Tax time is here. If you’re a Gold Coast individual getting ready to lodge your 2025–26 tax return, this guide covers the key deadlines, what’s changed this year, and the deductions most people miss — plus how our local Robina-based accountants can take the stress out of it for you.
Missing the deadline without an extension in place can mean ATO penalties — the earlier you get in touch, the more options you have.
A few updates that affect this year’s return:
From 1 July 2025, the 19% tax bracket dropped to 16%, and the old 32.5% bracket was eliminated and absorbed into the 30% band — meaning most Gold Coast workers are paying less tax and may see a different refund outcome than last year.
The ATO's fixed-rate method for work-from-home deductions is 70 cents per hour for 2025–26, covering electricity, gas, internet, mobile/home phone, and stationery/computer consumables. Note: the ATO requires a real-time record of hours worked from home (timesheet, roster, or diary) — estimates aren't accepted.
A new $1,000 standard deduction for work-related expenses is being introduced, but it applies from the 2027 tax return (year starting 1 July 2026) — not the return you're lodging now.
Every situation is different — the best way to know what you’re eligible for is a quick chat with a local accountant.
Lodging through myGov works for very simple returns, but it’s easy to miss deductions, get tripped up by rental property or capital gains rules, or make an error that flags an ATO review. Our Robina-based team has helped Gold Coast individuals lodge accurately and maximise their refund within ATO guidelines for over 30 years.
We also offer an Online Assisted Tax Return service — from $100+GST — that gives you the speed and convenience of lodging online, with every return reviewed by a qualified chartered accountant before it’s submitted. It’s built for exactly this: straightforward individual returns that still get a proper professional check.
Prefer to sit down in person? Clients across Robina, Burleigh Heads, Varsity Lakes, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Southport, and the rest of the Gold Coast are welcome to visit our Robina office directly.
If you’re lodging it yourself, the deadline is 31 October 2026 — which shifts to Monday 2 November 2026 since the standard date falls on a weekend. If you register with a tax agent before 31 October, you may be eligible for an extended deadline of up to 15 May 2027.
The ATO’s fixed rate for 2025–26 is 70 cents per hour, covering electricity, internet, phone, and stationery/computer consumables. You need a real-time record of the hours worked from home to claim it.
Yes — from 1 July 2025 the 19% tax bracket dropped to 16% and the 32.5% bracket was absorbed into the 30% band, so most people are paying less tax through the year. This can change your refund outcome compared to previous years.
Yes. While we’re based in Robina, we service individuals across the whole Gold Coast, including Burleigh Heads, Varsity Lakes, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Southport, Nerang, Mudgeeraba, and Coomera — in person, by phone, or online.
Our Online Assisted Tax Return service starts from $100+GST, with some additional costs for things like rental properties, capital gains, or dividend income.
Our team services clients throughout the Gold Coast region. Whether you’re in Robina, Burleigh Heads, Surfers Paradise, or anywhere across the Coast, we’re your local accounting partner.
Book a free consultation with our Gold Coast team, or start your return online today — reviewed by a qualified chartered accountant before it’s lodged.
