While tax time usually conjures the image of piles of paper and shoeboxes full of old receipts, it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re sick of shuffling through hard copy documents to get your finances sorted every July, here are our top five apps that’ll save you time and stress as you work towards getting your tax return sorted this tax time. (Note that this list is collated from online reviews, recommendations and popular opinion. We have not reviewed these products ourselves unless otherwise stated.)

Best tax apps to help you lodge your tax return

With so many of us working from home now there are more expenses and tax deductions to keep track of than ever before. If you don’t want to get caught out by the looming tax deadline we suggest you check out some of these apps to help keep your expenses in order all year round.

Australian Taxation Office app

Tax time deduction apps. Image: ATO Price: Free Platforms: iOS, Android The official app is mentioned first up because you can trust it to accurately reference the ATO’s rules and regulations. The ATO’s official app has gone through a number of upgrades since it was first released. There’s a tool that lets you digitally keep track of your deductions throughout the year and then export them directly into your tax return. This myDeductions feature will also let you log car trips if you use your car for work. It also has a number of tools and calculators, such as a tax withheld calculator and the ability to view your tax accounts (including your Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) balance and your upcoming lodgment and payment due dates. While you’ll be redirected to the ATO’s myTax service to actually lodge your return, data entered into myDeductions will sync up, and you can even use this app after the fact to check the status of your tax return. If you’re a small business owner, the ATO app has a couple of tools for you as well, such as a business performance check that’ll show you how your business matches up against its competitors in your industry. Best of all, it’s free. Read more about it here.

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Etax app

Tax time deduction apps. Image: Etax Price: Free to start, $70.90+ to lodge Platforms: iOS, Android Etax promises to help you lodge your tax return in just minutes. The app is free to download and it’s also free to start your tax return. You only have to pay once when you want to lodge a return, with fees starting from $70.90. You can even opt to have your fee taken out of your return, as many do when handling their tax through an accountant. Your tax return will be reviewed by a registered accountant before lodging. The Etax app is largely designed to make the process of lodging easier. Questions are asked in plain English rather than tax-office jargon, and you’re even able to message an accountant if you need help. Like the ATO’s app, Etax also allows you to snap photos of your important documents to easily import them. Read more about it here.

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My Tax Calculator Australia app

Tax time deduction apps. Image: My Tax Calculator Australia Price: $12.99 Platforms: iOS , Mac OS While my Tax calculator (not to be confused with the government’s myTax tool) is a bit older, it’s still a great tool for tax time, developed by a chartered accountant. The Mac OS version is only available for devices with an M1 chip, while the iPad and iPhone editions need at least iOS 12 or later. You’ll need to fork out $12.99 for either. My Tax Calculator is a collection of tax calculators, which were last updated to include the ATO’s 2020 rates. Its tools cover a huge range of tax-related areas, with everything from HELP debts to PAYG withholding to working out whether it’s in your best interest to salary sacrifice your superannuation. For investors, it also has a Capital Gains Tax calculator so that you can plan your next move with your shares, investment properties or other capital assets. Read more about it here.

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Squirrel Street tax app

Tax time deduction apps. Image: Squirrel Street Price: Monthly plans from $26.95 Platforms: Web, iOS Formerly known as Shoeboxed, Squirrel Street is a quick and easy way to keep track of your receipts. The core of the service allows you to send images of your documents to Squirrel Street, which will scan, verify and digitally store them. Don’t worry about the ATO with this one – the ATO will happily accept digital documents as well as physical ones. Squirrel Street offers pricing plans that suit both individuals and businesses. Plans start at $27.95 a month for 50 documents and go up to $295.95 a month for 600 documents and a 1-day turnaround. The app is a lot easier than most receipt-keeping apps, however. Squirrel Street will extract all the information from your receipts automatically – all you need to do is snap a picture. Outside of tax time, you can even use this to keep track of expenses to be reimbursed by your workplace. If you already use accounting software, Squirrel Street is compatible with a number of them including MYOB, Xero, QuickBooks and more. Read more about it here.

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Mileage Logbook tax app

Tax time deduction apps. Image: Driversnote Price: Free Platforms: iOS, Android Mileage Logbook by Driversnote is an ATO compliant vehicle logbook app that tracks your trips and creates mileage documents for the hand-over at tax time. The app tracks your trips through your GPS and will auto-log them when you’re done. It’s then easy to classify trips, name locations and split journeys between different employers. When it’s time to log your documents, you can download them as PDF or Excel spreadsheets for handover to the ATO or your employer. You can also access the ATO’s mileage rates. Read more about it here.

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Lodging your tax return

When it comes time to lodging your actual tax return you might be looking for some more tips (beyond tax apps) on tax time for 2022. You can read more details on the ATO website or check out our guide to lodging your tax return for the first time. This article has been updated with new apps since its original publication.

The post 5 Tax Apps That Will Make the Worst Chore of the Year Easier appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

A wireless charger is a simple gadget that once you own, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Sure, they aren’t some groundbreaking piece of technology, but the amount of convience that can bring to your life can’t be understated.

