Outcome Tax

13/10/2025

13/10/2025

First job feels 😅 That moment where tax feels like another language…

Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Our ‘new to tax and super’ page has all the info you need when starting your first job, including:

✅ applying for a TFN
✅ claiming the tax-free threshold
✅ setting up your super.

If someone you know is just starting out, share this with them!

04/10/2025

23/09/2025

Most returns are processed within 2 weeks of lodging. If yours is taking longer, here’s a few reasons why it might still be in progress:

👉 you made an amendment before your original return was processed
👉 you lodged returns for multiple years at once
👉 we need to check some of the info in your return.

No need to call us – if we need anything we’ll contact you. You can check the progress of your return at any time using our app or our online services. Sit tight, and we’ll notify you once your return is complete.

23/09/2025

Be careful how you use AI. It can sound confident, even when it’s wrong.

AI is a tool that can be great for:
✅ simplifying tax jargon
✅ saving time
✅ helping you sound smarter in emails 😉

⚠️But here’s the catch.

AI isn’t always correct, because it:
❌ doesn’t know your actual situation
❌ can’t access your records
❌ might give outdated or incomplete info
❌ doesn’t give personalised advice.

Use our website as the source of truth for your tax and super info.

You can also check with a tax professional.

02/09/2025

We know tax can be confusing. If something in your tax return made you go ‘????’, ask about it on our online forum, ATO Community.

💭 Got questions about side-hustles, investments or deductions?

Chances are, someone has already asked the same question, so your answer might be there waiting!

✅ Search a library of already answered questions and articles
✅ Community experts and staff answering
✅ It’s free and available 24/7.

02/09/2025

Wondering if you can claim a deduction for food & drink you buy while working? We can explain.

You can't claim:
👎 a deduction for the cost of food, drink or snacks you eat or drink during your normal working hours. These are private expenses.

You can claim:
👍 ‘overtime’ meal expenses, but only if you buy and eat the meal while working overtime and receive an overtime meal allowance.

23/07/2025

Individual tax returns

3 golden rules for work related expenses against employment income:

1. you must have spent the money yourself, and it can't have been reimbursed
2. the expense must directly relate to earning your income
3. you must have a record (usually a receipt) to prove it.

👉 If your expense was for both work and private purposes, you can only claim a deduction for the work-related portion.