The ATO changed how you claim home office expenses moving forward Before we get into the details, don’t stress – at Etax we’ll help get it right for you. Some of the changes to work-from-home claims are complicated, but, Etax will automatically calculate which deduction method gives you the biggest refund, so you don’t have […]
The Etax Blog: Tax Tips
Top 5 ATO Audit Red Flags in 2026
Key Takeaways: What Is an ATO Audit and How Does It Work? An ATO audit happens when the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) takes a closer look at your tax return. It can involve anything from a quick request for receipts to a full review of your finances. The ATO reviews millions of returns every year […]
Stage 3 Tax Cuts explained – what do they mean for you?
Stage 3 Tax Cuts in a snapshot Stage 3 tax cuts were adjusted from 1 July 2024, aiming to give a bit of a tax break to lower and middle income earners, compared to earlier tax changes that favoured workers already enjoying large salaries. Compared to the original tax cuts, the new changes help low […]
How do I do my tax return?
All your FAQs about tax! When you find yourself stepping into the world of ‘adulting’ it’s never long before you need to ask THAT question: ‘How do I do my tax return for the first time?’ More often than not, the jumble of answers you wade through makes you toss it in the ‘too hard’ […]
Childcare Worker Tax Deductions – Your Personalised Tax Guide!
Do you spend your days caring for or supervising our future generations? Whether you’re a childcare worker, childcare assistant, nanny, kindergarten assistant or pre-school aide, you’re entitled to some attractive tax deductions that you may be unaware of, until now. Use our early childhood educator and childcare worker tax deductions guide below to make sure […]
Claiming Work From Home Tax Deductions
If you’re an employee who works from home, you’re probably using things like your phone, internet, and electricity. These are considered work from home tax deductions that you could potentially claim on your tax return.
The Medicare Levy
What is the Medicare Levy? Have you ever looked at your Notice of Assessment (NOA) or tax refund estimate and seen a line for the Medicare Levy? Not sure what it is? Don’t worry, you’re not alone and this article has got you covered. For most Australians, healthcare is essentially free. If you get sick, […]
myGov vs Etax vs tax agent: which is best for your Australian tax return?
“What’s the best way to do my tax return?” Choosing between myGov, Etax, and a traditional tax agent comes down to how much support you want, how complex your situation is, and how large a refund you’re after. This guide compares all three so you can decide with confidence which option is best for you. […]
“Instant Tax Refunds” in Australia: What They Really Cost (And Why to Avoid Them)
At tax time you often see ads for a “same day tax refund” or “instant tax refund”. The promise of cash today sounds appealing, but the reality is far less attractive. The truth is, a “same day tax refund” is not really what the name suggests. Can I Get my Tax Refund Today? No – […]
What is the maximum ATO late lodgement penalty?
The maximum fine handed out by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for not lodging your tax return by the 31 October deadline is $1,650! Fines can start at $330 for being just one day overdue, then increase over time, as follows: Days overdue Total fine amount 1 – 28 days $330 29 – 56 days […]
Private Health and Your Taxes: “Should I get Private Health Cover?”
There is a lot of debate in the media about the pros and cons of private health insurance. People are often asking, “Should I get private health cover?” Opinions about private health cover are changing. Saving money when it comes to tax time is an important part of the decision. According to Australian consumer watchdog, Choice, cheaper […]
Retail Worker Tax Deductions: What can you claim? (With Case Studies)
Putting the spotlight on tax deductions for retail staff Retail employees like sales assistants, store managers, suppliers and buyers often ask us what tax deductions for retail they should claim on their annual tax return. If you work in a retail shop, there are a lot of tax deductions you might be able to claim. Many […]
Saving Money: How to save a million dollars – plus how to save money faster
How Can I be Great at Saving Money? To save money, you don’t need to make huge changes to your lifestyle. You don’t have to somehow find a job earning 5 times your current salary. What you need is to simply make the decision and commit to saving some money, however much or little that may be. […]
ATO crackdown on ride sharing drivers
Concerned that too many drivers are avoiding tax, the ATO is cracking down on ride sharing drivers contracted to companies such as Uber, Ola and Didi Last year the ATO warned Uber drivers that avoiding tax wasn’t an option, this year it’s getting evening tougher. Banks are required to provide details of ALL customer payments […]
The Backpacker Tax: What You Need to Know When Working and Holidaying in Australia
If you are taking an extended holiday in Australia, working at the same time is a popular way to see everything the country has to offer. Thousands of backpackers and holiday-makers do it every year, so you’re not alone. But while backpacking across Australia has been popular for decades, Australia’s tax rules have recently changed. […]
