How to simplify your personal tax return in 2025 | Tax tips and deductions

Golden Plains Accountants sharing valuable financial insights, tips, and updates for clients and businesses in Geelong

How to simplify your personal tax return in 2025

Tax time can feel like a daunting task, but simplifying your personal tax return doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding key deductions, staying organised and seeking expert guidance, you can streamline the process and even increase your refund. Here’s how to make your tax return in 2025 as stress-free as possible.

1

Claim deductions for working from home

If you worked from home in 2025, you may be eligible to claim deductions for various expenses, including stationery, electricity, phone, and internet costs. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides simplified methods, such as a fixed-rate option, to help you calculate these expenses without unnecessary complexity.

Resource to explore: Read the handy guide “Employees working from home” to better understand your eligibility and calculate precise deductions.

1

Claim deductions for working from home

If you worked from home in 2025, you may be eligible to claim deductions for various expenses, including stationery, electricity, phone, and internet costs. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides simplified methods, such as a fixed-rate option, to help you calculate these expenses without unnecessary complexity.

Resource to explore: Read the handy guide “Employees working from home” to better understand your eligibility and calculate precise deductions.

2

Know your entitlements as a property owner

If you own a rental property, there are numerous deductions you can claim, ranging from property management fees to interest on loans. However, it’s important to keep meticulous records to avoid common mistakes.

Resource to explore: Check out “Do you have a rental property?” and “Top 10 tips to help rental property owners avoid common tax mistakes” to ensure you’re maximising your property-related savings.

2

Know your entitlements as a property owner

If you own a rental property, there are numerous deductions you can claim, ranging from property management fees to interest on loans. However, it’s important to keep meticulous records to avoid common mistakes.

Resource to explore: Check out “Do you have a rental property?” and “Top 10 tips to help rental property owners avoid common tax mistakes” to ensure you’re maximising your property-related savings.

3

Don’t overlook common deductions

Everyday expenses related to your work can add up to significant deductions. Depending on your occupation, you might be able to claim laundry expenses for uniforms, travel costs, or self-education expenses.

Resource to explore: Refer to “Learn what you can claim for your occupation” for tailored guidance based on your industry, whether you’re a nurse, teacher, or tradesperson.

3

Don’t overlook common deductions

Everyday expenses related to your work can add up to significant deductions. Depending on your occupation, you might be able to claim laundry expenses for uniforms, travel costs, or self-education expenses.

Resource to explore: Refer to “Learn what you can claim for your occupation” for tailored guidance based on your industry, whether you’re a nurse, teacher, or tradesperson.

4

Stay organised all year long

One of the biggest sources of tax-time stress is a lack of organisation. Keep detailed records of your income and expenses throughout the year and hold onto receipts for any claims you intend to make. Digital tools can help simplify this process and reduce paperwork.

Resource to explore: Use tools like the “Occupation guide to deductions” to help categorise expenses and ensure nothing is missed.

4

Stay organised all year long

One of the biggest sources of tax-time stress is a lack of organisation. Keep detailed records of your income and expenses throughout the year and hold onto receipts for any claims you intend to make. Digital tools can help simplify this process and reduce paperwork.

Resource to explore: Use tools like the “Occupation guide to deductions” to help categorise expenses and ensure nothing is missed.

5

Take advantage of expert assistance

If you’re unsure about which deductions apply or how to accurately complete your return, consulting a professional can save you time and money. At GP Accountants + Advisors, we specialise in making personal tax returns straightforward while ensuring that you claim everything you’re entitled to.

5

Take advantage of expert assistance

If you’re unsure about which deductions apply or how to accurately complete your return, consulting a professional can save you time and money. At GP Accountants + Advisors, we specialise in making personal tax returns straightforward while ensuring that you claim everything you’re entitled to.

Bonus tip: Plan ahead for 2026

Talk with us to navigate any traps and the ATO focus for the year ahead.

How to simplify your personal tax return

By following these steps and using the right resources, you can simplify your personal tax return and feel more confident about the process. Not local to the area? Remote appointments via phone or online are available. Personal tax returns start from just $125, and our team is ready to provide expert, personalised advice to ensure you get the most from your return.