It’s surprisingly common to misplace or forget where your old tax records are stored. Whether you’re applying for a home loan, checking past income for investment purposes, or providing evidence to the ATO, not having access to your previous tax returns can slow everything down.
For Australians and expats, there are several secure, straightforward ways to retrieve this information—many of them available online within minutes.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to view, request, and verify your past tax returns so you can access them whenever you need.
How to Access Your Past Tax Records Online with the ATO
The fastest and most convenient way to view past tax returns online is through the myGov portal linked to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This gives you secure access to your tax history, assessment notices, and key documents without needing to contact the ATO directly.
Online access works best for recent returns (usually within the last decade) and allows you to download copies instantly for personal use, financial applications, or business records. You’ll need a MyGov account linked to your ATO profile before you can begin.
Link Your MyGov Account to the ATO
Log in to your MyGov account, select “Link a Service,” and choose the ATO. You’ll be prompted for your Tax File Number (TFN) and other details such as bank account information from a previous tax return, a notice of assessment reference number, or your superannuation fund details.
Once linked, the ATO service appears in your MyGov dashboard, giving you direct access to your past tax returns and other tax-related information. The ATO’s official linking guide has a full checklist of what you need. Here are the steps in brief:
- Agree to the terms and confirm your details (name, DOB, address, TFN). If your details have changed, update them first.
- Answer two questions using information from documents such as:
- Bank account (refunds/interest in last 2 years – BSB & account no.)
- Super statement (last 5 years – member no. & fund ABN)
- Notice of assessment (last 5 years – issue date & ref. no.)
- Centrelink payment summary (last 2 years – taxable income)
- Dividend statement (last 2 years – investment ref. no.)
- PAYG summary (last 2 years – gross income)
Navigate ATO Online Services to See Your Tax Return History
After linking, go to “Tax” under ATO services, select “Income tax,” then “Lodgments,” and finally “Income tax history.” This section displays every year you’ve lodged, along with links to view or download your lodged return and your Notice of Assessment.
For most users, recent years are accessible immediately. If you need older records that don’t appear here, you’ll need to submit a formal request to the ATO.
Troubleshoot MyGov Access Issues for Your Records
If you can’t sign in, try resetting your password or checking that your MyGov account is still active. Outdated contact details or an inactive account can block access. The ATO’s troubleshooting guide explains how to resolve login problems.
If your old email or phone number is no longer valid, you may need to set up a new account and re-link it to the ATO.
Forgotten Your Tax File Number (TFN)?
Your TFN is essential for accessing your ATO tax return history. If you’ve forgotten it, you can find it on past tax notices, in your MyGov account (if linked), or through your superannuation statements. If those aren’t available, you’ll need to contact the ATO and verify your identity before they provide it.
Verifying Your Identity for Secure Online Access
To keep your data safe, the ATO requires proof of identity for online access. This may include details from your passport, driver’s licence, or past ATO correspondence. If you’re outside Australia, special proof-of-identity rules apply, which we’ll cover in the expat section below.
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How to Get Official Copies of Your Tax Documents from the ATO: Additional Ways
If you can’t use MyGov or need older, archived, or certified documents, you can request them directly from the ATO. This is especially useful if you require documents for legal or financial compliance purposes.
Request Old Tax Records from the Australian Taxation Office
You can use the Tax documents request form or call the ATO to order copies of your past tax returns. You’ll need your TFN, proof of identity, and details of the specific years you want. Processing times vary but are typically within 28 days.
Understand Any Fees for Retrieving Past Tax Documents
Recent tax years are generally provided free of charge. However, if you’re requesting documents from older archives, especially pre-digital records, the ATO may charge a retrieval fee. Always confirm costs before making the request to avoid delays.
Find Prior Year Tax Return Forms and Schedules
If you need to lodge or amend a past year’s return, you can download older forms and schedules from the ATO’s prior year forms library. This is particularly important if you’re reconstructing your tax history after missing a lodgment.
A Guide for Expats: How to Access Old ATO Tax Records from Overseas
Aussies living abroad can still access their previous tax returns, but the process may involve extra verification steps. The ATO provides secure ways to log in, confirm your identity, and request records even if you haven’t been in Australia for years.
Accessing Your MyGov Account While Living Abroad
You can log in from overseas using the MyGov website or app. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, ensure your device can receive codes while abroad. The official overseas access guide explains how to update your settings.
Proof of Identity Requirements for Expats Outside Australia
If you can’t access MyGov, the ATO may require certified copies of your passport, overseas driver’s licence, or recent bank statements. Documents must often be certified by a notary public or an Australian embassy representative. Full details are in the ATO’s proof-of-identity guide.
Australian Tax Residency: What Expats Need to Know
Your tax residency status won’t prevent you from retrieving old returns, but it can influence how you lodge future ones. If you’re unsure whether you’re a resident for tax purposes, check our tax residency guide for Aussie expats.
Other Ways to Find Your Past Tax Information in Australia
If online access and direct ATO requests aren’t possible, you have alternative options.
Using a Registered Tax Agent to Help with Your Returns
Registered tax agents can access your ATO tax return history on your behalf. They can also help lodge overdue returns or reconstruct missing years, making them valuable for both individuals and expats.
Reconstructing Missing or Very Old Tax Records
For returns that no longer exist in the ATO’s database, you may need to gather alternative evidence. This can include bank statements, employer payment summaries, superannuation records, and property transaction documents. The ATO provides guidance for reconstructing records.
Directly Contacting the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
You can reach the ATO on 13 28 61 (within Australia) or +61 2 6216 1111 (from overseas). Have your TFN ready, along with identification documents, to speed up the process.
Find Prior Tax Returns from Overseas With Professional Help
For Aussies abroad, retrieving past tax returns can quickly turn into a frustrating maze of MyGov logins, time zone gaps, and more. Urgent requests, like for a mortgage or visa, can stall for weeks if you don’t know the right process.
Specialist expat tax firms such as Odin Tax can take this burden off your shoulders. We work directly with the ATO to verify your identity, request archived records, and ensure compliance. It’s the fastest, most reliable way to get your tax history sorted without the stress of doing it yourself from overseas.
Get Australian Expat Tax Diagnostic Scan From the Experts
Know your Australian tax exposure level, key risks, and your next-step plan. Find exactly where you stand and what to do next.
Key Takeaways
- Link MyGov to the ATO to instantly view past tax returns online.⬆️
- Request older or certified copies directly from the ATO if not available digitally.⬆️
- Expats can still access the records of prior tax lodgment in Australia with the right proof of identity.⬆️
- Registered tax agents can retrieve and reconstruct missing returns for you.⬆️
- Keep your TFN and ID documents secure to avoid future access issues.⬆️
