Best tax software in Australia,
according to AI

The top tax software in Australia includes Etax, H&R Block Online, myTax, and for businesses, platforms like Sleek, Xero, and QuickBooks Online, each catering to different user needs and complexity levels.

Individual Tax Software

Etax – Best Overall Ideal for: Individuals, freelancers, and ABNs seeking a balance of DIY speed and professional support Key Features: Pre-filled ATO data, step-by-step deductions guidance, live chat with tax agents Price: Free to $69 depending on complexity Notes: You only pay if you submit; highly integrated with the ATO, making it simple to maximize refunds 1 H&R Block Online – Best for Complex Returns Ideal for: Those with rental properties, shares, crypto, or multiple income streams Key Features: DIY filing with optional accountant assistance, ability to have returns checked by experts Price: $39–$99 Notes: Strong hybrid system combining online convenience and professional help 1 myTax (ATO) – Best Free Option Ideal for: Simple returns, salary/wage earners with minimal deductions Key Features: Secure, fast, pre-filled information from employer, banks, and Centrelink Price: Free Notes: Less suitable for numerous deductions or complex financial situations 1 TaxFox – Best for Deduction Tracking Ideal for: Sole traders, tradies, rideshare drivers Key Features: Log expenses, mileage, and receipts year-round to organize deductions Price: $9/month Notes: Works as an aid for filing with other tax platforms 1

Business & SME Tax Software

Sleek – Best Full-Service Cloud Solution Ideal for: Startups and SMEs that want combined tax, accounting, and company admin support Key Features: Automated compliance, bookkeeping, and tax preparation bundled with expert guidance Price: Free base tier; pay for additional services Notes: A comprehensive managed service rather than just DIY software 1 QuickBooks Online – Best for Features and Integrations Ideal for: Small to medium businesses needing robust accounting features and reporting Key Features: Invoicing, expenses, payroll (extra cost), over 750 integrations, detailed reports Price: From $29/month Notes: Widely used by accountants, suitable for businesses that value integration Xero Tax – Best for Ease of Use Ideal for: SMEs prioritizing simplicity and user-friendly dashboards Key Features: Cloud-based, unlimited users, mobile app, wide app marketplace Price: From $35/month Notes: Excellent for collaborative teams and growing businesses 1 MYOB Business – Best for Payroll & Compliance Ideal for: Companies with complex payroll or inventory management needs Key Features: Local ATO compliance, cloud and desktop options, payroll management, inventory tracking Price: From $34/month Notes: Strong Australian support and traditional hybrid functions 1 Reckon – Best for Flexible Pricing Ideal for: Small businesses that want modular, affordable software Key Features: Pick-and-choose modules for GST, BAS, payroll, and bank feeds Price: $12/month upwards Notes: Australian-based with local hosting and support, suitable for budget-conscious users 1

Choosing the Right Tax Software

Complexity of your return: Use Etax or H&R Block Online for multi-stream income, crypto, or rental properties. Simplicity and cost: myTax is ideal for straightforward wage-earner returns. Business integration: Sleek, QuickBooks Online, or Xero are strong options for SMEs to combine accounting and tax workflow. Deduction tracking: TaxFox and integrated platforms like QuickBooks help efficiently log expenses year-round. Support preference: Consider whether you want DIY solutions, professional guidance, or managed services.

Overall, for individuals, Etax and H&R Block Online lead in usability and support. For businesses, Sleek, QuickBooks Online, and Xero stand out for comprehensive features and bookkeeping integration Australian Business Journal+1 .

Here's a rundown of the tax software Australians actually use, split by who they're for:

For individuals doing their own tax return

myTax (via the ATO) – This is the free, official option built into your myGov account. Most PAYG employees with straightforward returns (one employer, standard deductions) use this since it pre-fills income and health insurance data automatically and costs nothing.

Etax – One of the most popular paid alternatives to myTax, aimed at people who want more guidance, live chat support with a tax agent, and help maximising deductions without going into an accountant's office.

TaxTank – A comprehensive Australian tax and personal finance software that helps individuals, investors, and sole traders manage their financial activities and optimize tax filings, providing live bank feeds to track income, expenses, properties, investments, and budgeting in one platform, with features for managing property portfolios, crypto and share trading, and work-related expenses. It's popular with property investors and share/crypto traders because of its CGT handling.

One Click Life – Another Australian app worth comparing if you have

G’day! When it comes to tax software here in Australia, the "best" really depends on whether you’re a individual doing a simple return, a sole trader or freelancer, or a small business owner. The landscape is pretty competitive, but a few names come up constantly because people actually use them.

Here are the top brands and products, broken down by who they’re for:

For Individuals (Simple to Moderate Returns)

1. myGov (ATO Online) – Best for: Free, dead-simple returns

• Who uses it: People with one job, standard bank interest, no shares, and standard deductions (like laundry or union fees).
• Why: It’s free, secure, and pre-fills most of your data from employers, banks, and government agencies. You just review and lodge. If your tax life is straightforward, this is genuinely the best option.

