2026 Tax Checklists – Let’s Make Tax Time Easy!

2026 Tax Checklists – Let’s Make Tax Time Easy!

Tax time is here again! While it might not be everyone’s favourite time of year, our team is here to make it as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Whether you’re lodging a simple tax return or have investments, rental properties or other more complex affairs, we’re ready to help. As employers finalise their Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting over the coming weeks, we’ll be able to access most of your income information directly from the ATO, meaning less paperwork for you and a smoother process all round.

To help you get started, we’ve updated our online checklists and price list:

  • Individual Tax Checklist – Click Here
  • Rental Property Checklist – Click Here
  • Current Price List – Click Here

Please complete the relevant checklists, add any extra information in the notes section, attach your supporting documents, and send everything through to us when you are ready.

Please also remember to include details of any bank interest, dividends, investment income, rental property information, cryptocurrency activity, private health insurance, and work-related deductions.

If you have any questions or extra files to send, please email us at tax@oneledger.com.au. If you would prefer to use a secure client portal folder, we are happy to set one up for you.

 

A quick note on investments:
If you hold investments that issue annual tax statements, we may need to wait until those statements are released before we can finalise your return. Some managed fund, ETF, share portfolio, and platform tax statements may not be available until September or October, depending on the provider.

 

Want to chat in person?
We’d love to catch up in person or over a coffee to go through your tax – whether it’s for this year, last year, or planning. Just email us at admin@oneledger.com.au to book a time.

 

Quick Refresher – 2025/26 Resident Tax Rates:

  • $0 – $18,200: No tax
  • $18,201 – $45,000: 16c per $1 over $18,200
  • $45,001 – $135,000: $4,288 + 30c per $1 over $45,000
  • $135,001 – $190,000: $31,288 + 37c per $1 over $135,000
  • Over $190,000: $51,638 + 45c per $1 over $190,000

These rates don’t include the Medicare levy (2%)

 

What’s New (and what to keep in mind) for 2026

 

Motor Vehicle Claims – Cents per Kilometre

The cents per kilometre rate for the 2025/26 financial year remains the same as 2025FY at 88 cents per kilometre. This method covers fuel, servicing, registration, insurance, depreciation and other running costs.

You can claim up to 5,000 work-related kilometres per car, but you still need to keep reasonable records showing how you calculated your work-related travel.

If you are not using the cents per kilometre method, the logbook method may be available. If you have kept a valid logbook, this can allow you to claim the work/business-use percentage of your actual motor vehicle costs.

 

Working from Home Claims – A Quick Recap

Fixed Rate Method (70 cents/hour)
This rate remains unchanged from 2025FY and covers:

  • Internet and phone usage
  • Electricity and gas
  • Computer consumables and stationery

This method allows a separate claim for other items listed under actual method (e.g. depreciation on office equipment).

To claim, you’ll need a record of hours worked and proof that you paid for the included expenses.

Actual Cost Method

The actual cost method allows you to claim the actual work-related portion of expenses such as:

  • Internet and phone usage
  • Electricity and gas
  • Office consumables and stationery
  • Office furniture and equipment depreciation
  • Cleaning costs, if you have a dedicated home office

It requires detailed records – think square meterage of your workspace, itemised utility usage, depreciation schedules, and receipts.

 

Super Contributions Reminder

Made a personal super contribution this year and want to claim it? Make sure you submit a Notice of Intent to Claim form to your super fund before you lodge your tax return.

Many funds now let you do this online. If yours doesn’t, you can grab the ATO form here and send it directly to your fund.

 

If you have any questions, need a hand with your 2026 tax return, or would simply like to chat about tax planning for the year ahead, we’re only an email or phone call away, at tax@oneledger.com.au or 03 9996 0145.

Here’s to another successful tax season — we look forward to helping you get the best possible outcome.

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The OneLedger Team