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Tax Return Lodgement Workflow

An overview of the end-to-end process to lodge a tax return with the ATO

Tax Return Lodgement Workflow Steps At a Glance

  1. Get Tax Agent approval that the return is ready for lodgement
  2. Get the return signed by the client and the Tax Agent
  3. Complete the workpaper
  4. Lodge the return with the ATO (via Xero)

👉 View the relevant drop-in session that covers the topic of workflows here 

Step 1 – Get Tax Agent Approval

Once any review points are actioned (if any) the Tax Agent will update the status of the return to "approved"

Step 2 – Get the Return Signed by the Client and the Tax Agent

Both the client and the Tax Agent must sign before lodgement — the client's signed declaration is our authority to lodge. You can either facilitate this process: 

  • Via Xero (only client signature is required, and the Agent's authorisation is embedded in the Xero workflow), or
  • via your own e-signature tool (note: both the client and the Agent must sign the return if you use this method)

In Xero, the status while signing will flag as "out to sign". Once the signature is obtained, the status of the return can be updated to "waiting to be filed". 

Step 3 – Complete the Workpaper

Before closing the workpaper: upload the signed return to the workpaper, and ensure every item is completed — all sections reconciled, queries resolved, and supporting documents attached. The completed workpaper is our permanent record if the ATO ever reviews the return.

Then set the workpaper pack's status to "done"

Step 4 – Finalise the Job in Xero

Record all remaining time against the job, finalise your timesheet, and mark the job as "completed"

Step 5 – Lodge the Return with the ATO

With everything above done, submit the tax return for lodgement >> How to Submit a Tax Return for Lodgement

The Tax Agent will then submit/lodge the return to the ATO, and the returns status will be updated to "filed"