CLICK TO DOWNLOAD OUR 2026 TAX CHECKLIST
As we prepare your 2026 Income Tax Return, now is a great time to gather your information. Having your records organised helps ensure you claim every deduction you are legally entitled to while meeting Australian Taxation Office (ATO) record-keeping requirements.
Whether you’re a salary and wage earner, a small business owner, or an investor with shares or rental property, a little preparation now will make your appointment with our team faster, smoother, and more accurate. Below is everything you need to know to get tax-ready this year.
A Few Things to Remember
Before you start gathering paperwork, keep these ATO fundamentals in mind:
- Keep your records. Hold on to receipts, invoices and tax invoices to support every claim.
- Two-year rule. Most records should be retained for at least two years.
- Only claim what you paid. You can only claim expenses you have paid yourself and that relate to earning your income.
- Apportion private use. If an expense is partly private, only the work-related portion is deductible.
Documents to Bring to Your Appointment
To make your tax return as complete and accurate as possible, please bring along:
- Driver licence or other form of ID (please note: new identification requirements for tax agents apply from 1 July 2026)
- Bank account details for your refund
- Private health insurance statement
- Investment statements
- Rental property annual summary
- Loan statements
- Receipts for deductions
- Logbook (if claiming motor vehicle expenses)
- Working from home records
Income Information
Make sure we have the full picture of your income for the year, including:
- PAYG Income Statements (if not already available through the ATO)
- Government payments
- Interest earned from banks and financial institutions
- Dividends from shares
- Managed fund distributions
- Rental property income
- Business or sole trader income
- Foreign income
- Cryptocurrency transactions
- Capital gains from the sale of investments or property
What Deductions Can You Claim?
Vehicle and Travel
Motor vehicle expenses, work-related parking and tolls, taxi/rideshare and public transport, airfares and accommodation for work travel, and a travel diary where required.
Note: home-to-work travel is generally not deductible.
Working From Home
If you worked from home during the year, you may be able to claim eligible expenses such as hours worked from home, electricity and gas, internet, mobile phone, computer consumables, office furniture, computer equipment, and repairs and maintenance. Please retain records of hours worked and supporting documentation.
Clothing and Laundry
Compulsory uniforms, occupation-specific clothing, protective clothing, laundry expenses and dry cleaning.
Tools and Equipment
Computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, tools, safety equipment, briefcases or work bags, and office furniture.
Self-Education
Course fees, textbooks, stationery, student amenities, internet used for study, travel to education, and professional journals.
Professional Expenses
Professional memberships, union fees, registration and licensing fees, professional indemnity insurance, conferences and seminars, training courses, and continuing professional development.
Other Work Expenses
Home office equipment, work-related subscriptions, reference books, technical publications, protective equipment, sunscreen/hats/sunglasses, income protection insurance held personally, telephone and internet expenses, work-related postage, and bank fees relating to investment income.
Investment Deductions
Shares: interest on investment loans, investment advice fees, dividend statements, and share purchase and sale contracts.
Rental Properties: managing agent statement, loan interest, council rates, water rates, insurance, repairs and maintenance, property management fees, body corporate fees, advertising for tenants, gardening, pest control, cleaning, depreciation schedules, and any capital improvements completed during the year.
Donations, Super and Rebates
Donations of $2 or more made to registered deductible gift recipients (DGRs)
Superannuation: personal super contributions, Notice of Intent to Claim acknowledgement, and spouse contributions
Tax offsets and rebates: let us know if you have private health insurance or dependants
Life Changes We Need to Know About
Please let us know if, during the year, you:
- Purchased or sold property
- Purchased or sold cryptocurrency
- Bought or sold shares
- Started receiving a pension
- Received an insurance payout
- Received an employment termination payment
- Changed jobs
- Started or ceased a business
- Became an Australian resident or ceased residency
- Married, separated or divorced
Not Sure If an Expense Is Deductible?
If you’re unsure whether an expense is deductible, don’t leave it out — simply include the information with your tax records. We’re happy to review your circumstances and advise what can be legally claimed under current tax law.
Our aim is to ensure you receive every deduction you’re entitled to while remaining fully compliant with ATO requirements.
Book Your Appointment Today
Getting organised early makes tax time easier for everyone. Gather the documents above and get in touch to book your 2026 Income Tax Return appointment.
Port Stephens Accountants & Business Advisors
First Floor, 55 Donald Street, Nelson Bay
PO Box 337, Nelson Bay, NSW, 2315