The DUSA Tax Help Centre is open from the 1st of July until the end of October.

Tax Help is a network of ATO-trained and accredited community volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people complete their tax returns online using myTax. DUSA provides Tax Help in person at Burwood, Waterfront and Waurn Ponds.

If you need help lodging your tax return, you may be eligible for the Tax Help program.

Are you eligible for Tax Help?

You are eligible for Tax Help if your income is around $60,000 or less for the income year and you didn't:

• work as a contractor, for example a contract cleaner or taxi driver

• run a business, including as a sole trader

• have partnership or trust matters

• sell shares or an investment property

• own a rental property

• have capital gains tax (CGT)

• receive royalties

• receive distributions from a trust, other than a managed fund

Book an appointment

If you’re eligible for Tax Help, you will need a myGov account linked to the ATO. The DUSA Tax Help Centre is available for appointments from July to October, 2021 and you will need to bring all relevant documents to your appointment.

When you are ready to make an appointment, contact the Student Advocacy & Support Service on 9246 8615.

Information to bring to your appointment

To prepare your tax return, you must bring certain information to your appointment. Make sure to read and complete the steps in the TAX HELP Appointment Confirmation Form

Become a DUSA Tax Help Volunteer

What does a Tax Help volunteer do?

Tax Help volunteers guide and encourage clients to prepare and lodge their own tax returns. They help people with simple individual tax matters to lodge their tax returns online with myTax, amendments, and also claims for refunds of franking credits. Volunteers can also help clients create a myGovExternal Link account and link to their online tax account.

You don’t need any special experience to be a Tax Help volunteer. Tax Help volunteers come from all areas of the community with a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. If you can spare a minimum of 4 hours per week each week between July and October, you can help.

You can become a Tax Help volunteer if you:

• are at least 18 years old
• have lived in Australia permanently for the last two years
• can use a computer or mobile device
• meet the requirements of a pre-engagement check (which includes a police records check)
• can complete training, online and in person.

How many volunteers are required?

DUSA is seeking between 2 - 3 volunteers at each of the Burwood, Waurn Ponds and Waterfront campuses.

How will volunteers be selected?

If you have successfully met the volunteer requirements and are shortlisted by DUSA, you will be invited to attend an interview. Once the successful applicants are selected by DUSA, pre-engagement checks will be conducted by the ATO prior to being offered a volunteer position.

If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a volunteer role at DUSA, you can apply to become a community volunteer for another Tax Help Centre via the ATO.

Volunteer training

Tax Help volunteers train between May and June each year.

Training is self-paced and online so you will need access to a computer and the internet.

An ATO community liaison officer will oversee and guide you through the training and support you once you begin delivering Tax Help at DUSA.

For addition information please visit www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Lodging-your-tax-return/Tax-Help-program/

How to apply to be part of the Tax Help program

Please complete the application form and submit to the Advocacy Manager.

Applications for the 2021 Tax Help Centre close at 5pm on the 15^th April 2021.