Tax Time begins this Sunday 1 July 2012, said Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury.
"Taxation is the means by which we in the community make a financial contribution so that Governments, on behalf of us all, can provide the public goods and services that we all require," Mr Bradbury said.
Mr Bradbury said for those people who lodge their own tax return each year, it is important to be aware of the various methods of lodgement that can be used.
"If you are preparing your tax return yourself, you can lodge a return, online, by paper or over the phone," he said.
"The quickest and easiest way to lodge is online using the ATO's free e-tax service which will save you time with pre-filled information, and has built in checks to help you get it right."
For those members of the community who may require support with their tax affairs Tax Help and Assistance is available from 1 July across more than 850 centres nationally.
"Tax Help is a free community service to assist low income earners including seniors, students, people from non-English speaking backgrounds and Indigenous Australians," Mr Bradbury said.
To see if you are eligible or to make an appointment at your nearest Tax Help centre, phone the ATO on 13 28 61 between 8.00am and 6.00pm weekdays.
"Last year over 10 million of the 12.4 million people who lodged a tax return received a refund. If you are one of the many expecting a refund, now is a good time to start your 2012 tax return," Mr Bradbury said.
If you have questions or need assistance on preparing your tax return, including how to use e-tax, or for the location of tax help centres, visit the ATO website [www.ato.gov.au].