The practical guide every Australian, international student, backpacker and expat should read before tax time.
Every July, the same questions start popping up in our community.
“Do I need to lodge a tax return?”
“Can I claim my laptop?”
“I worked two jobs. Does that change anything?”
“I’m leaving Australia next month. Do I still need to lodge?”
“How much tax will I get back?”
If you’ve asked any of these questions, you’re not alone.
Whether you’ve lived in Australia your whole life or you’ve only been here a few months, tax time can feel overwhelming. There is plenty of advice online, but not all of it is accurate.
That’s why we created this guide.
Not to replace an accountant.
Not to turn you into a tax expert.
Just to help you avoid common mistakes, understand the basics, and know where to start before you click Lodge.
The 30-Second Summary
If you only read one section, read this.
✅ Worked in Australia between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026? You may need to lodge a tax return.
✅ Don’t rush to lodge on 1 July. Wait until your income statement is marked “Tax ready”.
✅ Keep receipts for genuine work-related expenses.
✅ If you had multiple jobs, declare all your income.
✅ If you’re unsure about your tax residency or deductions, check the official Australian Taxation Office (ATO) guidance before lodging.
👉 https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return
Five minutes of checking today could save you hours of fixing mistakes later.
Who Is This Guide For?
This guide is for anyone who earned income in Australia during the financial year.
That includes:
- Australians
- Permanent residents
- International students
- Backpackers
- Working Holiday Makers
- Expats
- Temporary visa holders
- Casual workers
- Part-time employees
- Full-time employees
If you received a payslip this year, keep reading.
Before You Lodge, Check These 5 Things
We’ve seen people rush through their tax return only to realise they forgot something important.
Before you click Lodge, check:
✔️ Your income statement says Tax Ready
✔️ You’ve included every employer you worked for
✔️ Your bank details are correct
✔️ You’ve gathered receipts for anything you plan to claim
✔️ You’re using official information, not social media guesses
Simple checks.
Big difference.
The Biggest Mistake We See Every Year
People lodge too early.
It’s understandable.
Everyone wants their refund quickly.
But if your employer hasn’t finalised your income information yet, your return may need to be amended later.
Take a few extra days.
It is usually worth the wait.
Will You Get a Tax Refund?
Maybe.
A tax refund isn’t a bonus payment.
It usually means you’ve paid more tax during the year than you needed to.
Some people receive hundreds of dollars.
Some receive thousands.
Others may need to pay additional tax.
Your result depends on things like:
- Your income
- Tax withheld
- Tax residency
- Deductions
- Whether you had multiple jobs
That’s why comparing refunds with friends rarely helps.
Everyone’s situation is different.
What Can You Actually Claim?
This is probably the most misunderstood part of tax time.
The ATO has a simple rule.
Generally, you can only claim a work-related expense if:
- You paid for it yourself.
- You weren’t reimbursed.
- It directly helped you earn your income.
- You kept records.
Common examples may include:
- Protective clothing
- Work uniforms
- Work-related training
- Professional memberships
- Some phone or internet use
- Some work-from-home expenses
Before claiming anything, it’s worth checking the ATO’s deductions guide.
Can You Claim Your Laptop?
This question comes up every single year.
The answer?
Maybe.
If you genuinely use your laptop for work and can show how it helps you earn your income, you may be able to claim part of the cost.
If it’s mainly for personal use, streaming, gaming or study unrelated to your work, the rules are different.
Don’t assume.
Check first.
Different Situations, Different Rules
If You’re an International Student
One of the biggest areas of confusion is tax residency.
Your visa and your tax residency are not the same thing.
That can affect:
- Your tax rate
- Whether you can claim the tax-free threshold
- The income you need to declare
If You’re a Backpacker or Working Holiday Maker
Working Holiday Makers have different tax rules from most Australian residents.
If you’ve worked across multiple employers, changed visas, or aren’t sure whether the right tax was withheld, it’s worth checking before lodging.
👉 https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/tax-rates-working-holiday-makers
If You’re an Expat
If you’re living and working in Australia, your tax obligations may depend on your residency status and where your income comes from.
If you have overseas income or investments, consider getting professional advice rather than relying on online comments.
If You’re an Australian
Even if you’ve lodged tax returns for years, don’t assume everything stays the same.
A new job, working from home, investment income, side hustles or multiple employers can all affect your return.
Every tax year deserves a fresh look.
Tax Myths We Wish Would Disappear
❌ “I earned under the tax-free threshold so I don’t need to do anything.”
Not always.
❌ “Cash jobs don’t count.”
Income is still income.
❌ “My mate claimed it, so I can too.”
Your friend’s situation isn’t yours.
❌ “I’ll just copy last year’s tax return.”
Your circumstances may have changed.
Before You Click “Lodge”
Take five minutes and ask yourself:
- Have I included every job?
- Is my income statement Tax Ready?
- Do I have receipts?
- Am I claiming only genuine work-related expenses?
- Have I checked the official ATO guidance?
If you’re unsure, pause.
It’s easier to get it right the first time than fix it later.
Looking Beyond Tax Time
Tax time is also a good reminder to review your finances.
Could your refund help you:
- Build an emergency fund?
- Pay off debt?
- Save for a home?
- Invest in learning a new skill?
- Prepare for your next career move?
If you’re looking for your next opportunity, browse the latest jobs across Australia on Explore Jobs:
👉 https://jobs.explorewithus.com.au/
You might also find our guide on AI Skills Employers Actually Want in 2026 helpful if you’re thinking about your next career step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to lodge a tax return if I only worked casually?
If you earned income in Australia, you may still need to lodge. Check your circumstances with the ATO.
What happens if I had two jobs?
Include income from both. Forgetting one employer is one of the most common mistakes.
Can international students get tax refunds?
Yes. Some do. Others may owe tax. It depends on your personal circumstances.
What if I’m leaving Australia?
You may still need to lodge a tax return. Before leaving, make sure you keep access to your myGov account and important tax records.
Final Thoughts
Tax time doesn’t have to be stressful.
The biggest mistakes usually happen when people rush, rely on social media, or assume someone else’s advice applies to them.
Take your time.
Use trusted information.
Ask questions if you’re unsure.
At Explore With Us, we’re here to help people navigate life in Australia—whether you’re a local, an international student, a backpacker, an expat or somewhere in between.
If this guide helped you, send it to a friend, colleague or family member.
It might save them from making a mistake they’ll thank you for later.
Helpful Resources
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO): https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return
- Find jobs across Australia: https://jobs.explorewithus.com.au/
- Read our Cost of Living Guide: https://jobs.explorewithus.com.au/student-cost-of-living-australia-2026/
- Learn the AI skills employers are looking for: https://jobs.explorewithus.com.au/ai-skills-employers-want-australia-2026/
Disclaimer
This article is intended as general information only and reflects our understanding of Australian tax guidance at the time of writing. It is not personal financial or tax advice. Tax laws and individual circumstances can change. Always refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or speak with a registered tax agent before making decisions about your tax return.