The guidebook
Find the decision
you are facing.
Guides for people lodging their own tax return, grouped by what you need to decide. Each one starts from the decision and links the ATO source it rests on.
Rates
How tax brackets and offsets apply to your income, so you know what your result depends on.
Capital gains tax on shares in 2025-26: losses, then the discount
A 2025-26 share sale adds a net capital gain to your income, taxed at your marginal rate. Losses come off first, then a 50% discount if you held the shares 12 months.
Read guideHECS-HELP repayments, 2025-26: the marginal rate change
For 2025-26 a study loan repayment is worked out only on repayment income above $67,000, except at $179,286 and over, where it is 10% of the total. What that means for your return.
Read guideClaim the tax-free threshold from one payer: second jobs, new jobs
The 2025-26 tax-free threshold is $18,200. Claim it from one payer at a time; claiming it twice on more than $18,200 of income may mean a bill at tax time.
Read guideMedicare levy vs surcharge: what applies on a 2025-26 return
The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income unless reduced or exempt. The surcharge turns on income and hospital cover. 2025-26 thresholds and exemptions.
Read guideDeductions
Which work-related costs you can claim, and which you should leave out.
Lodging
How and when to lodge, and what to do if you are running late.