When is my tax return due?
For the 2025–26 income year, the standard due date is 31 October 2026 if you lodge yourself. A registered tax agent’s lodgement program can give you more time, but only if you engage them by 31 October.
- Registered Tax Agent 25377345
- Registered ASIC Agent 38112
- CPA qualified
- Certified Xero, MYOB & QuickBooks Advisors
- 15+ years’ experience
Lodging yourself: 31 October
The income year runs from 1 July to 30 June. If you prepare your own return, it is due by 31 October. When a due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, you can lodge on the next business day.
Using a tax agent: later due dates
Most registered tax agents have a lodgement program that lets them lodge clients’ returns after 31 October. To be covered for your 2026 return, you need to engage the agent before 31 October 2026 so they can add you to their client list. Your exact date depends on your circumstances, so ask your agent.
Overdue earlier years change the rules
If any earlier year’s return was still outstanding at 30 June 2026, the ATO requires your 2026 return by 31 October 2026, even through an agent, unless all overdue earlier returns are lodged by 31 October 2026. See lodging overdue tax returns.
What if I miss the deadline?
The ATO says it generally doesn’t apply penalties in isolated cases of late lodgement and will usually warn you first. If it does apply a failure to lodge on time penalty, the base amount for individuals is one penalty unit for each 28 days (or part) late, up to five units. A penalty unit is $364 for infringements on or after 1 July 2026. Penalties aren’t deductible.
Get it done
If you’re close to the deadline, contact us before 31 October so we can add you to our client list. See our tax return service.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 tax return due?
31 October 2026 if you lodge yourself. Through a registered tax agent you may get a later date if you engage them before 31 October.
Do I need to contact a tax agent before 31 October?
Yes, if you want to be covered by their lodgement program. The agent must add you to their client list by 31 October.
What is the penalty for lodging late?
For individuals, one penalty unit per 28 days late, up to five units; a unit is $364 from 1 July 2026. The ATO generally warns you first and doesn’t usually penalise isolated late lodgement.
I have old returns outstanding. Does that matter?
Yes. If earlier returns are overdue, your 2026 return is due by 31 October 2026 unless all overdue returns are lodged by then.
Sources
ATO: lodge with a registered tax agent · ATO: agent due dates October 2026 · ATO: failure to lodge on time penalty · ATO: penalty units. General information only, checked 23 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the relevant agency or ask us about your situation.
Talk to a Registered Tax Agent
Free 15-minute call, then a written fixed-fee quote within 1 business day. Online, Australia-wide.