Tax Returns

If you're not sure if you have to lodge a tax return you can check out the Australian Taxation Office Do I Need to Lodge a Tax Return tool (note: you may need a parent to help you understand some of the questions).  According to the MoneySmart website you only need to lodge a tax return if you have earned over $18,200 (tax free threshold) from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 (financial year).  Alternatively, if you have earned less that $18,200 but have still been taxed you can lodge a tax return and get a tax refund.  Your employer should give you a payment summary to show how much income you have earned in the financial year and how much tax you have paid.  The Australian Taxation Office also has information on lodging your first tax return.