Tax
When Is the Tax Return Deadline in Australia?
Short answer
If you lodge your own return, the deadline is 31 October for the financial year that ended on 30 June. A registered tax agent can lodge later, but you must be on their books before 31 October. ATO pre-fill data from employers, banks and funds is generally complete by late July.
The dates that matter
- 30 June - the financial year ends.
- Late July - ATO pre-fill (employer income statements, bank interest, health funds) is generally complete; lodging after this means fewer errors.
- 31 October - deadline to lodge if you self-lodge through myTax, or to engage a registered tax agent for a later lodgment date.
Wait for your income statement to be 'tax ready'
Employers finalise Single Touch Payroll data after 30 June. Your income statement in myGov shows as tax ready once finalised - lodging before that risks using incomplete figures and having to amend.
What if you miss the deadline?
Lodge as soon as possible - the ATO can apply failure-to-lodge penalties, though it may remit them for a first offence or where a refund is due. If you are behind several years, a tax agent can help bring you up to date.
Frequently asked questions
When can I lodge my 2025-26 return?+
Any time after the financial year ends on 30 June 2026 - but waiting until pre-fill completes in late July avoids errors and amendments.
What is the deadline if I use a tax agent?+
Agents have extended lodgment programs, often well into the next year - but you must be on the agent's books before 31 October.
Will I get a refund?+
If your employer withheld more PAYG than your final tax (common with bonuses, job changes or unclaimed deductions), the difference is refunded after you lodge.
Sources & methodology
- ATO - Personal income tax: new tax cuts (15% rate from 1 July 2026)
- Income Tax Rates Act 1986 (legislation.gov.au)
- ATO - Study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates
- ATO - Super guarantee
- ATO - Contribution caps
- ATO - Payday Super and the annual maximum contribution base
- ATO - Medicare levy
- ATO - Medicare levy surcharge income thresholds and rates
- Fair Work Ombudsman - Pay slips
- How we calculate these estimates
Last updated 13 August 2026. Figures use the 2026-27 financial year.
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