge or experience. GoTax will guide you through every step of the way.
- It's cheap: You only pay $25 for the quick tax return, which is much cheaper than going to an accountant or using other online services.
- It's secure: Your information is protected by encryption and privacy laws. GoTax is a registered tax agent and has completed over 70,000 Income Tax Returns.

The deductions can you claim with the quick tax return....

The quick tax return allows you to claim limited deductions.  These are:
- Laundry expenses
- Dry cleaning expenses
- Uniform costs
- Tax Agents fess

 

It's EASIER than you think!!

If you’ve never done your Income Tax return online before then it can be quite a daunting task.

Tax laws, understanding forms, what tax deductions are valid or even what is really a tax deduction.

You’ve been to a Tax Agent, you hand them a few bits of paper, they then ask what tax deductions do want to claim, they answer with a yes or no, they click away on the keyboard and it’s done. It’s taken them all of 10 min to complete your tax return and they make it look pretty easy.

You’ve phoned up to make an appointment, You’ve driven for 30 minutes to get there and back, you wait for another 20 minutes because they are behind, you see them for 10 minutes, part with $120 and get home and find out you missed MAFS.

Well in our tax online world it’s much, much easier than you think. The Tax agent you just visited was just going through the motions, in effect they were just using a system. And it’s that system that we’ve transferred into the GoTax brain to make your experience smooth, simple and easy.

We’ve done away with the tax forms that are designed to confuse you. We’ve taken out those complex bits of tax law that doesn’t apply to the average individual tax return. We’ve narrowed the focus to what most people need to do to create Australia’s simplest online tax site.

And it comes complete with “normal words” “chat help” “tips” “red alerts” and joke of the day.

Just review our testimonials and you’ll find that pretty close to everyone says, “it’s simple and easy to use”.

Gotax for your tax return online experience.

Forgotten my Password?

If you’ve forgotten your password on www.gotax.com.au, don’t worry. You can easily reset it by following these steps:

  • Go to the login page and click on the “Forgot Password?” link.
  • Enter your GoTax username or TFN and click on the “Reset Your Password” button.
  • You will receive an email with a link to create a new password.
  • Click on the link and enter a new password that is strong and secure.
  • Confirm your new password and click on the “Save” button.
  • You can now log in to your account with your new password.

Forgotten my UserName?

If you’ve forgotten your username on www.gotax.com.au, don’t panic. You can still log in to your account by using your TFN instead of your username. Here’s how:

  • Go to the login page and enter your TFN in the username field.
  • Enter your password and click on the “Log In” button.
  • You will be able to access your account and view or complete your tax returns.
  • If you want to find out your username, you can contact GoTax by email or live chat and they will help you

And if you don't have that, check your last few emails from us, chances are, your UserName will be on that.

How much does a Tax Return cost?

If you want to lodge your tax return online with GoTax, you have different options to choose from depending on your situation and needs. GoTax offers fixed priced individual online tax return packages that suit your budget and preferences. Here are some of the options:

  • If you are a student or a school leaver (21 and under) entering the workforce for the first time, you can lodge your first tax return for FREE with GoTax.
  • If you have limited deductions to claim and want to get your tax return done quickly and easily, you can use the quick and easy service for only $25.
  • If you have more deductions to claim or need more guidance, you can use the one with the lot service for $65.
  • If you have other income sources or expenses, such as rental properties, contractors, Uber or small business, you can use the specific services that start from $99 for rentals and $140 for businesses.

And remember, as registered Tax Agents, our fees are Tax Deductible.

You can find out more about the pricing and services of GoTax on their website: https://www.gotax.com.au/pricing

How long has Gotax Been Around?

GoTax isn’t some fly-by-night online tax gimmick. We’ve been helping Aussies lodge their tax returns for over 30 years — and yep, we’re fully qualified tax agents, chartered accountants, and certified practicing bean counters. With over 70,000 lodged returns and counting, we’ve made tax fast, easy, and cheap for everyone from students to small business legends.

We didn’t just copy the ATO’s forms and whack them online. Nope — GoTax rewrote the rulebook. Our system speaks human, not tax-robot. It targets your occupation, pulls out the deductions that actually apply to you, and gives you plain-English guidance all the way. And if you hit a bump? Our live chat team’s got your back, no jargon required.

