Haven't Lodged Your Tax Return Yet? Here's What 31 October Really Means
Every October, the same question starts landing in our inbox.
"I haven't done my tax return yet. Am I in trouble?"
Not yet. But the date that matters is closer than you think, and it isn't only about lodging.
The Deadline Is 31 October (With a Small Twist This Year)
If you lodge your own return through myTax, your 2025–26 return is due by 31 October.
This year, 31 October falls on a Saturday, so the deadline moves to Monday 2 November.
That applies whether you're an employee, an investor, or a sole trader reporting business income on your individual return.
Why 31 October Matters Even If You Use an Accountant
Here's the part most people miss.
If you're on a registered tax agent's client list before 31 October, you'll generally get a much later lodgement date, often well into next year.
If you sign up with an agent after 31 October, you don't get that extension back. You're already late.
So if you've been meaning to hand your paperwork over "at some point", now is that point. You don't need everything ready. You just need to be registered with us before the deadline.
There are a couple of exceptions:
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If you have earlier returns still outstanding, you may need to lodge by 31 October regardless
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If your last return showed a tax bill of $20,000 or more, your due date is earlier than most
Lodging Late Got More Expensive This Year
From 1 July 2026, the value of a Commonwealth penalty unit rose from $330 to $364.
The failure to lodge penalty is one penalty unit for every 28 days your return is overdue, up to five units. For individuals, that's up to $1,820 per return.
And if you owe tax, interest applies on top. It compounds daily, and since 1 July 2025, ATO interest is no longer tax deductible.
Expecting a tax bill? Lodge on time anyway. Setting up a payment plan afterwards is far cheaper than paying a penalty for lodging late.
A Few Things to Check Before You Lodge
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Your income statement shows as "tax ready" in myGov
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Interest, dividends and any rental income are all included
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Every deduction you claim is backed by a record
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You haven't claimed the new $1,000 instant work deduction, which is slated for the 2026–27 year, not this return
Not Sure Where You Stand?
Whether your paperwork is in a neat folder or a shoebox, the first step is the same: get registered with us before 31 October.
It takes one phone call, and it buys you the time to do your return properly.
To book an appointment, contact our office.