The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has set the deadline for lodging individual tax returns at 31 October 2025. This applies to the financial year from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. Australians who lodge their own tax returns must meet this deadline. The lodgement season officially opened on 1 July 2025. Taxpayers can begin submitting returns but should wait until mid to late July for pre-filled information.
Lodgement Deadline and Penalties
The 31 October 2025 deadline is firm for those lodging independently. The ATO imposes penalties of $330 for each 28-day period a return is late. These penalties cap at $1650 after 140 days of delay. The ATO may also charge interest on unpaid tax and restrict access to payment arrangements. Early lodgement avoids these financial consequences.
Registered Tax Agent Extensions
Taxpayers who use registered tax agents gain automatic deadline extensions. Provided previous year returns are up to date and registration is before 31 October, lodgement can extend to 15 May 2026. This extension allows more time to prepare and gather documents. Tax agents help ensure compliance and maximise deductions, reducing audit risks.
Deadlines for Trusts, Companies and SMSFs
Trusts and companies face different lodgement dates. Large taxable trusts must lodge by 31 January 2026. Non-taxable trusts and newly registered large trusts have until 28 February 2026. Taxpayers with past tax debts over $20,000 must lodge by 31 March 2026. Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) with outstanding returns also face the 31 October deadline.
Non-Lodgement Advice
Taxpayers without income during the year must submit a Non-Lodgement Advice. This informs the ATO of non-filing, preventing follow-up notices and system flags. It is essential to notify the ATO to avoid compliance actions.
Business Activity Statement Deadlines
Apart from annual tax returns, businesses lodge quarterly Business Activity Statements (BAS). BAS deadlines for 2025 are 28 October for Q1, 28 February for Q2, 28 April for Q3, and 28 July for Q4. Extensions do not apply to BAS lodgements regardless of agent use.
Consequences of Missing Deadlines
Missing deadlines triggers financial penalties starting at $330 per 28 days, up to $1650 total. The ATO may issue default assessments without deductions. Garnishee orders on bank accounts can enforce debt recovery. Such enforcement underscores the importance of timely lodgement or seeking professional help.
Preparing for Lodgement
Taxpayers should maintain accurate records of income and expenses year-round. The ATO’s myTax platform simplifies online filing. Professional tax agents provide compliance support and maximise refunds or offsets.
Michelle Roberts, a senior tax advisor, notes, “Most clients are surprised that using a registered tax agent automatically extends the deadline. The agent’s work often identifies deductions that cover their fees.” This illustrates the financial benefit of professional assistance.
Summary
The key deadline for personal lodgement is 31 October 2025. Registered tax agents extend this to 15 May 2026 if taxpayers register before 31 October. Trusts, companies, and SMSFs face staggered deadlines based on type. Penalties and interest apply to overdue returns and unpaid taxes. Early preparation and expert help ensure compliance and financial optimisation.
Understanding these deadlines supports orderly tax processing and financial discipline. Australians should prioritise lodgement and consult ATO resources regularly to stay informed.
This is a critical financial milestone for taxpayers in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Observing deadlines and rules prevents penalties and supports sound financial management.