We’re always levelling up behind the scenes too. New tax rules? We’ve got them. Security? Locked tight with encryption and Aussie privacy laws. Whether you’re lodging solo, running a business, or somewhere in between, we’ve got a price and a pathway that works for you.

GoTax is hands-down the best online tax service in Australia. We're built to last, built to help, and built to make tax as painless as possible. Try it today — you’ll never go back.

Do I need to send my Income Statements to Gotax?

You don’t need to send your Income Statements (payment summaries) to GoTax because GoTax already has access to them through the Tax Office. Your  income statements are available online through Gotax. GoTax will use your income statements to prefill your tax return and make sure you report your income correctly. This makes GoTax a paperless online tax service that saves you time and hassle.

Are Gotax qualified tax accountants?

GoTax isn’t just some fancy online tax form. Behind the scenes, we’ve got a powerhouse team of qualified tax accountants with over 30 years of cracking on with tax returns for individuals and small businesses. We’re registered tax agents, chartered accountants, and certified practicing number crunchers — and we know every sneaky little rule that could bump up your refund.

We're not just qualified — we're friendly as heck too. We'll walk you through your online return, help sniff out every work-related deduction you’re entitled to, and give it a final check before it zooms off to the ATO. And if you hit a snag? You can chat with us online — no queues, no stress.

Fast. Easy. Cheap. That’s why GoTax is the best online tax service in Australia. And yep — you can absolutely trust us with your tax return. We’ve got your back (and your refund).

Can I lodge my first return with Gotax?

Lodging your first return with GoTax is easy and free. GoTax is an online tax service that helps you lodge your tax return in minutes and get your refund fast. GoTax offers a free service for first-time tax lodgers who are students or school leavers (21 and under) entering the workforce for the first time. All you need to do is:

  • Go to www.gotax.com.au and create an account.
  • Enter your personal details and answer some simple questions.
  • Review and submit your tax return online.

GoTax will prefill your income details from the Tax Office, guide you through your job-specific tax deductions, check your return for accuracy and compliance, and send it to the Tax Office electronically.  Just follow the prompts. You can also chat with GoTax if you have any questions or need any help.

GoTax is the best online tax service in Australia and it is free for first-time tax lodgers. Try it today and see how easy it is to lodge your first return with GoTax.

When can i see my tax refund estimate?

GoTax shows you an accurate estimate (in real time) of your tax refund as you complete your online tax return. You can see the estimate on the top right corner of the screen, just click the refund number to get the details of your tax refund. It will automatically update as you enter more information. You can also review and adjust the estimate before you submit your tax return online.

When is the ATO deadline for Lodgement?

The ATO deadline for lodgement is 31 October each year, unless it falls on a weekend or public holiday, in which case it is the next business day. However, if you use a registered tax agent, such as GoTax, you may have more time to lodge your tax return.

Can I get same day Refunds

Instant tax refunds are a service offered by some tax agents or lenders that give you a portion of your expected tax refund within a day or two of lodging your tax return. However, instant tax refunds are not free and they come with risks and costs.

Instant tax refunds are actually a short-term loan that you have to pay back with interest and fees when you receive your actual tax refund from the ATO. The interest and fees can be very high and reduce your refund significantly. You also have to pay back the loan even if your refund is lower than expected or delayed by the ATO. This can put you in financial stress and debt.

Instant tax refunds are not worth it.  You end up paying more for getting your money sooner. You are better off waiting for your refund to process normally, which usually takes 10 to 14 days with GoTax. GoTax is a fast, easy and cheap online tax service that helps you lodge your tax return and get your refund without any hassle or waste.

Is GoTax a legit online tax service?

You bet. GoTax is Aussie-owned, ATO-registered, and trusted by thousands.
We’re not some backyard side hustle. GoTax has been around for years, helping Australians lodge tax returns without stress. We’re ATO-recognised and every return is reviewed by a real-life registered tax agent before hitting the ATO’s desk. Fast, easy, and legit as they come.

How much does it cost to do my tax with GoTax?

Just $65 for individuals, or $130–$140 if you’ve got an ABN.
That’s it. No sneaky extras. No “per deduction” upcharges. Whether you’re a uni student, FIFO worker, freelancer, or small biz hero, we’ve got one clear price. You get the full online system, live support, and an expert tax agent review — all included.  We even have a $25 QUICK RETURN for those that don't claim much.

