If you’re retired, or helping a parent with their finances, tax time can bring a surprisingly basic question: do I need to put in a tax return at all?

It’s a good question. Retirement doesn’t automatically mean you can skip tax time, but receiving income doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have tax to pay either.

For the 2025–26 financial year, the usual deadline for lodging your own return is Monday 2 November 2026. If you’re planning to use a registered tax agent, contact them promptly to discuss getting onto their client list and confirm your particular due date.

1. Start by checking whether a return is needed

The Age Pension is taxable income. But whether you need to lodge, and whether you have any tax to pay, depends on your circumstances. Other income, tax already withheld and other factors can make a difference.

The simplest place to start is the ATO’s guidance on whether you need to lodge. Choose the 2025–26 income year and work through the questions.

2. If you don’t need to lodge

You may still need to let the ATO know by submitting a non-lodgment advice. This tells the ATO you don’t need to lodge a return for that year. Follow the ATO’s guidance for your circumstances.

3. If you do need to lodge

You can use a registered tax agent, or you may choose to lodge your own return using myTax. To use myTax, sign in to myGov and access the ATO service linked to your account.

Some information may already be filled in, including information reported by banks, employers and Services Australia. That can make things easier, but it’s still important to check the details against your records, add anything missing and answer the questions that apply to you, including those about private health insurance.

4. Get help if you’re unsure

Tax can become complicated, particularly when there are investments, property sales or other changes during the year. If you’re unsure, speak to a registered tax agent or contact the ATO.

If you’re helping Mum or Dad, you can work through the questions together. They should sign in to their own myGov account rather than share their password.

At Later Life Advice, we help families understand the practical decisions that come with later life. Tax is one of those things that can be easy to overlook, so a quick check now can help you work out what needs to happen next.

This article provides general information, not personal tax advice. Rules and individual circumstances vary.