If you’re working from home, a wireless charger is a helpful way to streamline the amount of cables on your desk with the added ease of being able to pick up your phone straight away, without having to unplug it from anything.

We’ve put together a list of wireless chargers that are worth considering if you want to stop your cables from looking like a ratking.

Wireless charging speeds

Just note that the speed at which you’ll be able to recharge your phone will be determined by what type you own. Most compatible Android phones get around 1oW when charging, while iPhones are capped at 7.5W. Other Qi-compatible phones will only achieve a 5W charge.

Also, as a general rule of thumb, make sure you’ve taken off your phone case before charging. While most of these charging stations will work with cases up to 3mm thick, anything in-between your phone and your pad raises the chance of a slower recharge. You also won’t get any charge from metal cases, credit card holders and pop-sockets/grips.

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Anker PowerWave Pad ($29.99)

Anker have pretty much staked their claim as the go to brand when it comes to wireless charging, and with good reason. Their wireless pads are consistently good, and come at an affordable price.

The PowerWave pad is a solid wireless phone charger that will get you a 10W charge for a Samsung Galaxy (S10, S9+, S9, S8, S8+, S7 edge, S7, S6 edge+), and a 7.5W charge for an iPhone (XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8, 8+).

The PowerWave is slimline and understated, so it won’t add to your desk or countertop clutter. The top surface also has a TPU coating, which will stop your phone from sliding off.

Anker PowerWave Stand ($33.99)

This charger isn’t too different from the Anker pad, bar the obvious difference of how your phone is displayed. The PowerWave Stand will let you sit your phone in either portrait or landscape mode, so you can continue to browse the internet or watch videos.

Compared to the PowerWave pad, however, the PowerWave stand doesn’t perform as well with iPhones or other Qi-enabled devices. It only achieves a 5W charge, so prepare for a slow recharge time. That’s something to be mindful of if you aren’t a Samsung user — which will charge at 10W.

Belkin Boost Up Charging Pad 10W ($49)

Image: Belkin

Belkin’s Boost Up charging pad sits on the more expensive end of the wireless phone charger spectrum, but the price is worth it. This is one of the sturdiest charging pads on the market and is built to give you the fastest recharge speeds possible.

This Belkin wireless charging pad will give you a 9W recharge for a Samsung Galaxy (S10, S10+, S9+, S9) and a 7.5W recharge for an iPhone (XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8, 8+). It also comes with a Quick Charge 3.0-compatible wall charger, so you can get the best recharge possible right out of the box.

Nanami Charging Stand ($26.99)

Image: Nanami

If you want a wireless charger that stands out, Nanami’s charging stand has a sleek, futuristic-looking design. You also have choice when it comes to colour, either black or silver. The stand will let your phone sit at an angle that will allow you to comfortably browse, and, if you’re using an iPhone, will still let you use face ID.

If you’re after a fast charge, you’ll get a 10W recharge on Samsung Galaxy (S20, S20+, S10, S10+, S9, S9+, S8, S8+) and Galaxy Note (10+, 10, 9, 8). You’ll get a 7.5W charge for iPhones (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8+, 8). However, if you want to achieve a fast charge, you’ll need to pick up a QC 2.0.3.0 adapter separately.

CHOETECH Fast Wireless Charging Pad ($22.99)

Image: CHOETECH

If, for whatever reason, you just hate the idea of owning a circular charging pad, this CHOETECH charger will give you the squareness you desire. It’s also very affordable, especially when you consider its range of features.

This biggest appeal of this pad is the range of products its fast charging mode is compatible with. With this wireless phone charger, you’ll hit a 10W recharge for Samsung Galaxy (S10, S10e, S10+, S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge, S6 Edge+) and Galaxy Note (9, 8). For iPhones (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8+, 8), and even AirPods 2, you’ll get a 7.5W charge.

This charger also has a slight leg up on the others listed here, as it will let you charge through cases that are up to 5mm thick. And if you really want a wireless phone charger that really stands out, this CHOETECH pad comes in multiple colours: white, black and red.

DOSHIN 3-in-1 Wireless Charger ($47.98)

Image: Amazon

Maybe you own more than one smart device and want to eliminate the annoying procedure of having to swap out one device to charge another. DOSHIN’s 3-in-1 charger is a good option if you want to get some simultaneous charging going. It also looks simple and sleek, with plenty of space to charge a smartphone, smart watch and wireless earbuds at the same time. This pad comes with an adjustable stand for your phone, so you can still have a good view of the screen.

This wireless charger is compatible with Apple products, like the iPhone (11, 11 Pro Max, XS Max, X, XR, 8, 8+), Airpods Pro, Apple Watch (SE, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2). If you’re a Samsung person, it is compatible with the Galaxy (S20, S20+, S10, S10+, S10E, S9, S9+, S8, S8+), the Galaxy Note (10, 10+, 9, 8) and the Galaxy buds. To achieve fast charging, you will need a QC 2.0 or 3.0 adapter.

mophie Charge Stream Desk Stand ($65.98)

Image: mophie

A more unique design, compared to the other chargers listed here, mophie’s Charge Stream desk stand has been optimised for a fast charge. You’ll get 10W for compatible Samsung device, 7.5W for iPhones and 5W for any other Qi-compatible smartphones when using this wireless charger.

