Preparing an Australian tax return can be confusing, particularly when you have multiple income sources, work-related expenses, investments, study-related costs or business income. Understanding what you need to report and which deductions you can legitimately claim is important for getting your tax return right.

At Global Consult, we provide personalised tax return services in Australia for individuals, sole traders and eligible business clients. Our approach focuses on accurate information, appropriate deductions and compliance with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements.

Whether you are an employee, international student, temporary resident, sole trader or business owner, we can help you understand your tax obligations and prepare the information required for your return.

Australian Tax Return Services

An Australian individual tax return generally covers the income year from 1 July to 30 June. You can lodge your return yourself through myTax or use a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge it on your behalf.

Our tax return service can assist with areas such as:

• Individual tax returns
• Work-related deductions
• Employment income
• Sole trader income and expenses
• Investment income
• Rental property information
• Foreign income considerations
• Tax-related expenses
• Record and documentation review
• Tax return preparation and lodgment, where authorised

The exact information required depends on your circumstances.

Tax Return for Individuals

For employees and other individuals, your tax return may involve income from:

• Salary and wages
• Bank interest
• Dividends
• Investments
• Rental properties
• Government payments
• Other assessable income

The ATO generally pre-fills information it already holds, such as employment income and bank interest. However, taxpayers should check the pre-filled information against their own records and add anything that is missing.

Work-Related Tax Deductions

Understanding legitimate tax deductions is an important part of preparing your return.

Generally, an expense must have a connection with earning your assessable income to qualify as a deduction. Private, domestic or capital expenses generally have different treatment and cannot simply be claimed as ordinary work-related deductions.

Depending on your circumstances, potentially deductible expenses may include eligible:

• Work-related travel
• Work-related clothing
• Professional memberships
• Training and education expenses
• Tools and equipment
• Home office expenses
• Tax agent fees
• Other employment-related expenses

Not every expense is automatically deductible. The eligibility, calculation method and record-keeping requirements depend on the expense.

Tax Return for International Students

International students and temporary residents in Australia can have questions about their Australian tax obligations, particularly when they have:

• Employment income
• Multiple employers
• Part-time or casual work
• Bank interest
• Study-related expenses
• Changes in residency circumstances
• Income from overseas
• Other Australian-source income

Your tax residency status is important because it can affect how your income is treated for Australian tax purposes. The appropriate treatment depends on your individual circumstances.

Global Consult can help you understand the information you need to provide and connect your tax return requirements with your broader circumstances in Australia.

Tax Return for Sole Traders

If you operate a business as a sole trader, your business income and eligible business deductions are generally reported through your individual tax return.

The ATO notes that sole traders claim eligible business deductions directly against their business or personal services income in their individual tax return.

Potential business deductions may include eligible:

• Advertising expenses
• Business insurance
• Professional fees
• Business-related travel
• Office expenses
• Equipment and depreciation
• Bank and account-keeping charges
• Tax-related expenses

The deductibility of an expense depends on the circumstances and applicable tax rules.

Tax Services for Small Business

Small business tax obligations can involve more than an annual income tax return.

Depending on the structure and activities of your business, you may also need to consider:

• Business income and expenses
• GST
• PAYG withholding
• PAYG instalments
• Superannuation obligations
• Depreciation
• Business records
• Activity statements
• Other ATO reporting requirements

The appropriate obligations depend on your business structure and circumstances.

Keeping the Right Tax Records

Good record keeping can make tax preparation easier and help support deductions claimed in your return.

Useful records can include:

• Income statements
• Receipts
• Invoices
• Bank statements
• Work-related expense records
• Travel records
• Donation receipts
• Investment records
• Business records
• Rental property documents

The ATO’s myDeductions tool can be used to keep digital records of areas such as work-related expenses, motor vehicle trips, gifts and donations, tax-related expenses, sole trader income and expenses.

Our Tax Return Process

We aim to make tax preparation straightforward and organised.

Step 1: Understand Your Circumstances

We discuss your income, employment, business activities and other relevant financial information.

