What are the top tax apps?

While one-touch payroll and the MyGov Australian Tax Office (ATO) portal have made it easier for many to lodge their tax return, those with expenses to claim still have some work to do. With these systems, if you’ve had no expenses and have a simple tax declaration, happy days.

However, if you’ve donated to charity, started working from home, or driven for work purposes, among other things, this is where it can get a little trickier. So, where do you start? There’s an app for that.

What are the top apps for filing a tax return?

In Australia, there are many apps to choose from, with varying costs and feature lists, but what you might not know is that the ATO has its own expenses feature in its app called myDeductions and its own web-based tax lodgement app called myTax - both are free! We’ve detailed a few more in the table below, with pricing information correct as of September 2020.

1. Note that pricing varies based on how ‘simple’ your tax return is, and the level of human engagement with your file.

ATO myDeductions

Using the myDeductions tool is free. However, where it differs is that you’re not using an accountant to check over everything to maximise your refund. After all, you didn’t expect the ATO to give you a free lunch, did you?

With this app you can record expenses and deductions, vehicle trips, income if you’re a sole trader, and also upload photos of receipts and invoices. From there you can either lodge yourself or forward it on to an accountant. 

• Available on: Android and iOS

myTax

myTax is the ATO’s official online lodgement system, designed for individuals who want to complete their own tax return without paying for third‑party services. It automatically pre‑fills income information from employers, banks, and government agencies, and allows users to add deductions, offsets, and other details before submitting directly to the ATO.

The platform is web‑based, secure, and accessible through a linked myGov account, making it straightforward for most taxpayers with simple to moderately complex returns.

There are no fees for using myTax, since it is provided by the ATO. Refunds are usually processed within two weeks, and the system includes built‑in checks to reduce errors. While it is free and convenient, myTax does not provide personalised advice or accountant review, so users with complex tax situations - such as multiple investments, rental properties, or business income - may prefer paid apps or professional services.

• Available on: Any web browser

TaxFox

TaxFox is another relative newcomer in the market, officially launched in July 2020. The app also lets you maximise deductions with job-specific tips, and lets you benchmark your deductions and refunds with others in your field. It also lets you log working-from-home hours and associated expenses, as well as snap and store your receipts.

The free version enables you to save up to 12 receipts and 20 work-from-home days. The cheapest paid version costs $8 per month, allowing up to 24 receipts and 40 days from home. From there, the next tier is $13 per month, which includes unlimited receipts and unlimited days working from home.

• Available on: Android and iOS

ReceiptHub by H&R Block

ReceiptHub by H&R Block is a free-to-download app designed to simplify record‑keeping for tax time. It allows users to snap and store receipts digitally, track work‑from‑home hours, and maintain vehicle logbooks, all in line with ATO requirements. The app also categorises expenses and provides secure cloud storage, making it easier to organise financial records throughout the year.

ReceiptHub is useful for anyone wanting ATO‑compliant digital records without relying on paper receipts. It integrates smoothly with H&R Block’s tax services, allowing users to export and share receipts directly with their accountant. 

• Available on: Android and iOS

Etax

Like other apps, Etax’s app allows you to snap and save receipts and other deductions, while also allowing you to contact your accountant. It also lets you select your occupation and from there it provides insight into common deductions for your role. Two tax accountants watch over your file to make sure everything is correct.

Online tax returns start at $69.90, while if you opt for your fee to be taken from your tax refund later, the fee from refund service is $27.50. ‘Low income' services also start at $38.50, while if you’ve got a small business it’s $186.90.

• Available on: Android and iOS

Hnry

Hnry is an all-in-one service that automatically calculates, pays, and lodges taxes on behalf of sole traders. It combines accounting software with access to tax experts, meaning users don’t need a separate accountant. Features include unlimited invoicing, expense management, and direct communication with the ATO.

The cost comes at 1% of income plus GST, capped at $1,500 per year, with no monthly subscription fees. This makes it attractive for freelancers and contractors who want tax handled seamlessly without ongoing admin.

• Available on: Android and iOS

Solo by MYOB

Solo by MYOB is an accounting software that provides tools for invoicing, expense tracking, and transaction reconciliation, but unlike other apps, it does not lodge taxes automatically.

Users still need an accountant to prepare and submit tax returns. Solo charges a monthly or annual subscription, with extra fees for add-ons such as credit card payments. It’s best suited for those who want control over bookkeeping but are comfortable engaging an accountant separately.

• Available on: Android and iOS

TaxTank

TaxTank is a cloud-based tax management platform that gives users a live view of their tax position throughout the year. It integrates with bank feeds, automates expense allocation, and supports property, shares, and crypto portfolios.

The app offers a more transparent, real-time view of your tax position. It connects directly to bank feeds, provides secure document storage, and is one of the few platforms that lets users clearly separate multiple income streams for better visibility. This makes it particularly useful for freelancers, investors, and those with diverse earnings.

• Available on: Android, iOS, and via a web browser

1. Savings.com.au's two cents

Maximising your tax refund in Australia seems like a national pastime. And of course, there’s businesses willing to take your money to do so. The good news is, these costs are tax deductible. However, just because you can use a paid app, does that mean you should?

If you’ve got a simple tax return, many of these apps are arguably rendered redundant by using the ATO’s own app and then lodging via MyGov once everything is pre-loaded. Additional features in paid options might also only be window dressing, such as slick dashboards and expense insights to give you ideas on what to claim. However, many of these paid apps' cheapest tiers only allow up to a $300 deduction, which you can claim via the ATO myDeductions app anyway.

When you start claiming more than $300 or if you have investment income is where these apps might prove their worth. Usually provided with accountants watching over your shoulder, they can be a good option if you’ve got multiple deductions, multiple income streams, investment properties, share portfolios and more. Additionally, if you’ve got complex work-from-home arrangements, accounting apps can help you there, too.

Overall, it depends on what type of tax claimer you are. If you’re like a large portion of Australians who claim less than $300 and just want to get it out of the way, the MyGov portal and ATO app are likely sufficient. However, if it’s more complex, it’s worth at least looking into paid options.