Tax time does not have to be stressful. The clients who breeze through it are simply the ones who arrive with the right paperwork. Here is a complete guide to what to gather so your 2026 return is quick, accurate, and claims everything you are entitled to. Do not worry if you are missing something — send what you have and we will guide you on the rest.
What everyone needs
Start with the basics: your Tax File Number, your date of birth, and the bank account details where you would like any refund paid. You will also need your income statement or PAYG summary from each employer — most of these now flow through to us automatically from the ATO. If you held private health insurance, have your statement handy, and note any government payments you received during the year.
Your income
Beyond your salary or wages, the ATO expects you to declare all of your income. That includes interest from bank accounts, dividends from shares, distributions from managed funds, rental income, any business or sole trader income, and income earned overseas. If you sold shares, crypto or property during the year, that may trigger a capital gain that needs to be reported.
Your deductions
This is where good records pay off. If you spent money to earn your income, it may be deductible. Common work-related deductions include working-from-home running costs, motor vehicle or travel expenses for work, tools and equipment, professional subscriptions and union or membership fees, and self-education directly related to your job. Do not forget donations to registered charities, income protection insurance premiums, and the fee you paid to have your previous return prepared — that is deductible too.
If you own an investment property
Rental properties have a lot of moving parts, so bring everything: your annual statement from the managing agent, council rates, water, insurance, loan interest, repairs and maintenance, and a depreciation schedule if you have one. A current depreciation schedule from a quantity surveyor often uncovers deductions owners did not know they could claim.
If you invest in shares or crypto
For any asset you sold, we need the purchase date and cost, and the sale date and proceeds, so we can calculate the capital gain or loss. If you held the asset for more than twelve months you may be entitled to a discount on the gain, which is one of the better reasons to keep good records of when you bought.
If you are a sole trader
Bring your total business income, a summary of your business expenses or your bookkeeping file, details of any home-office or vehicle use for the business, and any BAS you lodged during the year. The more organised this is, the lower your fee and the faster your return.
A few things people often miss
Income protection insurance, the cost of managing your tax affairs, interest on investment loans, and small recurring work expenses all add up. If you are not sure whether something is claimable, keep the receipt and ask — it is always better to check than to leave a legitimate deduction on the table.
How our process works
Once you send your documents through, we prepare your return, confirm your fixed fee up front, and send it to you to review before anything is lodged. Most returns are turned around within a few days, and the whole thing is done online — no need to come into an office.
Ready to get started? Book at nebulaaccounting.au or call 0433 822 227. General information only — not personal tax advice.