Step 2: Review Your Records

We identify the documents and information needed to prepare your return.

Step 3: Review Income and Expenses

Income sources and potentially deductible expenses are considered based on the applicable Australian tax rules.

Step 4: Prepare Your Return

The tax return is prepared using the information and supporting documentation provided.

Step 5: Review Before Lodgment

Important information is checked before the return is lodged.

Step 6: Lodgment and Follow-Up

Where the service is provided by an appropriately authorised tax professional, the return can be lodged with the ATO and relevant follow-up matters can be addressed.

Why Choose Global Consult?

Personalised Tax Guidance

Every taxpayer has different income, expenses and circumstances. We focus on understanding your individual situation.

Compliance-Focused Approach

Tax deductions should be based on eligibility and evidence rather than simply trying to increase a refund.

Clear Communication

We explain relevant tax information in straightforward language so you can better understand your obligations.

Support for Different Clients

Our services can be relevant to:

• Employees
• International students
• Temporary residents
• Professionals
• Sole traders
• Small business owners
• Other eligible taxpayers

Convenient Service

We help organise the information required for your tax return so the preparation process is easier to manage.

Tax Refunds and Deductions

A common misconception is that every tax return should result in a large refund.

Your final tax outcome depends on factors such as:

• Income earned
• Tax already withheld
• Eligible deductions
• Tax offsets
• Residency status
• Other applicable tax circumstances

A tax professional should focus on legitimate deductions and accurate reporting, not promising a particular refund amount.

Can Tax Agent Fees Be Deductible?

In certain circumstances, expenses associated with managing your tax affairs can be deductible. The ATO identifies tax-related expenses, including costs associated with preparing and lodging tax returns or activity statements, among potentially deductible expenses where the relevant requirements are satisfied.

Your individual circumstances determine what can actually be claimed.

Lodging Your Australian Tax Return

Individuals can lodge their tax return:

• Through ATO myTax
• Through a registered tax agent
• By paper in applicable circumstances

The ATO states that an individual tax return generally covers 1 July to 30 June, with the usual 31 October lodgment deadline for individuals who lodge themselves. If you use a registered tax agent, you should contact them before 31 October, although different lodgment arrangements can apply to clients using an agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to lodge an Australian tax return?

Whether you need to lodge depends on your income, circumstances and other factors. Some people may instead need to submit a non-lodgment advice. Your individual circumstances should be assessed before deciding.

Can international students lodge an Australian tax return?

International students who have Australian tax obligations may need to lodge a tax return. Your income, residency status and individual circumstances determine your tax treatment.

Can I claim work-related expenses?

You may be able to claim eligible work-related expenses when they satisfy the relevant ATO requirements. You should keep appropriate records to support your claim.

Can sole traders claim business expenses?

Yes, eligible sole traders can generally claim deductions for expenses incurred in earning their assessable business income, subject to the applicable rules.

Does claiming more deductions guarantee a larger tax refund?

No. Deductions must be legitimate and meet the relevant requirements. Your final refund or tax payable depends on your overall tax position.

Can Global Consult lodge my tax return?

Where tax-return preparation and lodgment are provided, the service should be delivered by an appropriately authorised tax professional. Clients should verify the relevant tax professional’s registration and authority before engaging them.

What documents do I need for my tax return?

The documents depend on your circumstances but can include income statements, receipts, expense records, investment information, business records and other supporting documentation.

Can I lodge my own tax return?

Yes. The ATO provides myTax for individuals who meet the eligibility requirements. You can also use a registered tax agent.

Get Your Australian Tax Return Organised

Preparing your tax return accurately can help you meet your Australian tax obligations while ensuring you claim deductions you are legitimately entitled to.

Whether you are an employee, international student, temporary resident, sole trader or small business owner, Global Consult can help you understand the tax-return process and organise the information required for your circumstances.

Contact Global Consult to discuss your Australian tax return requirements.

Important: Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances and current Australian tax law. This page provides general information and does not guarantee a tax refund or particular tax outcome. Where tax-agent services are provided, ensure the relevant professional is appropriately registered and authorised.