Tax Tips, Guides & Insights

Doing your student tax return after your first job can feel daunting. Here is what actually happens, why most students end up with a refund, and how to get it done without the stress.

Think your student tax return is not worth much? Here is why it might be bigger than you expect, from overpaid tax to unclaimed old returns and everyday deductions.

Missed the 31 October deadline, or spotted a mistake after lodging? Here is what happens if you lodge a late student tax return, how amendments work, and what students need to know.

Planning a student tax return? Most full-time student scholarships are tax-free in Australia, but Youth Allowance, Austudy, and work-linked scholarships may not be.

Lodging your first tax return as a student? Here are the mistakes that most often trip students up, from wrong deductions to unclaimed income, and how to avoid an ATO review.

Wondering if students get a tax refund in Australia? Here is the $18,200 tax-free threshold, what you can claim, and how to lodge your return before 31 October 2026.

Driving Uber, delivering food, or tutoring as a student? Here is when you need an ABN instead of just a TFN, the GST rules that apply, and what you can claim at tax time.

The Cost of Living Tax Offset (CLTO) is a temporary measure for the 2025–26 tax return. It provides up to $1,200 in tax relief, but the amount you get depends entirely on your taxable income.

To get the biggest possible refund this July, you must act before the clock strikes midnight on June 30, 2026. Once the new financial year starts, these opportunities vanish. Your "EOFY Action Plan" should include these things.

Quick Answer: The "Fitness" Truth for 2026 Can you claim your gym membership on your 2025–26 tax return? For 99% of Australians, the answer is No. Even if your boss tells you to stay fit, or you need to be in shape to do your job, the ATO generally views fitness as a "private expense." The Exceptions (The 1%): You can only claim gym fees if your role requires an extraordinary level of fitness for which you are regularly tested. This includes: ADF Special Forces: Commandos, SA

If this is your first time dealing with the ATO, don't panic. For the 2025–26 financial year, here is the "Cheat Sheet" for students.

Starting in the 2025–26 financial year, the ATO has introduced a simplified way to claim work-related expenses. You now face a choice between two paths: The $1,000 "Fast Claim" (Standard Deduction) and Itemising (Actual Expenses).

In 2026, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) uses a sophisticated web of automated systems to track side hustle income. If you sell goods or services online, the ATO likely already knows your earnings through three primary channels.

In 2026, the ATO provides two main ways to claim the cost of using your own car for work. The "best" method depends on how much you drive and what records you’ve kept.

If you work in nursing, midwifery, or direct healthcare, your 2026 tax return is likely more valuable than the average Australian's. Because of your professional requirements, you have access to a specific set of deductions. Here is your "Essential 5" for the 2025–26 financial year.