This charging pad is modular, so you can either use it as a stand or you can remove the pad to let it sit flat on your desk. The stand itself is adjustable, so you can change its height to suit whatever phone you’re placing onto it. That’s pretty handy if you live in a household where everyone uses a different type of phone.

The post Stop Turning Your Cables Into a Rat’s Nest and Get a Wireless Charger appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

Well, friends. As you may already be aware, a Lunar new year is just around the corner. The event, which is celebrated in East Asian countries like China and Singapore, recognises the arrival of the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar.

On February 12, 2021 we will officially enter into a new Lunar year. This marks the start of Chinese New Year, where we will step into the Year of the Ox.

What does that mean?

First of all, the Ox is one of 12 zodiac signs that appear in Chinese culture. Every year has a sign that is associated with different traits – just like the astrological sign attached to your birth month.

I, for one, was born in the Year of the Snake. Apparently, that makes me “deep and complex” which I suppose could be a good thing? I’m not sure.

Those born in the Year of the Ox are described by ChineseNewYear.net as “hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise”.

How will the New Year impact 2021?

Readers Digest reports that 2021’s zodiac suggests it will be a year filled with hard work (great). Susan Levitt, a professional astrologer told the outlet that the Year of the Ox is connected to “…hard work, duty, discipline”.

But it’s not all bad (I hope).

Levitt continued, telling RD:

“In agricultural societies, oxen are reliable and strong work animals. They were responsible for the survival of humanity. So what was happening in this Rat year continues over into the Ox year to complete it, ground it, bring it to its resolution.”

In any case, we want 2021 to run as smoothly as possible, so let’s tread lightly, yeah? Maybe make note of these Chinese New Year taboos so we can ensure a drama-free year going forward.

This article has been updated since its original publication.

The post What the 2021 Lunar New Year Has in Store for You appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .

With most of last year spent working from home, you may be tired of looking at the same four walls of your home office. Luckily, there are some quick and easy ways to improve your WFH outlook even if you’re on a budget. From the warm glow of fairy lights to fresh new candle scents, here are some handy tips for brightening up your work space.

First, consider the space you’re working in. Is there enough light? If not, can you move somewhere closer to a window or door? Lighting plays a key part in our productivity, and studies have shown that  brighter lights can improve focus, memory retention and relaxation. If you’re working in a darker area, you might experience drowsiness and a lack of motivation.

If you can’t move to a new space, you can still up your lighting game with a few key choices.

The Best Lighting For Home Offices

LED strip lighting can be applied to any available surface and provides a multi-coloured glow to your furniture. These lights normally cost between $15 and $25 and should give your home office some bright and funky charm. Setting them to particular colours will also have a long-lasting impact on your mood, from calming blues to rage-inducing reds. Depending on how your day goes, you might need the full spectrum of colours on hand.

If you’re looking for something more magical, you should try out some looping fairy lights . These tiny bulbs contain a whole lot of joy and should make any space seem warmer and more inviting. You can also grab a set in clip form . These strings let you hang up your favourite photos and memories alongside your lights — perfect for remembering more positive times.

Another option for the perfect lighting set-up is candles.

In many office situations, it’s not safe to have real candles around. This is particularly true if you have a paper-based job. For an office-friendly solution, try purchasing a range of different sized flameless LED candles . These give you the calming effects of real candles without having to worry about potential fire hazards. Plus, there’s a range of cheap, good-looking options .

If you’re in a safer environment, you could consider real candles . There’s plenty of air freshening candles , tea lights and therapeutic scents available online that will not only improve your office’s lighting but also improve its overall scent. Smell is just as important as lighting to improve your space, so consider pairing a new candle or LED lighting setup with familiar or exciting aromas .

The Best Decorations For Home Offices

Image: iStock

Home offices are meant to be open, inviting spaces. You should want to sit down at your office desk and work productively. To help with this process, consider investing in some natural decorations or objects that suit your favoured aesthetic.

This could be in the form of a fake potted plant (or a real one , depending on your garden prowess and dedication), a vine leaf wall , a decorative skull or a quirky statue .

If your current workplace doesn’t allow a whole lot of self expression, now’s your chance to carve out a space that screams ‘you’. Another way to achieve this is to install a pin board or cork board in your office space and fill it with your favourite badges, photos, patches or accessories.

These boards lend a heap of personality to your office and give you a sense of ownership over your space. Like photos, trinkets like badges can also remind you of more positive times and inspire your creativity.

With work from home recommendations continuing, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in the same space for quite a while yet. You might as well make the most of your time and spice up your office in a way that works for you. Experiment with a range of new lighting, decorations and smells to achieve your perfect productivity zone.

The post Freshen up Your Home Office for Under $50 appeared first on Lifehacker Australia .