Mr Loh also reminded taxpayers that some income may need to be manually added – for example, income from rental properties, some government payments or income from ‘side hustles’.

As taxpayers prepare to lodge, they should keep ‘Tim’s tax time tips’ in mind:

• Include all income: If a taxpayer picked up some extra work, e.g., through online activities, the sharing economy, interest from investments, etc, they will need to include this in their tax return;
• Assess circumstances that occurred this year: If a taxpayer’s job or circumstances have changed this year, it is important they reflect this in their claims;
• Records, records, records: To claim a deduction for a work-related expense, taxpayers must have a record to prove it.
• Wait for notice of assessment: Taxpayers should wait for their notice of assessment before making plans for how they will use any expected tax refund this year;
• Stay alert to scams: The ATO would never send taxpayers a link to log into the ATO’s online services or ask them to send personal information via social media, email or SMS.