7 apps to make your life easier at tax time

Whether you’re a casual employee, PAYG earner, small business owner or ride-share driver, using a tax app can simplify compliance, improve accuracy, help maximise your refund, and reduce the stress of the end-of-financial-year rush.

KEY POINTS

Tax-focused apps can streamline certain tasks, such as receipt logging and lodging tax returns via the ATO.
Many tools offer AI‑assisted deduction discovery and benchmarking features, helping you claim eligible expenses with more accuracy.
Tax apps can be particularly useful for sole traders and individuals wanting to be better prepared come tax time.

How could a tax app help you this tax season?

Juggling paperwork, gathering receipts, calculating work from home expenses and logging vehicle mileage; preparing for tax time can be time-consuming! Fortunately, the latest tax apps and platforms can help streamline the process. Many integrate directly with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), automatically import pre-filled data, and let you upload receipts on the go by simply snapping a photo.

Not only could these tools save you hours of manual admin, they can also help you understand what deductions you’re eligible for and avoid common errors that can lead to delays or audits. However, as with any important financial matter, it’s advisable to speak with a qualified professional such as a tax accountant if you have any questions or concerns before lodging your tax return.

Tax apps to help submit your tax return

ATO App (myDeductions)

The Australian Taxation Office’s ‘myDeductions’ app allows individuals and sole traders to capture, categorise, and store receipts directly into its portal. Users are able to log vehicle trips using GPS, and enter income details or adjustments in real time. The app also syncs your data to your myGov account, ensuring easy import into myTax when you lodge.

Why it’s a standout: Completely free and directly supported by the ATO—meaning no manually importing your data between apps.

Best for: Employees and sole traders who need basic receipt logging and GST tracking without extra features that require a subscription.

Download: Compatible with iOS and Android

Hnry

Hnry is an all-in-one tax and financial admin app. It automatically calculates, deducts, and pays your income tax, GST, and Medicare levy every time you’re paid—meaning no more juggling spreadsheets or quarterly BAS. The app also handles invoicing, expense tracking, and lodges your tax returns with a real accountant.

Why it’s a standout: A useful ‘set-and-forget’ tool for tax time, helping small businesses stay on top of BAS and GST payments throughout the year.

Best for: sole traders, freelancers, and contractors.

Cost: 1%+GST of income paid into Hnry account

Download: Compatible with iOS and Android

TaxFox

The ‘pocket accountant’ of tax apps, this AI-powered platform enables you to track expenses, vehicle usage, even home-office deductions. TaxFox categorises and identifies deductible items automatically when users upload items such as receipts, then benchmarks against similar occupations to flag missed items. It integrates via ATO’s myTax for final review and filing and also offers secure cloud backups.

Why it’s a standout: Occupation-specific benchmarks show what peers claim, to give an idea of where your deductions sit relative to others in a similar profession.

Best for: Freelancers, contractors, gig‑workers or anyone with variable work-related outlays.

Cost: Basic tier free; premium from $8/month

Download: Compatible with iOS and Android

Etax

Etax offers end-to-end tax return services, guiding you through deduction claims step-by-step. You can submit tax returns directly via the ATO portal, and opt-in for live chat support with tax agents.

Why it’s a standout: Professional‑grade support at costs lower than in-person tax agents.

Best for: Anyone wanting guidance or support without hiring an accountant.

Cost: Etax fees start at $82.49 per lodgement and are deductible via your tax return claim

Download: Compatible with iOS and Android

ReceiptHub (H&R Block)

ReceiptHub by H&R Block helps streamline your tax lodgement submission. The app features receipt capture (via camera uploads or digital attachments), mileage logement, work-from-home tracking and related expenses, as well as providing a resource hub including a tax calculator and checklist. When you’re ready to lodge your tax return, you can choose to submit it online, with online assistance from an agent, or in-person at a H&R Block location.

Why it’s a standout: Offers a wealth of tax advice and support in one place.

Best for: DIY‑style users who still want access to expert help if needed.

Cost: Returns start at $89 but cost is dependent on individual circumstances

Download: Compatible with iOS and Android

Cost: 1%+GST of income paid into Hnry account

myTax (via myGov)

myTax is the ATO’s own web-based tax lodgement tool. It fetches pre-filled information from employers, banks, and government agencies and guides you through adding deductions, adjustments, and other income. When your tax return is ready, it lodges directly with the ATO.

Why it’s a standout: It lodges your return automatically with the ATO access, with a simple, user-friendly process.

Best for: Simple returns—salary, bank interest, basic deductions.

Cost: Free

Solo by MYOB

Solo by MYOB is a mobile-first accounting and tax app designed specifically for sole traders and freelancers. It streamlines key business tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and tax estimates, offering real-time GST and income tax calculations based on your transactions. The app links directly to your bank account, automatically categorising income and expenses to simplify EOFY reporting and BAS preparation.

Why it’s a standout: Provides tools and services for small businesses—not just at tax time.

Best for: Sole traders who want a platform that can handle tax returns as well as year-round business needs (such as invoicing and quotes).

Cost: from $99 annually

Download: Compatible with iOS and Android

TaxTank

A modular tax and finance management platform, TaxTank lets users create multiple ‘Tanks’ for different income types—such as work, sole trade, investments, property, and crypto/shares. It connects to bank feeds via Open Banking, automatically categorises transactions, and offers real-time tax estimates. Users can attach receipts and documents, calculate CGT and depreciation, and collaborate with accountants or co-investors securely. Plans start at $6/month per Tank (Work, Sole Trader, Holdings, etc.), and the software is cloud‑based with ongoing mobile-responsive access.

Why it’s a standout: Live bank feeds and secure document storage. It’s one of the few platforms that seamlessly allows users to separate income streams for transparency.

Best for: Individuals and small businesses juggling multiple income sources (e.g. PAYG + side hustle + investments)

Cost: plans start at $6 per month. Tax lodgements from $79

Download: Compatible with iOS and Android

This article was reviewed by our Editor-in-Chief Nina Rinella before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.

Jessica Pridmore

Finance Editor

Jessica Pridmore is Canstar’s Finance Editor. With more than 12 years media industry experience, Jessica has worked across a range of fintech, travel and lifestyle publications in Australia and the UK. Her work has appeared in publications including Grazia UK, Time Out, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, WIRED, Refinery29, Suncorp, Urban List and Tourism & Events Queensland. Before joining Canstar, Jessica was a Senior Communications Associate at Australian insurer Suncorp Group, covering topics from assisted relocation reform to ASX Full Year Results. Prior to this Jessica was the Brisbane Editor at independent media brand Urban List. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Advertising and Creative Writing from London’s Middlesex University. Away from the desk, Jessica loves outdoor adventures with her two-year old daughter, beach walks with her dogs, and finding the best ramen and dumplings in the city. You can follow her on LinkedIn.