Tax Virgins
First Time Doing Your Income Tax Return?
Relax, rookie — We've got you.
If this is your first time doing a tax return, don’t stress. GoTax makes it simple. Learn how tax refunds and tax deductions work, and finalise your online tax return for free if you’re under 21. No jargon. No guesswork. Just the help you wish your high school teacher gave you.
4 Common Questions from First-Timers
Q1: Do I even need to do a tax return?
If you earned money and had tax taken out of your pay — then yes, you need to do one. Even if it’s just part-time work or casual shifts at Macca’s.
Q2: Is it true my first tax return is free?
With GoTax? Absolutely. If you’re under 21 and doing your very first tax return, we’ll do it for $0. No tricks. No sneaky add-ons. Just solid tax advice and a helping hand.
Q3: What is a tax refund?
It’s the money you get back if you’ve paid too much tax. Maybe you didn’t earn enough for the year, or you had work-related expenses — either way, we help you get back every dollar you’re owed.
Q4: What are tax deductions?
Tax deductions are costs you paid to do your job — like uniforms, tools, or even travel. If the ATO says it’s claimable and you’ve got proof, it reduces your taxable income... and boosts your refund.
Common Mistakes First-Timers Make
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Assuming you don’t have to lodge just because you didn’t earn much. Always check — there might be a sneaky refund waiting for you.
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Missing bank interest or other income (Yes, the ATO knows about your savings account).
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Guessing deductions. You can’t just “feel” your way to a refund. No receipts = no claim.
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Thinking your mate’s advice is gospel. Unless your mate’s name is Derek and he’s a registered tax agent, maybe don’t rely on his hot tips.
Missed Tax Deduction Opportunities
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Uniforms or work gear — especially if it has your employer’s logo.
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Course-related costs — if you're studying and working in a related field (e.g. childcare, hospitality, retail), you may be able to claim expenses like books, travel, or equipment.
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Mobile phone — used it to call your boss or check rosters? That’s partially deductible.
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Tax agent fees — once you’ve paid us, you can claim us. We’re a refund you can count on.
Why Use GoTax?
Because we’re not just here to help you “lodge” a tax return — we’re here to educate, empower, and get you a better refund (with minimal effort and maximum good vibes).
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✅ Your first tax return is FREE if you’re under 21
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✅ Fast, simple online system (even your Nan could do it)
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✅ AI tools and real humans (a rare combo these days)
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✅ No upselling, no nonsense
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✅ Got questions? Derek answers them — without the judgment
And once you're on the refund rollercoaster, you’ll never want to go back to that dry, confusing government stuff again.
A Simple Breakdown (Tax 101)
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You earn income.
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Your boss withholds some tax and sends it to the government.
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At the end of the financial year (1 July to 30 June), you add up all your income and all your tax.
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If you paid too much? You get a tax refund.
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If you had deductible expenses? You get a bigger refund.
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If you messed it up? Derek helps fix it.
Final Word
Welcome to adulthood — where tax time is a yearly thing and not doing it properly can cost you real money. But don’t worry. With GoTax, you’re not just doing a tax return — you’re levelling up.
And remember, your first one’s free. That’s a refund win before you’ve even started.
Finalise your first tax return now:
www.gotax.com.au/first-tax-return
Hope that helps, we have more great knowledge and tips in our special First Timer blogs:
And remember if it’s your first time doing a tax return it is FREE with us.
