10 May 2026 · 4 min read

Do I need to lodge a tax return if I earned under $18,200?

The Australian tax-free threshold is $18,200. If you earned less, you generally don't owe tax — but the ATO may still want either a return or a "non-lodgement advice" depending on your circumstances. This catches plenty of people in Broadmeadows, Glenroy, and Westmeadows who worked casual shifts, changed jobs, or studied while working part-time.

You usually do need to lodge if:

1. Any tax was withheld from your pay

If your employer withheld PAYG tax — even $1 — you need to lodge to get it back. This is the most common reason low-income earners leave money on the table.

2. You received Centrelink payments

Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy, Parenting Payment Partnered, and a few others are assessable income and may require lodgement even if your total is under the threshold.

3. You had reportable fringe benefits

Reportable fringe benefits over $2,000 from your employer mean you'll usually need to lodge — these get added back when working out tests like Medicare levy surcharge.

4. You ran a business as a sole trader

Any business income needs to be declared, regardless of total. That includes rideshare, food delivery, freelancing, tutoring, weekend market stalls, and online creator income. You'll lodge with a business schedule attached.

5. You have a HELP / HECS / student loan

If you have a study or training loan, you may need to lodge to report income. Repayment thresholds and rates update over time, so check the latest figures on the ATO website each year. Even when you are below the repayment threshold, the ATO may still require the income to be reported correctly.

What if none of those apply?

Lodge a "non-lodgement advice" with the ATO. It's a one-line statement that you don't need to lodge a return for the year — which stops the ATO from chasing you. We can do that for you, or you can submit it through myGov.

Your local advisers

Need a quick yes/no answer before you lodge?

Zahid and Inam support clients across Broadmeadows and Northern Melbourne with fast tax-lodgement checks that are easy to understand.

Zahid Chowdhury

Founder & Principal Accountant

Zahid helps with structure, strategy, and big tax decisions so you can grow with confidence.

Inam Asiful

Senior Consultant

Inam keeps your BAS, payroll, and tax lodgements clear, accurate, and on time.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not tax, financial, or legal advice.

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