What is the tax-free threshold and do I need to lodge a tax return in Australia?

The tax-free threshold for Australian residents is A$18,200 for the 2024-25 financial year. This means if your total taxable income is A$18,200 or less, you pay no income tax. When you start a new job, you claim this threshold on your Tax File Number (TFN) declaration form. You can only claim it from one employer.

Do you need to lodge a tax return?

You must lodge a tax return if any of the following apply:

• You had tax withheld from any payments made to you
• Your taxable income was above the tax-free threshold (A$18,200)
• You were an Australian resident for tax purposes and your income exceeded A$18,200
• You are entitled to a refund of franking credits from Australian company dividends
• You had a reportable fringe benefits amount on your payment summary
• You made a loss or can claim a loss from a previous year
• You were a sole trader or had business income

Even if your income was below A$18,200, you should lodge a return if tax was withheld from your wages, as you will likely receive a refund.

Key dates: Tax returns for the 2024-25 financial year are due by 31 October 2025 if you lodge yourself, or by 15 May 2026 if you use a registered tax agent (and are registered with them before 31 October).

You can lodge online through myTax via your myGov account linked to the ATO.