How long does it take to finish my tax return online?

Most users knock it over in under 15 minutes.
GoTax is built for speed. Follow the prompts, skip the jargon, and only answer what’s relevant to you. No fluff. No waiting around. If you’ve got your stuff ready, you can lodge before your coffee gets cold.  Even quicker with the speedy QUICK RETURN.

Do I need to know anything about tax to use GoTax?

Nope. We’ve built GoTax for real people, not tax nerds.
The system speaks plain English, walks you through every step, and flags anything you might miss. And Derek’s always hanging around the edges, ready to answer curly questions with a wink and a shortcut.

Do you lodge my tax return directly with the ATO?

Sure do. You click lodge, we do the behind-the-scenes magic.
Once you’re done, our tax agents give your return a quick expert review. Then it’s securely sent to the ATO. You get a confirmation, we keep a copy for your records, and the refund countdown begins.

Can I claim deductions using GoTax?

Absolutely — and we make it easy with our Deduction Grabber.
From uniforms to tools, mobile phones, car use, and even work-from-home costs — we help you pick every deduction you’re entitled to. No digging through tax codes. Just tick, type, and claim.

Is GoTax secure and private?

100%. Your data’s locked up tight and encrypted every step of the way.
We’re ISO-aligned and take security seriously. Your personal info stays in Australia, never gets sold, and only goes where you say. It's safer than your secret snack drawer at work.

Can I go back and edit my tax return before I lodge?

Absolutely. Nothing’s final until you hit that Finalisation button.
You can save your return, come back later, tweak numbers, fix typos, or change your mind — no stress. Your data auto-saves as you go, and it’s all waiting when you return.

Can I do my tax on my phone or tablet?

Too easy. GoTax works great on mobile, tablet, or desktop.
Whether you’re lounging on the couch, waiting for your Uber Eats, or hiding in the breakroom — GoTax is ready. The system adapts to your screen, and all features work perfectly on mobile.

What if I get stuck while doing my tax?

Derek’s got your back — and so do our real-life tax agents.
Our chatbot legend Derek handles most questions on the spot. But if you hit a roadblock, our Aussie support crew is just a click away. No offshore call centres, no hold music, just help when you need it.

How long does it take to get my tax refund?

Once it’s lodged, the ATO usually pays within 2 weeks.
We send it off quick-smart, and most refunds roll in within 10–14 days. But it can take longer if the ATO is doing extra checks or playing snail mail. Can even be quicker with many coming in around 7 days.

What happens after I lodge my tax return?

We review, lodge, and then it’s over to the ATO.
Once you hit “Finalisation,” our tax agents do a fast review, submit it to the ATO, and email you a copy. After that, the ATO processes your return and deposits your refund into your bank account. You just sit back and wait for that sweet money to drop.

What if I made a mistake in my return?

Don’t stress — we can help you fix it.
If you’ve already lodged and spot an error, just reach out to our support team. We’ll walk you through an amendment. Mistakes happen, and we’ve got the tools (and brains) to help clean it up.

Can I lodge a late tax return with GoTax?

Yep. We handle current and past year returns.
If you’ve fallen behind — whether it’s last year or five years ago — GoTax can help you catch up. The process is the same, and we’ll guide you step by step. Better late than never (and better before the ATO starts chasing you).

Can I claim work-from-home expenses?

Yes, you can — and we’ll help you get the numbers right.
You may be able to claim electricity, internet, office equipment, and more. We explain the ATO methods (fixed rate, actual cost, etc.) and help you choose the one that suits you best. Home office = tax perks.

I’m self-employed — can I still use GoTax?

Absolutely. GoTax loves ABN holders.
Whether you’re a tradie, Uber driver, or run your own side hustle, we’ve got a dedicated setup for self-employed users. You can track income, claim deductions, and lodge everything online for just $140.

Can I pay for GoTax with my tax refund?

Yes you can — but our fees are so low, you’ll still come out ahead.
Unlike some mob who take a chunk out of your refund, we keep it clean and upfront. If you pay securely online before lodging, your whole refund lands in your account — no slicing, dicing, or extra delays.

Do I get a copy of my tax return?

