Should I use myTax or a tax agent to lodge my Australian tax return?

myTax is the ATO's free online lodgment tool. It pre-fills data from employers, banks, Centrelink, and health funds, making it fast for straightforward returns. If you have simple PAYG income, a savings account, and a few basic deductions, myTax is entirely adequate. Most returns take under an hour.

A registered tax agent makes sense when your tax situation is more complex: investment properties, rental deductions, capital gains events, business income, foreign income, or if you've had a major life event like inheritance or divorce in the year. Agents also have access to an extended lodgment deadline and can represent you if the ATO queries your return.

Tax agent fees vary from around $150 for a simple return to $500 or more for complex situations. These fees are themselves deductible in the following year under the 'managing tax affairs' category. If your tax situation is straightforward and you're comfortable with the pre-filled data, myTax is the better choice. Use an agent when the complexity justifies the cost.