2. eTax (myGov's old version) – Mostly replaced by the above, but still used by purists on PC.

3. TurboTax (formerly known as Aussie-based software, now owned by Intuit) – Best for: Guided, step-by-step help

• Who uses it: People with rental properties, shares, capital gains, or those who want a bit more hand-holding than myGov.
• Why: It asks you questions in plain English and handles the calculations. The cost is reasonable ($30–$80 depending on complexity). It’s very popular in Australia for DIY-ers.

4. Etax.com.au – Best for: Online, no-download option

• Who uses it: People who want to do it entirely in a browser and need a simple interface. It’s been around for ages.
• Why: It’s cloud-based, has good support, and is Australian-owned. It’s not as feature-rich as the next category, but very reliable.

For Sole Traders, Freelancers, and Rental Property Owners

5. LodgeiT – Best for: Serious DIY with property and shares

• Who uses it: People with multiple rental properties, complex capital gains, or investment portfolios who want to avoid an accountant.
• Why: It’s more powerful than TurboTax for Australian-specific rules (e.g., rental loan adjustments, CGT discounts). It’s a bit less flashy but more accurate

If you're in Australia looking for the best tax software, the top recommendations depend on whether you're an individual lodging your own return, a sole trader, or a small business. Here are some of the most popular and widely used options:

For Individuals and Simple Returns

• myTax (via myGov): This is the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) own free, web-based tool. It's highly recommended for individuals with straightforward tax affairs, as it pre-fills information from employers, banks, and government agencies and lodges directly with the ATO.
• Etax: A very popular online tax agent service that simplifies the tax return process. Etax guides you step-by-step through deduction claims, offers live chat support from qualified accountants, and aims to maximise your tax refund. It has won multiple awards for customer satisfaction.
• TaxTank: Designed specifically for individuals, TaxTank is Australia's first automated tax and personal finance software. It helps you understand your tax position in real-time by applying tax rules to financial data from live bank feeds throughout the year.
• ATO App (myDeductions): This free app from the ATO allows individuals and sole traders to capture, categorise, and store receipts, log vehicle trips, and enter income details, syncing data to your myGov account for easy import into myTax.
• TaxFox: An AI-powered app that tracks expenses, vehicle usage, and home-office deductions. It automatically categorises items and benchmarks your deductions against similar occupations.

For Sole Traders and Freelancers

• Hnry: This all-in-one tax and financial administration app is specifically built for freelancers and sole traders. It automatically calculates, deducts, and pays your income tax, GST, and Medicare levy each time you get paid. Hnry also handles invoicing, expense tracking, and lodges your tax returns with a real accountant.
• Thriday: Similar to Hnry, Thriday offers a managed-service model for sole traders and freelancers, designed to reduce tax administration by setting aside tax automatically and having professionals prepare BAS statements and annual returns.
• TaxDome: This platform is widely used by sole traders and small businesses in Australia and New Zealand for practice management, including workflow, CRM, and secure document storage.

For Small Businesses and Accounting Firms

• Xero Tax: A preferred option for many Australian accountants, Xero Tax integrates seamlessly with the Xero accounting ecosystem. It assists businesses in compiling and filing tax returns, managing Business Activity Statements (BAS), and staying compliant with the ATO.
• MYOB: A well-established player in the Australian market, MYOB provides robust solutions for businesses and accountants to manage tax calculations, prepare compliance reports, handle payroll, and automate GST and BAS submissions.
• QuickBooks Online Accountant / QuickBooks Online: This is a popular global choice well-established in Australia, offering a feature-rich platform for managing business finances and simplifying client management and tax preparation for accountants and bookkeepers.
• Reckon (including APS by Reckon): An Australian company offering flexible accounting software and comprehensive solutions for practice management, tax compliance, and client relationship management, especially useful for complex client structures and multi-entity tax returns.
• LodgeiT: Known for its automation, accessibility, and flexibility, LodgeiT is used by many Australian accounting firms. It integrates with popular accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB, and offers a freemium model.
• Karbon: This software is highly regarded for its collaborative tax workflows and user-friendly interface, making teamwork efficient.
• Sage: Best suited for small business tax management, Sage offers a 30-day free trial.
• Thomson Reuters: This professional tax and accounting software suite is ideal for enterprise tax compliance, offering integrated tax return preparation, compliance management, and automated workflows for accounting firms.

For individuals and sole traders lodging personal tax returns in Australia, the main options are the ATO’s free myTax service and popular third-party services like Etax.

For Individuals

• myTax (ATO): The official, free online portal from the Australian Taxation Office. It pre-fills much of your data from employers, banks, and government agencies, making it straightforward for most wage earners. Widely used because it’s no-cost and directly integrated with the ATO. Ideal if your tax situation is relatively simple.

