AI software that helps lodge tax returns in Australia: what it can and cannot do

AI can now do a lot of the work that comes before lodgement: reading client documents, building the working papers and filling in the return inside your tax software. The lodgement itself stays with the registered tax agent and the lodgement software they already use, such as LodgeiT or Xero Tax. FediPilot is built for that split: it does the preparation and data entry, then stops before lodgement in LodgeiT so you press Lodge yourself.

Two different things people mean by "AI that lodges tax returns"

The first is a consumer app that collects a person's own receipts and hands the return to a partner tax agent. That is aimed at individuals, not practices.

The second is AI for the practice: software that helps a registered tax agent prepare and complete many clients' returns. This page is about the second one.

What AI does well in a tax agent's workflow

Reading bank statements, rental statements, investment records and prior-year files and turning them into working papers you can check. Entering figures into the return forms you already use. Flagging what is missing or does not agree, instead of guessing.

A general chat assistant can help you think through a treatment or draft a client email. It does not operate your lodgement software for you, so the typing is still yours.

What stays with you

You review the working papers and the completed return, you decide the treatment, and you lodge. Under the Tax Practitioners Board guidance the registered agent remains responsible for the return, whichever tool helped prepare it.

Nothing in Fedix is lodged without your approval. MyLedger and Practice Manager do not lodge; your practice chooses separate lodgement software for filing.

Where FediPilot fits

FediPilot is an AI practice assistant for Australian accountants. It builds working papers from client documents, works inside LodgeiT and Xero Tax on supported return workflows, and stops before lodgement in LodgeiT; you press Lodge yourself. It runs on your practice's own ChatGPT or Claude account, which Fedix does not supply.

It is part of Fedix, together with MyLedger (accounting preparation) and Practice Manager. Supported workflows are discussed during onboarding.

Common questions

Is there any AI that can actually do my clients' tax returns?

There is AI that does the preparation and the data entry for a tax agent, with the agent reviewing and lodging. FediPilot is one: it builds working papers from client documents and fills supported returns in LodgeiT and Xero Tax for you to check.

Can AI lodge a tax return for me?

The registered tax agent lodges. FediPilot stops before lodgement in LodgeiT, and you press Lodge yourself after reviewing the return.

Do I need a separate AI subscription for FediPilot?

FediPilot runs on your practice's own ChatGPT or Claude account. There is no separate FediPilot subscription; it is available with your Fedix plan.