Making Tax Time Simple and Stress-Free

Listen: Fenwick Collective accountant Tegan Jansen shares practical tips for lodging your return accurately and calmly

Tax time doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Key points:

the Australian Tax Office already has much of your income information, including bank interest and share earnings.

“Dogs can be a deduction… but only if they’re genuinely working, like on a farm protecting livestock. My emotional support dog on my lap is a no-go!”

One of the most underrated details is being specific on your occupation, Tegan says.

Accountant Tegan Jansen from Fenwick Collective joined us to share some practical tips for lodging your return accurately and calmly—without the brain ache.

“Your tax return has to be super accurate,” Tegan said. “The ATO is pretty tricky… I sort of call him Big Brother these days with how much they data match. They know everything.”

She explained that the Australian Tax Office already has much of your income information, including bank interest and share earnings. That’s why it’s important to wait for all your documents to arrive before you lodge.

“If you haven’t received that information yet, maybe just hang ten on doing your tax return,” she said.

The Australian Tax Office already has much of your income information, including bank interest and share earnings.

Top tips for lodging your return

One of the most underrated details?

“Your occupation,” Tegan shared. “The ATO lines that up to what deductions you claim. If it doesn’t match, they may look at it—and that’s attention you don’t want!”

She also highlighted the importance of reporting spouses and dependents correctly, especially for anyone receiving Centrelink payments.

One of the most underrated details is being specific on your occupation, Tegan says.

“If you haven’t quite reported your new baby or your spouse, it can trip you up,” she said.

The ins and outs of deductions

When it comes to deductions, Tegan offered some helpful reminders:

Work-from-home expenses, using either the fixed-rate or actual-cost method

Travel for work, including parking and meals on trips

Laptops, iPads, or tech used at least partly for work

Income protection insurance paid outside super

And yes—she even addressed some tax myths.

“Dogs can be a deduction… but only if they’re genuinely working, like on a farm protecting livestock. My emotional support dog on my lap is a no-go!”

“Dogs can be a deduction… but only if they’re genuinely working, like on a farm protecting livestock. My emotional support dog on my lap is a no-go!”

Keep receipts and get advice

Tegan’s final encouragement was simple: “Receipts—get advice if your situation is more complex this year. And the ATO’s website is actually pretty good if you want to do your own research.”

Tax time doesn’t have to be scary. With some preparation, a few smart claims, and the right guidance, you can lodge with confidence and keep your focus on the things that truly matter.

Feature image: CanvaPro