When preparing to lodge your tax return this year, one option you might be considering is myTax, the online tax service offered by the ATO. It might seem easy, but beware: this government-run service requires you to do all the work yourself, so you risk making mistakes, missing out on deductions and possibly even incurring penalties.
If you want to you get your taxes done quickly and easily online, but with the security of knowing you have expert help on hand to make sure you do it correctly and receive the maximum possible refund, you should choose H&R Block's Online Tax Express.
Our incredibly popular online service is quick and easy to use, and allows you to benefit from the expertise of our team of experienced tax consultants.
Here's a quick rundown of both options to help you understand the difference:
myTax
myTax is a government run service offered by the ATO that can be accessed through a myGov account. First of all, you will need to register for a myGov account, if you don't already have one. Then you go ahead and do your tax return yourself via the portal, without any direct support.
It's important to understand that with myTax, you are 100% responsible for filling out and lodging your own return. This means the whole process can be very laborious and time consuming– and there's the risk of penalty if you fill it out incorrectly.
H&R Block's Online Tax Express
The safe and easy option. Our Online Tax Express service has been thoughtfully designed to help you lodge your tax return as quickly and easily as possible, to help you get the best possible return in a matter of minutes.
It's a stress free three-step process:
- First log in and fill in your details to get started.
- Then you complete your income, much of which will use auto-filled details from the ATO and claim deductions using our list of suggestions based on your occupation.
- Once complete, your tax return will be reviewed for errors and sent off for lodgement.
Our tax consultants are available to answer your questions at any time during the process via phone or messenger, and we can upgrade you to a more personalised service if your return is complicated.
You also get the option of not paying an upfront fee when you lodge your tax return with H&R Block, provided your return delivers a refund.
What are the benefits of using each of these services?
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myTax |
H&R Block Online Tax Express |
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Most information from your employers, banks, government agencies, health funds and other third parties is pre-filled by late July |
We can also pre-fill your return with most information from your employers, banks, government agencies, health funds and other third parties |
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High level of information protection |
We also have a high level of information protection– all information provided to H&R Block is secured with a 128-bit encrypted SSL link |
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Available 24/7 |
H&R Block's Online Tax Express is also available 24/7 |
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You also get around the clock access to online tax consultants for any questions or concerns by phone or our messaging service. |
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Quick turnaround, with most returns delivered within two weeks |
We also provide you with super quick turnaround on your return! |
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Plus, if your return is more complex or you need personal advice, you have the option to work with a tax consultant over the phone, via email or in person |
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Option of using myDeductions on the ATO app to pre-fill your tax return (but you get no guidance when it comes to finding additional deductions relevant to your industry) |
H&R Block can provide you with specialised tax tips for deductions that are suitable for your occupation, plus expert assistance with calculating more complicated deductions such as depreciation of home office furniture or capital gains tax |
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You can see a detailed breakdown of your estimated refund or debt |
Your return is reviewed by experienced online tax consultants & validated by registered tax agents |
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This service is free of charge |
You can do your tax return for free! Our starter packge is now $0 then you can choose no upfront payment and your 100% tax deductible fee is deducted from your refund |
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You must lodge your tax return by 31 October or face late lodgement penalties |
The option of lodging your tax return any time up to May the following year (but you need to be a registered client of H&R Block before 31st October to qualify for this extension) |
What are the drawbacks of using each of these services?
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myTax |
H&R Block Online Tax Express |
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No specialised assistance to make sure you get all possible deductions and the highest possible return |
The potential for your tax return to take slightly longer to process, as it goes through the review process. But delays are minimal and you will usually still receive your refund in around two weeks |
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You are 100% responsible for making sure you've completed your return correctly and at risk of potential penalties if you make any errors or unsubstantiated claims |
Our Stater package is $0 however there might be a fee that varies depending on the level of complexity of your return |
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The possibility of missing out on legitimate deductions you're entitled to claim |
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Deadline to lodge is strictly 31st October |
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If you have many deductions or want to claim more complicated deductions such as car expenses, it be tricky and time-consuming to work out– and the ATO assistance hotline may have long waiting times or even be unavailable when you need it |
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At the end of the day, the choice is yours. But remember that myTax might not give you the maximum refund you deserve as the ATO's main job is to collect taxes. You also might miss out on some deductions you could legitimately claim for your job or industry but don't know about.
Our tax consultants know ALL the legitimate deductions and our Online Tax Express service is expertly set up so you can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket at the end of the financial year. You deserve it.
Give the H&R Block's Online Tax Express service a go this year, and enjoy getting the best possible refund back in your pocket
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