• Etax: One of the highest-rated and most popular paid options among Australians. It consistently wins Product Review awards (seven years running as of 2026) and Canstar Blue awards for customer satisfaction. Users praise the easy online process, live chat support with accountants, automatic pre-filling, and maximised refunds. It’s a strong choice if you want guided help without visiting an accountant in person.

• TaxTank: An automated app focused on individuals, helping with receipt tracking, expense categorisation, and personal finance alongside tax prep. It’s gaining traction for those wanting ongoing tools rather than just annual filing.

Other mentions include services tied to accounting software, but Etax and myTax dominate consumer reviews for ease and satisfaction.

For Businesses, Sole Traders with Complex Needs, or Accountants

Accounting platforms with strong tax features are very common:

• Xero Tax — Extremely popular among Australian small businesses and accountants. Excellent for ease of use, bank feeds, GST/BAS reporting, and Single Touch Payroll. Many firms use it for client tax returns.

• QuickBooks Online / QuickBooks Tax — Strong for tax tracking, calculations, and lodgement, especially for small-to-medium businesses. Good automation and reporting.

• MYOB Business — Long-standing local favourite with solid payroll, inventory, and compliance features tailored to Australian rules.

• LodgeiT — Popular specialist tax software used by many accounting firms for fast preparation and lodgement of individual, company, trust, and partnership returns.

• Others worth noting: Sleek (good for startups with managed services), Reckon (budget-friendly), and Access Tax (used by many practices for high-volume lodgements).

For most people, start with myTax if your return is straightforward and you want it free. Switch to Etax for more support and potentially better refunds. Businesses or those with accountants often rely on Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks integrated with tax tools.

Always check the ATO website for the latest tax time updates, as rules and pre-fill features evolve. Consider your specific situation (e.g., investments, rental properties, or business income) when choosing, and verify current pricing and features directly on the providers’ sites, as they can change. If your affairs are complex, consulting a registered tax agent is often worthwhile.

When it comes to tax software in Australia, several reputable options cater to various needs, from simple individual returns to complex business filings. Here are some of the top choices:

Etax
Etax.com.au is a popular online tax agent offering a user-friendly platform with pre-filled ATO data, step-by-step guidance for deductions, and access to live support from qualified accountants. It's suitable for employees, gig workers, and renters. (etax.com.au)

H&R Block Online
H&R Block provides a hybrid solution combining DIY online filing with optional assistance from registered accountants. It's ideal for individuals with complex returns, such as those involving rental properties, shares, or cryptocurrency investments. (theabj.com.au)

myTax (via myGov)
myTax is the Australian Taxation Office's free online tax platform, accessible through myGov. It's best suited for employees with standard deductions and simple investment income. (austaxai.com.au)

Meet Hnry: The Unsung Hero Saving Solopreneurs From Tax Time Stress — Belinda Long Co. Hnry
Hnry is tailored for freelancers and self-employed individuals, automating tax deductions, super contributions, expense tracking, and ATO payments. It even handles tax return submissions on behalf of users. (bizworld.blog)

QuickBooks Self-Employed AU
Designed for mobile freelancers and solo consultants, QuickBooks offers smart bank transaction imports, expense classification, and quarterly tax estimations, making tax management more efficient. (bizworld.blog)

Each of these platforms offers unique features tailored to different user needs. Consider your specific requirements, such as the complexity of your tax situation and the level of support you desire, to choose the most suitable option.

If you want the tax software Australians actually use, the strongest mainstream options are myTax (ATO), Etax, H&R Block Online, TaxTank, and, for business owners, Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online, and Reckon.

For most people in Australia, the best picks are:

• myTax (ATO) — best for a simple, free individual return; it is the official ATO service and is linked to the ATO.
• Etax — best for an easy DIY return with live help; it is positioned as an all-round option and is ATO-linked.
• H&R Block Online — best if you want more support for a complex return or like having accountant-style help.
• TaxTank — best if you want year-round tracking and live tax calculations rather than just end-of-year lodgment.
• Xero — best for small businesses wanting a user-friendly accounting platform with broad adoption.
• MYOB — best for payroll and inventory-heavy businesses, with strong local compliance support.
• QuickBooks Online — best for small to medium businesses wanting broad features and reporting.
• Reckon — best for budget-conscious small businesses because it is one of the lower-cost mainstream options.

If you want a simple ranking by use case:

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **best tax software for employees, sole traders, investors, or

Xero: Highly popular cloud software known for a clean interface, robust bank feeds, and seamless integration with accountants for daily bookkeeping and tax preparation. Sleek +1 MYOB Business: A long-standing local heavyweight favoured for deep Australian payroll compliance, inventory tracking, and robust BAS reporting. Sleek +1 QuickBooks Online: A feature-rich global platform widely used by Australian small-to-medium businesses for extensive reporting and automation. Sleek +1