If you’ve ever felt unsure about doing your tax online – or you’re helping someone who is – there are safe, simple ways to learn how it all works. The ATO offers practical tools to help you explore myTax and ATO online services, understand what information’s needed, and access free support if you’re eligible. Here’s how you can build confidence and take the stress out of managing your tax.
The ATO Online Services Simulator is an online tax training ground. It lets you explore myTax and other ATO online services without any risk or commitment. You can’t accidentally submit a real tax return or make actual payments – it’s purely for learning.
The simulator features eight different user scenarios, each representing common Australian tax situations. Whether you’re a young person lodging your first tax return, a working holiday maker, a retiree managing superannuation income streams, or someone with more complex affairs involving business income, there’s likely a scenario that matches your situation. You practise by acting as the “client” user and clicking through the same style of screens you’d see in real tax records in your MyGov account – entering details, reviewing typical pre-fill information and stepping through lodgment-style workflows.
Because the simulator uses mock data, you can try things out without affecting any real records. If you’re demonstrating for someone else – such as a student, a relative or a person you care for – taking them through the simulator first helps make the real system feel familiar.
To try the simulator, visit the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au and search for “Online Services Simulator” using the search bar at the top of the page.
If you earn $70,000 or less and have straightforward tax affairs, the Tax Help program offers free assistance from July to October each year. Accredited volunteers can help you lodge your tax return online, create a myGov account, lodge amendments or determine if you need to lodge a return at all.
You can access Tax Help support online, by phone, or in person at centres across Australia. To book, call 13 28 61 (choose option 3, then option 2). Bring your myGov details (or get help setting up an account), Tax File Number, bank details, notices of assessment, income statements, receipts and (if relevant) your spouse’s income details. The Tax Help volunteers understand that many people feel uncertain about digital tax processes and are specifically trained to provide patient, supportive guidance.
If your income exceeds $70,000 or you have more complex tax affairs – such as running a business, owning rental properties, or dealing with capital gains tax – the National Tax Clinic program might be suitable. This government-funded initiative operates through universities across Australia, where tax students provide free advice under the supervision of qualified professionals.
Before diving into your actual tax affairs, consider spending time with the simulator. It’s an excellent way to familiarise yourself with the interface and processes without pressure. You can explore at your own pace, repeat sections as needed and build confidence in using digital tax tools.
Whether you’re building your own confidence with digital tax tools, helping a family member or teaching students about tax responsibilities, these resources provide a safe, supportive environment for learning.
Source: www.ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/ato-online-services-simulator