ato / financial-support
ATO tax return first steps
Prepare for an Australian tax return with a plain-English list of records, official links and safe next steps.
- ato
- financial-support
- national
- budget
ato
Tax time is less stressful when records are sorted before lodging. The ATO should be the source for rules, deadlines and deductions.
Safety and advice boundary
This is general navigation support only. It is not legal, financial, medical, eligibility, migration or crisis counselling advice. It cannot confirm your eligibility for any service. If someone is in immediate danger in Australia, call 000.
Plain-English answer
Tax time is less stressful when records are sorted before lodging. The ATO should be the source for rules, deadlines and deductions.
Who this helps
People preparing a tax return for the first time, after a job change, or after a messy year of income and expenses.
What to do next
- 1Collect income statements, bank interest, private health and work expense records.
- 2Read ATO guidance before claiming deductions.
- 3Ask a registered tax professional if your situation is complex.
Check before you act
CivicAid can organise questions, but it cannot provide tax advice or confirm deductions.
Official sources
- Australian Taxation Office - individuals and families
Official tax information for individuals and families.
- Australian Taxation Office - deductions
Official guidance on deductions people may be able to claim.