When you’re working in Australia, you may need to complete a tax return. This is part of your responsibilities while living and working here, and it’s important to understand what it is and how to do it correctly.
What is a tax return?
A tax return is a way of telling the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) how much money you earned during the financial year, which runs from 1 July to 30 June each year.
The ATO will have taken tax out of your pay through the year. When you complete your tax return, you may get some of that back – or you may find you owe some extra tax to the government. It depends on how much you earned and how much tax was taken from your pay.
Who needs to do a tax return?
Not everyone needs to do a tax return. Here’s how to know if you do:
- YES – You need to lodge a tax return if you are working in Australia on a long-term visa (usually more than 6 months).
- NO – You don’t need to lodge a tax return if you are here on a short-stream visa (usually less than 6 months).
If you’re not sure what type of visa you are on, please contact the Agri Labour Australia team and we can help.
How to lodge your tax return
There are two ways you can lodge your tax return:
- Do it yourself on the ATO website using myTax
You’ll need to set up a myGov account and link it to the ATO. - Use a registered tax agent
Tax agents are people who you can pay to do your tax return for you. It can make the process easier – especially if English is not your first language.
If you’re not confident using the online system or understanding tax rules, a registered tax agent can help make sure everything is correct.
When do I need to do it?
You must lodge your tax return by 31 October each year, unless you’re using a registered tax agent who may be able to lodge later. It’s a good idea to start early, so you have plenty of time to ask questions or get help if you need it.
Helpful resources
- ATO video guide to tax returns
Watch this video to learn more: https://tv.ato.gov.au/media/bi9or7org5ifkj - PALM Scheme tax return info:
https://www.palmscheme.gov.au/resources/lodging-tax-return
Need help?
Agri Labour Australia is here to support you. If you’re not sure how to do your tax return, which documents you need or who to contact, just reach out to our team. We’re happy to help you understand the process and make sure everything is done correctly.
