Tips for returns

IT’S tax time again for Australia’s 12.6 million taxpayers.
Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo last week had a word of advice for people who prepare their own tax return to get started so they could meet the 31 October deadline for lodging returns.
Mr D’Ascenzo said the ATOs free lodgement service E-tax was available at www.ato.gov.au and was a popular choice for nearly 2.5 million people each year.
“As well as built-in checks, calculators and guides, E-tax gives you the option to pre-fill your return with information provided to the ATO by third parties including payment summaries, government payments such as pensions and allowances, bank interest and private health insurance details.
“Government and third-party information to pre-fill your return will be available to download progressively from 1 July.
You can subscribe to an alerts service within E-tax which will let you know when your personal information becomes available,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
Other ways to lodge are with the traditional TaxPack, or if your tax is simple, there is an option to lodge over the phone. Complete the short tax return and then lodge it by calling 13 28 65.
For many a registered tax agent is the fuss-free option, and can maximise your return.
If you are using a registered tax agent for the first time or using a different tax agent from last year make sure you contact them by 31 October.
Visit www.tpb.gov.au or call the Tax Practitioners Board on 1300 362 829 to check your tax agent is registered.
If your income is around $50,000 or less and your tax affairs are straightforward you may be eligible to use the TaxHelp service.
TaxHelp is a free community service available from July to October each year to assist low-income earners including seniors, students, people from non-English speaking backgrounds and Indigenous Australians.
Phone 13 28 61 for details of the nearest TaxHelp provider.
For information or assistance visit the ATO website www.ato. gov.au or phone on 13 28 61 between 8am and 6pm weekdays.
Have your tax file number ready when you call for a more personalised service.