The official ATO tool, compared honestly
HeyJerni vs ATO myDeductions: what the ATO tool does, and what it does not
ATO myDeductions is the free record-keeping tool in the ATO app, and it uploads records straight into myTax or to your agent. It does not read receipts, log Apple Pay taps or answer questions. HeyJerni does those three on your iPhone.
Which to pick
- Pick myDeductions if you lodge through myTax and want records uploaded straight into the return, record sole trader income as well, or want no ads at all.
- Pick HeyJerni if you have receipts every week and do not want to type each one, want Apple Pay taps and car trips logged for you, or want the app in Chinese.
Feature comparison
| Feature | HeyJerni | ATO myDeductions |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Independent developer | Australian Taxation Office |
| Price | Free with ads; Accountant Pack first export free, then monthly support | Free, no ads |
| Receipt reading | On-device AI | Photo kept, details typed |
| Voice entry | Say it, iOS 26 | No |
| Apple Pay auto-log | One Shortcuts setup, iOS 26.7+ | No |
| Ask about your spending | On-device | No |
| Search the text on receipts | Yes | No |
| Upload into myTax or to your agent | Exports PDF, CSV, logbook, receipts | Yes |
| Car logbook and cents per km | GPS, route stays on the iPhone | Yes |
| Sole trader income | No | Yes |
| Work-use percentage | Yes | Yes |
| Categories | Your own, plus work, personal or mixed | ATO deduction types |
| Data on the device, no bank link | Yes | Yes |
| Languages | English, 繁體中文, 简体中文 | English |
| Platforms | iPhone | iOS, Android |
Frequently asked questions
Can HeyJerni upload to myTax like myDeductions?
No. Only the ATO app can push records into your return. HeyJerni exports an Accountant Pack instead: a PDF summary, a CSV of every expense, the logbook of every trip and the receipt images. The first export is free; after that it comes with monthly support.
Can I use both?
Yes. Some people keep their records in HeyJerni and use the ATO app for anything they want uploaded into myTax, then give both to their agent. Keep each expense or trip in one place only, so nothing is claimed twice.
Is HeyJerni endorsed by the ATO?
No. HeyJerni is an independent app and is not affiliated with the ATO. It is a record-keeping tool, not tax advice, and the ATO substantiation rules still apply to what you claim.
Keep reading
Try HeyJerni next to myDeductions
Free on the App Store. Scan one receipt and see the amount, merchant and date filled in for you.
