News and Media

Tax time 2011 is here

With the end of the financial year here, Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo has reminded Australia's 12.6 million taxpayers that tax time has begun.

'Now is the time for people who prepare their own tax returns to start getting their tax affairs in order so that they can lodge by the 31 October deadline,' Mr D'Ascenzo said.

'The quickest and easiest way to lodge is online using e-tax, the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) free lodgement service.

'E-tax is available to download free of charge from the ATO website and is the popular choice for nearly 2.5 million people each year.

'As well as built-in checks, calculators and guides, e-tax gives you the option to pre-fill your return with information provided to the ATO by third parties including payment summaries, government payments such as pensions and allowances, bank interest and private health insurance details.

'Government and third party information to pre-fill your return is available to download now. You can subscribe to an alerts service within e-tax which will let you know when your personal information becomes available,' Mr D'Ascenzo said.

Tax returns can also be lodged through the TaxPack, over the phone, or through a registered tax agent.

Visit the ATO website for a wealth of information that can help you better understand your rights and responsibilities under the tax law.

Source: Australian Taxation Office. http://www.ato.gov.au/corporate/content.aspx?doc=/content/00284652.htm Media Release. 30 June 2011.