A step-by-step guide to lodging your 2025–26 Australian tax return — key dates, what you need, common deductions, and how AWTS can help you get it right.

Tax time comes around every year, but that doesn't mean it gets any less confusing. Between remembering what you can claim, chasing down payment summaries, and trying to figure out whether you're better off lodging yourself or using an agent, it's easy to put your tax return off until the last minute.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to complete and lodge your 2025–26 tax return — the return that covers income you earned between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026. We'll cover the key dates, what's changed this year, what to gather before you start, how to lodge, and the deductions people most commonly miss.

Key dates for the 2025–26 tax return

Missing a deadline is one of the easiest ways to end up with a penalty, so it's worth putting these dates in your calendar now.

• 1 July 2026 — Tax time officially opens, and you can lodge your return. It's usually worth waiting a couple of weeks before you lodge, since employers, banks and health funds have until mid-to-late July to finalise their data with the ATO. Lodging too early can mean your pre-fill information is incomplete, increasing the risk you'll need to amend it later. Please never lodge before 18 July 20XX, any year.
• 31 October 2026 — The deadline to lodge your own tax return if you're not using a registered tax agent. This applies whether you lodge through myTax or on paper.
• 15 May 2027 — You can access the extended deadline if you're registered with a tax agent, such as AWTS, by 31 October 2026. To qualify for this extension, you generally need to be up to date with your previous returns and not have any overdue debts with the ATO or Centrelink.

If you can't lodge by 31 October and you're not signed up with a tax agent, it's worth registering with one before that date — even if your agent doesn't get to your return straight away, being on their client list before the deadline can protect you from late lodgment penalties.

What's new for the 2025–26 tax return

A few things have changed since last year that are worth knowing about before you lodge.

Gifts and donations. The old $2 minimum for claiming a tax-deductible gift has been removed, so donations of any amount to an eligible deductible gift recipient can now be claimed, provided you have the right records.

Interest charges are no longer deductible. General interest charges (GIC) and shortfall interest charges (SIC) that you incur on or after 1 July 2025 can no longer be claimed as a tax deduction.

If you're carrying ATO debt, this makes it more important than ever to pay it down or set up a payment plan. Or refinance it with an external provider, which will be tax-deductible.

Rental property rules have been clarified. The ATO has issued updated guidance on when rental income is assessable and which expenses are deductible, including how to apportion expenses fairly for holiday homes and properties with mixed personal and rental use. If you own an investment property, it's worth reviewing your records against the latest guidance, or better yet, having an agent check it for you. You need to remember the grandfathering rules for existing properties before budget night.

The Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive has ended. This scheme closed on 30 June 2025, so exploration credits can no longer be claimed for the 2025–26 year onwards.

One thing that's not changing this year: the income tax brackets. The next round of tax cuts (a drop in the 16% rate to 15%) doesn't take effect until 1 July 2026, so it will apply to next year's return, not this one.

What you need before you start

Getting your paperwork together before you sit down to lodge will save you a lot of back-and-forth. Have these ready:

• Your tax file number (TFN) and myGov account linked to the ATO.
• Income statements from your employer(s) — most are now sent electronically via Single Touch Payroll and will show as "Tax ready" in myGov, but check every employer you worked for during the year, including short-term or casual roles.
• Bank interest statements and details of any dividend income, managed fund distributions, or crypto asset disposals.
• Government payment summaries, if you received JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, or other Centrelink payments.
• Private health insurance statement, if applicable. Recommended for incomes over $90k for singles.
• Records of work-related expenses — receipts, logbooks, or diary entries for anything you plan to claim.
• Details of any spouse's income, since this affects offsets like the Medicare levy surcharge and some tax offsets.
• Bank account details for your refund.

How to lodge your return

You have three main options.

1. Lodge yourself through myTax. This is the ATO's free online lodgment service, accessed through myGov. Most of your income information — wages, bank interest, private health insurance — will be pre-filled automatically once your employer and financial institutions report it, usually by late July. You then add any deductions, check everything is correct, and submit. Most electronic returns are processed within two weeks.

2. Use a registered tax agent. A tax agent can lodge on your behalf, offer advice on what you're entitled to claim, and give you access to the later 15 May deadline. Only registered agents are legally allowed to charge a fee for preparing and lodging your return, and their fee is generally tax-deductible next year. This is usually the better option if your return is more complex — multiple income sources, an investment property, capital gains, or a business — or if you'd simply rather have a professional check your figures than risk an ATO review later.

