The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has announced that it’s an excellent time for many Australians to lodge their tax returns. Taxpayers with uncomplicated financial situations will find their details pre-filled in their MyGov accounts. As we are now past 24 days into the 2025/26 financial year, income statements are flagged as “tax ready.”
According to Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson, the ATO has pre-filled over 91 million pieces of information from various sources, including banks, employers, and government bodies, for individual tax returns. Typically, information such as wages and interest becomes available around mid-July, but this year, taxpayers can access these details earlier.
Thomson encouraged those lodging returns—either individually through myTax or with the help of a registered tax agent—to act now, as pre-filling is already in effect. However, he reminded taxpayers to include all income sources, even from side jobs, and to verify the pre-filled data for accuracy, adding any missing information as necessary. The ATO also provides industry-specific guides to help taxpayers understand what claims they can make and the required documentation.
Most tax refunds are processed within two weeks, and taxpayers have until October 31 to lodge their returns or register with a tax agent. Additionally, the ATO has implemented new features in its app to enhance security against fraud. The app now offers real-time notifications for any changes to tax records and allows users to lock their accounts in case of suspicious activity.
Experts suggest that for those expecting a tax refund, the period between mid-July and mid-August tends to be ideal for lodging returns. For individuals who only earn salary or interest, waiting and filing in August may also be a prudent approach. Conversely, those with more complex financial situations or potential tax bills might consider postponing their lodgements until closer to the October deadline to prepare financially.
It’s essential to note that the information discussed is general and does not constitute personal financial advice. Taxpayers should consider their unique circumstances before taking action.