Tax return checklist: what to bring to your accountant
A simple checklist of the documents and details you need for your Australian tax return, so your appointment is quick and you don't miss deductions.
A tax return is quicker, cheaper and more accurate when everything is ready before you meet your accountant. Use this checklist to gather your documents for the 2025–26 financial year (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026).
Your details
- Your tax file number (TFN) and date of birth
- Bank account details (BSB and account number) for your refund
- Your spouse's details and taxable income, if you have a spouse
- Private health insurance details (policy number and insurer)
Income
- Income statements from each employer (once you are our client, we can see most of these through our ATO tax agent portal)
- Bank interest, dividend statements and managed fund tax statements
- Rental property income and expense summaries from your property manager
- Sale details for any shares, crypto or property you sold (buy and sell dates and amounts)
- Government payments, such as Centrelink or JobSeeker
- Income from side work, ride-share or other gig platforms
Deductions
- Receipts for work-related expenses: tools, uniforms, courses, union fees and subscriptions
- A record of the hours you worked from home, if you claim home office costs (see our guide to the 70c fixed rate)
- Your car logbook or a record of work kilometres (see cents per km vs logbook)
- Donation receipts for gifts of $2 or more to registered charities
- Income protection insurance premiums (outside super)
- The cost of last year's tax return fee
Keep your records
The ATO generally expects you to keep records for five years from the date you lodge your return. Photos of receipts are fine, as long as they are clear and show the supplier, date, amount and what you bought.
Missing something?
Don't wait until everything is perfect. Bring what you have, and we'll tell you exactly what else is needed. We never ask for your myGov or bank passwords. Once you are our client, many details such as income statements and interest are available to us through the ATO's tax agent portal.
This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. It is not financial or tax advice. Tax rules change, so please contact us before acting on it. Information current as at the date above.