Yep. We email you a full PDF version after lodgement.
You’ll get a copy to keep for your records — great for future loan applications or if the ATO comes knocking with questions. It’s also stored in your GoTax account, so you can download it anytime.

Can I cancel my return if I haven’t lodged it yet?

Yes, you’re in control until you hit “Finalisation.”
You can start, stop, edit, or delete your return before it’s submitted. Once it’s lodged, though, you’ll need to file an amendment if you change your mind. Until then, it’s all up to you.  You will not receive a refund if you do not proceed, refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Who is D.e.r.e.k?

Derek is your virtual tax sidekick — clever, cheeky, and built into GoTax.
He’s not just a chatbot — he’s trained on thousands of tax questions and designed to speak human. He’s there to help you get through your return without losing your mind. You’ll love him. (Probably.)

What if I owe the ATO instead of getting a refund?

You’ll still lodge, but you’ll have to pay.
Not all tax returns come with cash back — sometimes the ATO asks you to pay. If that happens, they’ll send a Notice of Assessment with payment details and due dates. Don’t worry, we’ll explain everything and help you avoid late fees.

Can I claim rental property expenses?

Yep — and we’ll guide you through every line.
From mortgage interest to repairs and rates, rental owners can claim a heap. Just enter your property details, and GoTax breaks it all down. We even apportion for part-year ownership or co-owners. It’s real estate made tax-easy.

Can GoTax help with family tax benefits or Centrelink stuff?

We don’t lodge Centrelink forms, but we help with tax info they need.
If Centrelink wants your tax details, we’ve got them. You’ll get your income summary and tax info in your return receipt, ready to upload or share with Centrelink. Too easy.

Do you help with tax for students?

Sure do. If you’ve earned income, you may need to lodge.
Whether it’s casual hospo gigs or summer work, GoTax is perfect for students. It’s cheap ($65), simple, and fast — no tax knowledge required. Plus, we make sure you claim study-related deductions if they apply.

Can I use GoTax if I’m not an Australian citizen?

Yes — if you earned income in Australia, you probably need to lodge.
Backpackers, visa holders, working holidaymakers — GoTax can handle your tax return. We even ask about your residency status so your tax rate and refund are spot on. Just bring your TFN and Aussie income info.

I worked overseas — can I still lodge with GoTax?

Yes, but we only handle Australian income.
If you’ve earned money overseas and in Australia, we can lodge the Aussie part. You may need to declare overseas income too, depending on your residency. Gotax gives you prompts along the way — or reach out if you’re unsure.

 

How do I report interest or dividends?

Interest from your bank or dividends from shares? Too easy. GoTax grabs what the ATO has, and you just confirm it. If something’s missing (like new shares), you can add it manually. It’s all on-screen, no guesswork.

Do you do company tax returns?

Yes we do — and it’s built for small Aussie companies.
If you’ve got a registered company (Pty Ltd), GoTax offers affordable company tax returns in house. No hourly fees, no big bills — just smart, guided lodgement with real, qualified accountants. Head to https://www.gotax.com.au/non-individualhttps://www.gotax.com.au/non-individual to get started.

Can I lodge a tax return for someone who’s passed away?

Deceased estate returns are a bit more complex. GoTax can help, but you’ll need the person’s TFN, a copy of the death certificate, and proof of executor status. Get in touch — we’ll walk you through it step by step.

Can I use GoTax if I’ve got a share portfolio or crypto?

Yep — just declare the income and capital gains.
Sold shares or dipped your toes in crypto? If you made a gain (or loss), you need to report it. GoTax gives you the space to add each one. We don’t need all your trades — just the final numbers. Ask Derek if you’re stuck.

Does GoTax pre-fill my income from the ATO?

Yes, if it’s available, we’ll grab it.
As soon as your employer or bank reports to the ATO, we can prefill your income, interest, dividends, and more. If anything’s missing or looks off, we’ll prompt you to double-check before lodging.

What if my ATO prefill is wrong?

The ATO consider the data they have received as accurate.  If the data is wrong, your best option, is to go to the originating source and advise them, so they can correct it and update the ATO systems.

Is there a GoTax app?

Not yet — but GoTax works perfectly on mobile.
While we don’t have a downloadable app (yet), our website is fully mobile-friendly. Do your return on your phone, tablet, or laptop with no hassle. It’s fast, secure, and works from wherever you are.

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