Your first appointment checklist: what to bring for your tax return

What do you actually need to bring to a tax appointment? It's one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is shorter than most people think. Here's how it works – and if you don't have everything, that's okay.

How it works

Step 1: Book your appointment

New to BTMH? Send us a message or call us on (02) 9386 0500 and we'll set up your first appointment. Already a client? Book online. You can see us at our Bondi Junction office or work with us remotely – whichever suits you.

Step 2: Fill in our registration form and send your documents

Once you've booked, we'll email you our new client registration form. That's where you provide your TFN, bank details and a few personal details. Please don't send your TFN by email or text message – the form is the place for it.

In the same email, you'll also get a checklist to help you gather your documents:

• Tax Return Checklist – if you're an employee earning salary or wages (TFN income)
• Business Expenses List – if you earn ABN income

Fill in the one that applies to you and send it back to us with your documents, as explained in the email.

Step 3: We verify your ID

Before we start working on your return, we need to confirm who you are. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing scams in Australia, and tax returns are a common target: a name, a date of birth and a TFN are enough for someone to lodge a fake return in your name. That's why registered tax agents are required to verify every client's identity.

Here's how we do it:

• We check your ID in person, or on a short video call (FaceTime, WhatsApp or Teams – whichever suits you) 10–15 minutes before your online appointment.
• We don't record the call.
• We only ask for what we need. Any Australian ID will do, including an Australian passport. If your ID is from overseas, we can only accept your passport – so if you're not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, please have your passport ready.

It takes a couple of minutes, and it means no one else can act as you. Got a suspicious message "from the ATO"? Here's what to do.

Step 4: Have these ready

Once you're set up in our system, we go through the relevant information with you, ask any questions, and let you know if we need anything else. Most of what you need is listed in your onboarding email, but here's what helps most:

1. Your final payslips or income details. Your last payslip(s) before 30 June, plus details of any other income, such as bank interest, dividends or ABN income.
2. Your expenses. Use the checklist from your onboarding email to see what you might be able to claim – only expenses that weren't reimbursed by your employer. You'll need written evidence for work-related expenses if they total more than $300. Not sure what you can claim? Send us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
3. Rental statements and loan interest (if you own an investment property), plus receipts for repairs, rates or insurance.
4. Records of any side income. Freelance work, gig apps, selling online – if money came in, bring a record of it.
5. Donation details. Gifts of $2 or more to registered charities (deductible gift recipients) can usually be claimed. Just tell us the name of the charity and the amount – you don't need to send us the receipts, but keep them for five years in case the ATO asks.
6. Your visa details (if you're not an Australian citizen or permanent resident). Details of all the visas you held during the financial year, from 1 July to 30 June.

Don't have everything? That's okay

Don't worry – our team will help you work out what's needed. We'll go through your income, deductions and records with you, tell you exactly what's missing, and work out what you can and can't claim.

Ready to book?

Have what's on the list ready, and we'll take care of the rest. New clients: send us a message or call us on (02) 9386 0500. Existing clients: book your appointment online.