3. Lodge a paper return. Still possible, but slower, with refunds typically taking up to 50 business days. Most people avoid this option unless they have a specific reason to use it.

Deductions people often miss

The golden rule for any deduction is that you must have spent the money yourself, it must directly relate to earning your income, and you need a record to prove it. Some commonly overlooked deductions include:

• Working-from-home costs, using either the fixed rate method (which covers electricity, internet, phone and stationery at a set rate per hour) or the actual cost method, provided you keep the right records for whichever method you choose.
• Self-education expenses, where the course directly relates to your current role.
• Income protection insurance premiums, if the policy isn't paid through your super fund.
• Union and professional membership fees.
• Tools, equipment and uniforms specific to your job, including laundering costs for compulsory or protective uniforms.
• Donations to registered charities, now deductible from the first dollar.
• The cost of managing your tax affairs, including any fee you paid a tax agent last year.
• Please download our quote and tax checklist and deductions spreadsheet for the 2026 year here: Tax Checklist

If you're not sure whether something qualifies, it's far safer to ask than to guess — over-claiming is one of the most common triggers for an ATO review.

Mistakes that slow things down or cost you money

A few things consistently trip people up at tax time:

• Lodging before your income statement is finalised, which often means having to amend your return later.
• Forgetting a second job, short-term gig work, or bank interest, all of which the ATO can already see through data-matching, even if you don't declare it.
• Claiming deductions without records. The ATO can (and does) ask for evidence, sometimes years after you've lodged.
• Missing the 31 October deadline without being registered with a tax agent, which can trigger a failure-to-lodge penalty.
• Not declaring capital gains from selling shares, crypto, or an investment property.

Do you need a tax agent?

If your tax situation is simple — one employer, no investments, straightforward deductions — lodging through myTax yourself is often perfectly manageable. But if you've got rental property income, capital gains, multiple income streams, or you're just not confident you're claiming everything you're entitled to, a registered tax agent can make a real difference, both in accuracy and in what ends up in your refund.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss the 31 October deadline? If you're not registered with a tax agent and you lodge late, the ATO can apply a failure-to-lodge penalty, generally charged in 28-day blocks. If you know you're going to be late, the best move is to lodge as soon as you can, or register with a tax agent before the deadline to access the extended date.

Do I still need to lodge if I earned under the tax-free threshold? Possibly. Even if your income was below $18,200, you may still need to lodge a return or receive a non-lodgment advice, particularly if tax was withheld from your pay. It's worth checking rather than assuming you're exempt. If you think you may inherit property overseas, we suggest lodging a tax return so you can qualify for the certificate of residency.

How long does it take to get my refund? Returns lodged online through myTax or a tax agent are usually processed within two weeks. Paper returns can take up to 50 business days.

Can I amend my return after I've lodged it? Yes. If you realise you've left something out or made a mistake, you can request an amendment through myGov or ask your tax agent to do it for you. It's far better to fix it yourself than to wait for the ATO to catch it.

Getting it right the first time

At AWTS, we specialise in making tax returns simple. Whether you've got a straightforward return, a late lodgment to sort out, or something more complex like an investment property or a deceased estate to manage, we'll walk you through exactly what you need and take care of the lodgment for you. Get in touch to book a consultation, online or in person, before the rush hits closer to the October deadline. For all quotes, click here; for just the individual tax checklist, click here; for a business tax checklist, click here

This article is general information only and doesn't take into account your personal circumstances. For advice specific to your situation, speak with a registered tax agent.

AWTS Tax Registered number is 78641007

Please text us for everything else. Please include your email and first name in the sms or WHATSAPP 0488854200

Unlocking Savings:

$500 Electricity Rebate NSW

Introduction

As energy costs continue to rise, finding ways to reduce electricity bills has become a top priority for many households across New South Wales. Fortunately, the state government has introduced a valuable program to help ease the financial burden—the $500 electricity rebate NSW. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore the details of this rebate, explore who's eligible, and provide step-by-step guidance on how to claim it.

What is the $500 Electricity Rebate?

The $500 electricity rebate is a one-time payment offered by the New South Wales government to help eligible households manage the rising cost of electricity. This rebate is part of the state's broader efforts to support residents and provide financial relief during these challenging times.

The $500 rebate is designed as a direct, lump-sum payment that households can use to offset their electricity expenses. It's a straightforward and accessible program that aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with the burden of increasing power bills.

Who is Eligible for the $500 Electricity Rebate?

