Tax Return Deadline 2025 (Australia): Dates, Extensions, Penalties, and Fast-Lodging Tips

If you lodge your own return, your due date is Friday, 31 October 2025. If you engage a registered tax agent by 31 October 2025, your lodgment due date is usually 15 May 2026. There is also a 5 June 2026 concession when you pay at lodgment. Late-lodgement penalties start at $330 per 28 days and can reach $1,650 for individuals.

2025 deadlines at a glance
• Self-lodging (myTax / myGov): 31 Oct 2025
• Using a registered tax agent (engage by 31 Oct 2025): 15 May 2026
• 5 June concession (for the 15 May group): 5 Jun 2026 if you pay at lodgment
• Earlier agent due date (if your latest return had $20,000+ payable): 31 Mar 2026
• Payment timing for self-lodgers: 21 Nov 2025 (or 21 days after assessment if issued after 31 Oct)
Note: If a due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, you may lodge on the next business day.

Who must lodge in 2025
You generally must lodge if in 2024–25 you earned taxable income, received certain Centrelink payments, had foreign income or investment income (interest, dividends, crypto), or ran a business or sole trader activity. If you are unsure, ask a registered tax agent.

How the agent extension works
• Engage your agent by 31 October 2025 so you are on the agent client list.
• Most individuals then receive a 15 May 2026 due date and may use the 5 June concession when paying at lodgment.
• If your latest return showed $20,000 or more tax payable, an earlier due date of 31 March 2026 can apply.
• Overdue prior-year returns can remove or shorten extensions. Keep your lodgments up to date.

Late-lodgement penalties in 2025
For individuals and other small entities, the Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty is 1 penalty unit per 28 days late (or part), up to 5 units. Since 7 November 2024 one penalty unit equals $330. The maximum typical late-lodgement penalty for individuals is therefore $1,650. General interest may also apply if tax remains unpaid.

Payment dates if you use a tax agent
Payment is staggered under the agent lodgment program. A common pattern is:
• Lodged up to and including 12 Feb 2026 → pay by 21 Mar 2026
• Lodged 13 Feb–12 Mar 2026 → pay by 21 Apr 2026
• Lodged from 13 Mar 2026 → pay by 5 Jun 2026

Fast-lodging checklist
• Match your data: compare ATO prefill with your income statement, bank interest, dividends, share or crypto records, and any platform income.
• Keep evidence: save receipts for work-related expenses, self-education, home-office, car, tools, and donations.
• Know payment timing: self-lodgers with a bill usually pay by 21 Nov, or 21 days after assessment if it issues after 31 Oct.
• Consider a registered tax agent: you may gain more time and a professional review. Engage by 31 Oct.

FAQs

1. What is the 2025 tax return deadline in Australia?
   If you lodge your own return, the due date is Friday, 31 October 2025.

2. Do I get more time if I use a registered tax agent?
   Usually yes. If you engage a registered tax agent by 31 October 2025 you are typically covered by the agent program. Many individual clients then have a 15 May 2026 due date and may use the 5 June 2026 concession when they pay at lodgment.

3. Who has the 31 March 2026 due date?
   Individuals and trusts on the agent program whose latest return showed $20,000 or more tax payable generally have an earlier lodgment due date of 31 March 2026.

4. What are the late-lodgement penalties in 2025?
   Penalties start at one $330 penalty unit per 28 days late (or part), up to five units for individuals (maximum $1,650). Interest can also apply if tax is unpaid.

5. When is payment due if I self-lodge and owe tax?
   If you lodge between 1 July and 31 October and you owe tax, payment is generally due by 21 November 2025. If your assessment is issued after 31 October, payment is due 21 days after the assessment date.

Want BrightSide Tax & Advisory to handle your 2025 return and secure your place on our agent program? Book a free 15-minute consult: https://www.brightsidetax.com.au/contact-tax-advisory

Last updated: 13 October 2025 (Australia/Sydney)