How to Get the Maximum Tax Return in Australia Using ChatGPT (2025 Guide)
If you're an Aussie taxpayer looking to boost your tax refund this year, you're not alone. With the rising cost of living and countless deductions people forget to claim, it’s more important than ever to be smart about your tax return. The good news? You can now use ChatGPT to help you lodge your taxes more efficiently — and potentially get a bigger refund.
In this article, you'll learn how to:
- Use ChatGPT to identify tax deductions
- Prepare your documents like a pro
- Maximize your return even if you don’t earn from a side hustle (yet)
- Understand what you can claim without receipts
💡 Why Use ChatGPT for Tax Time?
ChatGPT is more than just a chatbot — it can act like your personal assistant during tax season. Whether you're a full-time employee, freelancer, content creator, or side hustler, ChatGPT can help you:
- Analyze your bank transactions
- Categorize your expenses
- List potential tax deductions
- Provide ATO-compliant tips
- Prepare a summary you can give to your tax agent or use in MyGov
📦 Step-by-Step: How to Use ChatGPT to Maximize Your Tax Return
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you ask ChatGPT anything, prepare:
- Your bank statement (CSV, PDF, or Excel)
- Work-related receipts (if available)
- Your PAYG Summary (usually auto-filled in MyGov)
- A list of tools, subscriptions, and purchases related to your blog or side hustle
✍️ Write This Prompt to ChatGPT
Copy and paste the prompt below into ChatGPT after attaching your bank statement:
Hi ChatGPT, I’ve attached my bank statement for the financial year (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025).
Please:
- Review all transactions
- Categorize my spending into what’s potentially tax-deductible
- Tell me which expenses I can claim as deductions — especially those related to my website, blog, and side hustle tools
- Highlight common deduction categories such as:
- Work-related expenses (e.g. tools, subscriptions)
- Self-education (courses, training)
- Internet/phone usage
- Vehicle and travel (if related)
- Donations to registered charities
- Investment-related costs (brokerage fees, subscriptions)
- Specify what items may be claimable without a receipt or invoice, following ATO substantiation rules (e.g. items under $10 or a total of $200 per category)
- Flag any unusual or high-value amounts that may be worth a closer look
For context, I’m currently building a blog/business with intent to earn income, and will register an ABN as a sole trader.
🧾 Do You Need an ABN to Claim Blog Expenses?
Not necessarily. If you're spending money to set up a future business (like a blog or affiliate site), and you genuinely intend to generate income, you can still claim “start-up expenses.” But it’s best to register for an ABN to show intent.
📌 Important: ATO Non-Commercial Loss Rule
If your side hustle earns less than $20,000, the ATO may apply the "non-commercial loss" rule. In some cases, you may not be allowed to offset business losses against your salary unless you meet specific criteria.
That said, small losses related to setting up a side hustle are often still allowed — especially if:
- You registered for an ABN
- You clearly intend to generate income
- You keep solid records
✅ Tips to Maximise Your Return (Legally)
- Keep digital records of all expenses
- Use percentage-based claims for phone/internet if no itemized receipts
- Ask ChatGPT to create a deduction tracker sheet
- Claim startup costs even if you haven't made money — if you plan to
- Lodge via a registered tax agent for better guidance and deadline extension
🤖 Final Thoughts: ChatGPT = Your Tax Season Secret Weapon
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed during tax season or worried about leaving money on the table, ChatGPT can change the game. It’s like having a tax-savvy assistant who never sleeps — available 24/7 to help you maximize deductions, reduce errors, and stay compliant with ATO rules.
So before you lodge your tax return this year, upload your bank statement and ask ChatGPT to help you claim what’s yours.
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