Tax Return Guide for New Migrants and First-Time Australian Taxpayers

Moving to Australia is exciting, but lodging your first tax return can feel quite overwhelming. Understanding tax residency, your TFN, deductions, and deadlines helps you avoid costly mistakes. At MGA Taxation, a registered tax agent based in Fraser Rise, Melbourne, we help new migrants and first-time taxpayers lodge accurate returns with confidence. Whether you’re searching for “accountants near me” or a trusted tax accountant who understands visas and overseas income, this simple guide explains exactly what you need to know.

Australia’s financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June, not the calendar year. Your 2025–26 return covers income earned between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

If you lodge yourself, the deadline is 31 October. Lodging through a registered tax agent may give you extra time, but it’s best not to leave it late.

Your Tax File Number (TFN) is your personal reference for tax and super. Apply through the ATO once you have the right to work, and give it to your employer so you aren’t taxed at the highest rate. Keep it private.

Next, create a myGov account and link it to the ATO. You can then view income statements, lodge your return, and track your refund. If you need help, MGA Taxation offers ABN and TFN registration support to get you set up quickly.

Your tax residency decides how much tax you pay, and it is not the same as your visa status. The ATO considers:

• Where you live: Whether you live here permanently or for a significant period.
• Your intentions: How long you plan to stay in Australia.
• Your ties: Family, employment, and financial connections.
• Your home: Where you maintain your main residence.

Residents generally get the tax-free threshold of $18,200 and lower tax rates. Non-residents pay tax from the first dollar, and working holiday makers have their own rates. Many new arrivals get this wrong, and it can change your refund significantly.

If you’re an Australian tax resident, you generally need to declare your worldwide income. This can include:

• Salary and wages: From every employer in Australia.
• Bank interest: Including interest from overseas accounts.
• Foreign rental income: From any property you own abroad.
• Pensions and investments: Foreign pensions, dividends, and capital gains.

You may be able to claim a foreign income tax offset if you’ve already paid tax overseas, so keep records of it. If you also earn money through a side hustle, our Sole Trader Tax Return service can help you report it correctly.

Many first-time taxpayers miss out on legitimate deductions. Common work-related deductions include:

• Work travel: Travel between job sites, but not your regular commute.
• Tools and uniforms: Equipment and clothing required for your job.
• Work from home costs: Internet, phone, and electricity used for work.
• Self-education: Courses directly related to your current job.
• Tax agent fees: The cost of managing your tax affairs.

The rule is simple: the expense must relate to earning your income, you must have paid for it, and you need a record. Keep receipts for at least five years.

Most residents pay a Medicare levy of 2% of taxable income. Depending on your visa, you may be exempt for part or all of the year. If you earn above certain thresholds without appropriate private hospital cover, the Medicare Levy Surcharge may apply.

Your employer must also pay compulsory superannuation on top of your wages, so check your payslips regularly. Some temporary visa holders can claim their super back when they leave Australia permanently through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP), although tax applies.

• Assuming your visa status decides your tax residency.
• Forgetting to declare overseas income.
• Not keeping receipts for deductions.
• Giving your employer no TFN, which means higher tax withheld.
• Missing the lodgement deadline and risking penalties.
• Not updating your address with the ATO, which can delay your refund.

A first Australian return is rarely simple, especially with overseas income, part-year residency, or a student visa. A qualified tax consultant confirms your residency, claims every eligible deduction, and keeps you compliant. Good taxation advice often saves more than the fee.

At MGA Taxation, our team helps new migrants, international students, and first-time taxpayers across Melbourne lodge accurate, compliant returns every year.

Explore our Income Tax Filing services to see how we can help.

Ready to get started? Book a free consultation, call us on 0406 137 770 or 0494 195 311, or email info@mgataxation.com.au. Follow MGA Taxation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more tax tips and updates.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and not personal tax advice. Please speak with a registered tax agent about your circumstances.