Are you feeling overwhelmed by the end of financial year (EOFY)? Confused about what you can and can't claim?
The EOFY is days away, and it's a perfect time to get yourself return-ready.
Dr Brett Freudenberg runs a pro bono tax clinic at Brisbane's Griffith University, that gives free advice to under-represented taxpayers.
Getting your tax return lodged isn't just about making the most of what you can claim. It can also affect your government benefits - and even your ability to get a home loan.
If you're struggling, you could be eligible for help from one of 15 tax clinics around Australia.
Wayne Fossey, an Aboriginal Elder from Yugambeh and Bungalung country in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, avoided filing a tax return for more than a decade.
"I tried to ignore it, but it just got bigger and bigger, and as it did, I got more scared of what the government's response would be," Mr Fossey said.
He notes the shame and stigma felt by many people with financial problems, and that a lot of First Nations Australians are hesitant to deal with government services.
"Dealing with the government can be a big problem for us mob."
Most importantly, get your documents ready.
Dr Freudenberg said bank or credit card statements are generally not enough - you need receipts.
Try to find any proof of your transactions because without them, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) has grounds to question your claims.
Aim to figure out a system that works for you, so you don't have to scramble come tax time.
"There are so many apps that you can use to keep track of your receipts," Dr Freudenberg said.
The ATO has a feature called myDeductions in their mobile phone app.
Other options include Concur and Zoho.
It's critical to understand exactly what you are entitled to claim.
The ATO sets out different rulings - which are binding interpretations of Australia's tax laws - and what different industries and jobs can claim.
"The ATO wants you to be compliant because it makes their job easier," Dr Freudenberg said.
"Knowledge is power when it comes to tax."
And he urged caution about taking advice from family or friends, as their information could be wrong or outdated.
EOFY sales can be enticing, but it is not dollar-for-dollar value you are getting back on tax, Dr Freudenberg explained.
For example, people on the average tax rate of 30 per cent, will only get back 30 cents on the dollar for that deduction.
In other words, it is still costing 70 per cent of the purchase price.
A good idea is to ask: would I buy this if I wasn't getting a discount?
Don't rush the process.
Dr Freudenberg said the do-it-yourself online portal, MyTax, makes it easy to submit straight away as it is pre-filled with most of your income.
However, this won't include your tax deductions.
"You could be getting a much larger refund, so make sure you take the time to research what deductions you are entitled to," he said.
If you are struggling with your return, you might also be entitled to free help.
There are 15 tax clinics around Australia that offer free consultations to vulnerable members of the community.
At the Griffith University Tax Clinic, taxation students give advice supervised by experienced practitioners.
"While tax may not be fun, it is important that people don't shy away from it," Dr Freudenberg said.
Most clients at the tax clinic are from low socio-economic households, migrant communities or are family violence survivors.
"This year, we have been overwhelmed with the demand for our services," Dr Freudenberg said.
Mr Fossey said the Griffith University tax clinic gave him financial freedom.
"We were able to sit down openly and I felt comfortable to talk honestly and in detail about my financial history," he said.
"Long term, I like that they are training student accountants to have empathy towards different people from all sorts of cultures."
Funding for tax clinics was increased in the recent federal budget with a view to creating five more clinics by 2025, with locations yet to be announced.