Tax Time 2026: What Indian Australians Should Check Before 30 June
As 30 June approaches, many Indian Australians are doing the same last-minute ritual: finding receipts, checking payslips, downloading bank statements and wondering what can — and cannot — be claimed at tax time.
For new migrants, international graduates, temporary skilled workers, permanent residents and families running busy households, Australia’s tax system can feel different from the one they grew up with in India. The good news is that a careful pre-30 June check can reduce stress, prevent common Australian Taxation Office (ATO) mistakes and help you lodge a cleaner 2025–26 tax return.
This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. If your situation is complex — overseas income, investment property, business income, capital gains, crypto, or a recent change in residency — speak with a registered tax agent.
Why tax time matters for Indian Australians in 2026
The 2025–26 income year runs from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. After that, most individuals can lodge through myTax or a registered tax agent. But the best time to organise records is before the year ends, while details are fresh and before receipts disappear into WhatsApp chats, email inboxes or gloveboxes.
For Indian community Australia readers, the main issues often include:
- claiming work-related expenses correctly
- understanding tax residency after moving to Australia
- reporting Australian and, where required, foreign income
- checking superannuation and PAYG withholding
- keeping records for work-from-home days and professional expenses
Work-from-home deductions: the ATO’s 70 cents rule
Many migrants work in IT, consulting, education, finance, healthcare administration or hybrid office roles, so work-from-home deductions are a major tax-time question.
The ATO’s fixed-rate method for the 2025–26 income year allows eligible taxpayers to claim 70 cents per hour worked from home. To use it, you need a real record of your total work-from-home hours, such as timesheets, rosters, diary entries or similar records kept as you go.
The ATO says you must be working from home to fulfil employment duties, not just occasionally checking emails. You must also incur additional running expenses and keep evidence of those expenses. The fixed rate covers some running costs, while some items — such as the work-related decline in value of technology and office furniture — may be claimed separately if properly apportioned and supported.
Quick action before 30 June
- Export your calendar or timesheets for work-from-home days.
- Save electricity, internet and phone bills in one folder.
- Keep invoices for laptops, monitors, desks, chairs and software.
- Separate private use from work use — the ATO expects reasonable apportionment.
First tax return in Australia? Check residency and income carefully
New arrivals from India should not assume tax residency is the same as visa status. A person can be a temporary visa holder and still be an Australian resident for tax purposes depending on their circumstances. Tax residency affects rates and what income may need to be declared.
If you arrived during the year, keep records showing your arrival date, visa status, employment start date and any overseas income around the move. If you maintained Indian bank accounts, rental income, investments or fixed deposits, ask a registered tax agent how Australian tax rules apply to your circumstances and whether any double-tax treaty issues arise.
Common deductions Indian families often overlook
Deductions must be connected to earning income, not simply everyday living costs. Still, many legitimate work-related costs are missed because people do not keep records.
- Professional registrations and memberships: nurses, engineers, accountants, teachers and IT professionals may have industry fees.
- Work-related courses: training linked to your current job may be deductible, but migration-related study or a course to get a new job is different.
- Uniforms and protective clothing: occupation-specific clothing may qualify; ordinary office wear generally does not.
- Vehicle expenses: if you use your car for work duties, check the ATO rules and keep a logbook or records where required.
- Tools and equipment: claim only the work-related portion and keep purchase evidence.
Super, Medicare levy and private health cover
Before lodging, check that your employer has reported income and super correctly through Single Touch Payroll. Log in to myGov and compare your income statement with payslips, especially if you changed jobs during the year.
Permanent residents and many visa holders should also understand how Medicare levy rules apply. If you had private health insurance, download your tax statement from your insurer. If you were not eligible for Medicare for part of the year, seek advice about whether a Medicare levy exemption certificate may be relevant.
A practical 30 June checklist
- Create a folder named “Tax 2025–26” and save all receipts as PDFs or photos.
- Check your Tax File Number is linked to your bank and employer records.
- Download donation receipts from registered Australian charities.
- Review bank interest, dividends and managed fund statements.
- Confirm your address and bank details in myGov are current.
- If using a tax agent, make sure they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.
The takeaway
Tax time does not need to be intimidating. For Indian Australians, the safest approach is simple: keep records, avoid inflated claims, understand your residency position and get qualified help when your finances cross borders.
With 30 June 2026 approaching, a one-hour paperwork check this week could save days of confusion later — and help you lodge with confidence when tax season begins.