To be eligible for the $500 electricity rebate, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Residential Electricity Account Holder: The rebate is available to residential electricity account holders in New South Wales. This means the electricity account must be in your name and your primary residence place.
2. Concession Card Holder: You must be the holder of a valid concession card, such as a Pensioner Concession Card, a Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card, or a Commonwealth Pensioners Health Card.
3. Low-Income Threshold: Your household's total annual income must be below a certain threshold, which is currently set at $54,799 for singles and $88,000 for couples or families.

It's important to note that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information on the NSW government's website before applying.

How to Claim the $500 Electricity Rebate NSW

Claiming the $500 electricity rebate NSW is a straightforward process, and there are a few different ways to do it. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Before you begin the application process, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined in the previous section. Double-check your concession card status and household income to ensure you qualify.
2. Gather the Required Documentation: You'll need to provide a few pieces of information to support your application, including:
   • Your electricity account number
   • A copy of your valid concession card
   • Proof of your household's total annual income (e.g., recent tax return, Centrelink statements)
3. Choose Your Application Method: There are a few different ways to apply for the $500 electricity rebate:
   • Online: You can submit your application through the NSW Government's online portal, which is the quickest and most convenient option.
   • By Mail: If you prefer, you can download the application form from the website, fill it out, and send it via post to the specified address.
   • In Person: Some Service NSW centers also accept in-person applications for the electricity rebate.
4. Complete the Application: Regardless of the method you choose, you'll need to fill out the application form with your personal details, electricity account information, and the required supporting documents.
5. Submit Your Application: Once you've gathered all the necessary information, you can submit your application through the online portal, by mail, or in person at a Service NSW center.
6. Wait for Processing and Payment: The NSW government aims to process applications within 4-6 weeks. Once your application is approved, the $500 rebate will be directly credited to your electricity account.

It's important to note that the application process may vary or be subject to change, so be sure to check the latest information on the NSW government's website for the most up-to-date instructions.

How Can I Use the $500 Electricity Rebate?

The $500 electricity rebate is a one-time payment that can be used to help offset the cost of your electricity bills. Here are some of the ways you can use the rebate:

1. Pay Your Electricity Bills: The most straightforward use of the rebate is to apply it directly towards your upcoming electricity bills. This can provide immediate relief and help you manage your ongoing energy expenses.
2. Invest in Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Consider using the rebate to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as installing solar panels, upgrading insulation, or replacing old appliances with more energy-efficient models. These investments can help you save on electricity costs in the long run.
3. Reduce Debt or Build Savings: If you're in a position to do so, you could also use the $500 rebate to pay down any outstanding electricity-related debt or add it to your savings account, helping to improve your overall financial well-being.

Regardless of how you choose to use the rebate, it's essential to ensure that the funds are being used in a way that aligns with your household's financial goals and priorities.

Tips for Maximizing the Impact of the $500 Electricity Rebate

To make the most of the $500 electricity rebate, here are some additional tips and strategies to consider:

1. Review Your Electricity Plan: Take the time to review your current electricity plan and ensure you're on the best possible tariff for your household's needs. The rebate may provide an opportunity to switch to a more cost-effective plan.
2. Implement Energy-Saving Measures: Alongside the rebate, consider adopting energy-saving habits and making small changes around your home, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and adjusting your thermostat to optimize heating and cooling.
3. Explore Other Government Assistance: The "Please remember the following" electricity rebate of $500'." is just one of the many programs and initiatives the NSW government offers to support households with energy costs. Investigate other available rebates, concessions, or assistance programs you may be eligible for.
4. Seek Advice and Guidance: If you're unsure how to best utilize the $500 rebate or have questions about your eligibility, don't hesitate to contact a financial advisor or the NSW government's energy assistance hotline for personalized guidance.
5. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with any changes or updates to the $500 electricity rebate program, as well as other energy-related policies and initiatives in New South Wales. This will ensure you can take full advantage of the available support.

Conclusion

The $500 electricity rebate in NSW is a valuable program that can provide much-needed financial relief to eligible households. By understanding the eligibility criteria, learning how to claim the rebate, and exploring ways to maximize its impact, you can take an important step towards managing your electricity costs and improving your overall financial well-being.

Remember, the $500 rebate is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to tackling rising energy prices. By combining this assistance with energy-saving measures, careful financial planning, and ongoing engagement with government support programs, you can work towards a more sustainable and affordable energy future for your household.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with the $500 electricity rebate application process, be sure to visit the NSW government's website or reach out to their energy assistance team. They'll be more than happy to provide you with the information and guidance you need to take advantage of this valuable program.

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