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

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

Congrats! You’ve landed your first job, and the money is rolling in. But wait—why is your paycheck missing a chunk? Yep, welcome to adulthood! The taxman has arrived, and he’s taking a cut. What’s going on? Do you get any of it back? Let’s break it down, GoTax style—plain English, no boring tax talk, and plenty of ways to keep more of YOUR money.

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

Okay, so let’s get one thing straight. Tax isn’t just something for old people. It’s the government’s way of making sure we all chip in for the good stuff—roads, hospitals, police, schools, even that free Wi-Fi at the library. Think of it like this: you live in Australia, and your “rent” is tax. Fair? Maybe. But it’s happening, so let’s work out how to get some of that money back in your pocket.

What is a Tax Return?

A Tax Return is a document you send off to tell the government how much money you made during the financial year (1 July – 30 June). It’s used to check if you paid too much tax (hello refund!) or not enough (uh-oh, tax bill).

Your tax return includes: ✔ All your income (from jobs, Centrelink, investments, side hustles).
✔ Your tax paid (yep, the bit missing from your pay).
✔ Your deductions (money you spent for work that you can claim back).

Once all this is added up, the government decides if they owe YOU, or you owe THEM.

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

Yes, your employer takes tax out of your pay each time you get paid. But how do you know if they took out too much, too little, or just enough? That’s what your tax return is for. It calculates everything over the whole year so you know exactly where you stand.

???? Paid too much? You’ll get a refund. (Woohoo, payday!)
???? Paid too little? You might owe tax. (Don’t worry, we’ll help you sort it out.)

What If I Only Worked Part of the Year?

If you only worked a few months, you probably paid more tax than you needed to. That means you could be in for a refund!

???? Here’s the trick: If your total earnings are under $18,200, you don’t have to pay tax at all. But if your boss already took tax out of your pay, you need to lodge a return to get that money back.

???? Moral of the story? Lodge a tax return. You could be owed money!

What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?

Your Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique ID that lets the government track your tax. You’ll need it for: ✔ Getting paid (so your employer knows where to send your tax).
✔ Your bank (so they tax your interest correctly).
✔ Centrelink (if you’re receiving payments).

???? NEVER give your TFN to random people or dodgy websites. It’s like your bank PIN—keep it safe!

When Do I Need to Lodge My Tax Return?

???? Deadline: 31 October each year. Miss it? You could get fined.

???? Want extra time? If you register with a tax agent (like GoTax) before 31 October, you might get an extension. Easy!

How Do I Lodge My Tax Return?

You’ve got three choices:

1️⃣ Do It Yourself – Go through the government’s system, hope for the best.
2️⃣ Visit a Tax Agent – Find an office, book an appointment, sit through an awkward chat.
3️⃣ GoTax Online – Fast, cheap, and done in minutes!

???? Start Your Tax Return By Selecting your Occupation

What Happens If I Lodge Late?

???? Miss the 31 October deadline? You might cop a $210 fine (ouch). Wait even longer? It could climb to $1,050.

???? Tip: Lodge on time and avoid unnecessary fees.

FAQs – All the Stuff You’re Probably Wondering

1. Are Centrelink Payments Taxed?

Some are, some aren’t. If Centrelink is your only income, you probably won’t pay tax. But if you also worked, you might owe tax.

2. What if I Make a Mistake on My Tax Return?

It happens! If you realise you got something wrong, you can lodge an amendment to fix it. No big deal.

3. What’s a Tax Deduction & How Do I Get One?

A tax deduction is something you paid for that helps you do your job (like uniforms, tools, work-related travel). Keep receipts! Every dollar claimed reduces the tax you pay.

4. What Can I Claim as a Student?

If your job requires you to study, some education expenses might be claimable. Otherwise, sadly, not much.

5. What’s a Tax Refund?

If you paid too much tax, the government pays you back. Refunds usually land in your bank within 10 business days.

What Our Users Say

“GoTax made my first tax return so easy! The step-by-step process was clear, and I got my refund fast. Highly recommend!” – Sarah T.

“I was nervous about doing my tax return, but GoTax walked me through everything. It was way easier than I expected!” – Jason M.

Lodge Your First Tax Return Today!

Tax returns don’t have to be painful. With GoTax, you’ll be done in minutes and (hopefully) getting a sweet refund. Ready to roll?

???? Start Now