First-Time Tax Return? Get a Fast Refund Online with Gotax

First-Time Tax Return? No Stress, We’ve Got You Covered!

So, You Got Your First Job – What’s This Tax Thing?

You’ve just scored your first paycheck. But hold on—why is your take-home pay less than expected? Who’s taking a cut of your hard-earned cash?

Welcome to the world of tax. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is now part of your life, and they want their share. The good news? You might be able to get some of that money back. Let’s break it down in plain English—no jargon, no confusion, just a simple way to make tax work for you.

What Even Is Taxation? And Why Are They Taking My Money?

Think of tax as Australia’s version of a subscription fee. It funds things like roads, hospitals, schools, emergency services, and public transport.

You can’t opt out, but you can make sure you’re not paying more than you need to. That’s where a tax return comes in—it helps you claim back any extra tax the ATO has taken.

What is a Tax Return?

A tax return is a form you submit to the ATO at the end of the financial year. It tells them:

• How much you earned (from jobs, Centrelink, investments, side gigs)
• How much tax you paid (that missing chunk from your paycheck)
• What deductions you can claim (work-related expenses that reduce your taxable income)

If you’ve paid too much tax, you’ll get a refund. If you haven’t paid enough, you might need to pay a little extra.

The goal? Make sure the ATO isn’t holding onto YOUR money.

Wait, My Employer Already Takes Out Tax – Why Do I Need to Lodge a Return?

Yes, your employer automatically withholds tax from your pay. But how do you know if they got it right?

• Paid too much? The ATO will send you a refund.
• Paid too little? You might owe a small amount (but we can help).

The only way to know for sure is to lodge a tax return.

What If I Only Worked Part of the Year?

If you only worked a few months, you’ve probably paid more tax than necessary.

Here’s why:

• If you earned under $18,200, you shouldn’t have paid tax at all.
• If your employer still withheld tax, you can claim it all back.

Lodge your tax return and check—you could be owed a refund.

What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?

A Tax File Number (TFN) is your personal tax ID. You’ll need it for:

• Getting paid (so your employer deducts tax correctly)
• Opening a bank account (so they tax your interest properly)
• Receiving Centrelink benefits (so the government knows who you are)

Never share your TFN with strangers or dodgy websites. Treat it like a PIN code—keep it secure.

When Do I Need to Lodge My Tax Return?

The tax return deadline in Australia is 31 October each year.

• Miss the deadline? The ATO may issue fines.
• Need more time? If you use a registered tax agent (like Gotax) before 31 October, you may qualify for an extension.

How to Lodge Your First Tax Return

Lodging your first tax return is easier than you think. You have three options:

1. Do It Yourself – Use the ATO’s myTax system and hope for the best.
2. Visit a Tax Agent – Book an appointment, sit in an office, and pay high fees.
3. GoTax Online – Quick, simple, and done in minutes with expert support.

Get it sorted fast with Gotax’s easy online tax return system.

Start Your First Tax Return Now by seecting your occupation

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my tax refund in Australia?

Most tax refunds in Australia take around two weeks if you lodge online. With Gotax, it’s even faster.

Do I have to lodge a tax return if I just started working?

If you earned more than $18,200 in the financial year, yes, you need to lodge.
If you earned less but had tax withheld, lodge anyway—you’ll likely get a refund.

What happens if I forget to lodge my tax return?

The ATO may issue late lodgment penalties if you miss the deadline. To avoid fines, lodge your return before 31 October or use a tax agent for an extension.

File Your First Tax Return Online – Quick & Easy

Filing your first tax return doesn’t have to be stressful. Gotax makes it simple, fast, and hassle-free.

• No appointments
• No confusing paperwork
• Just a fast online system designed to get you your refund—quickly.

Start Your First Tax Return Now