If you lodge your own tax return, the usual due date is 31 October. This year 31 October 2026 falls on a Saturday, so the deadline for 2025–26 individual returns moves to the next business day: Monday 2 November 2026.
If you haven't lodged yet, you still have two good options — lodge it yourself before the deadline, or engage a registered tax agent before the deadline and lodge under their lodgment program.
What happens if you lodge late?
The ATO can apply a failure to lodge (FTL) penalty. For individuals it is calculated at one penalty unit for each 28-day period (or part of one) that the return is late, up to a maximum of five penalty units.
From 1 July 2026 a penalty unit is $364 (up from $330). That means a return lodged late can attract a penalty of up to $1,820. If you owe tax, general interest charges may also apply on the unpaid amount.
In practice, the ATO often focuses on people who repeatedly lodge late or owe money, but it's not worth taking the risk — especially when there's a simple way to get more time.
How a registered tax agent can give you more time
Most registered tax agents have a special lodgment program with the ATO, which lets them lodge clients' returns after 31 October. Your actual due date then depends on your circumstances and when you became a client.
The key condition: you need to become the agent's client before the deadline. If you're using a tax agent for the first time, or switching agents, contact them before Monday 2 November so you can be added to their lodgment program.
A quick checklist before 2 November
- Check whether you've already lodged — log in to myGov and look at your ATO account.
- If you're lodging yourself, gather your income statement, bank interest, dividends, rental and deduction records, and lodge before the deadline.
- If you'd like a tax agent to help, get in touch before 2 November so you're added to their lodgment program.
- Make sure your agent is registered — you can check the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) public register.
- If you can't lodge on time for any other reason, contact the ATO before the due date rather than after.
We can help — no appointment needed
LYI Accountants is a registered tax agent in Sunnybank, Brisbane. We're open seven days a week and walk-ins are welcome. Simple personal tax returns can usually be done on the spot. If your situation is more involved — for example capital gains, rental properties or a business — fill in our online form and one of our accountants will contact you to confirm the details.
Want advice on your situation?
Walk in to our Sunnybank office any day of the week — no appointment needed. For more complex matters, fill in our online form and one of our accountants will contact you.
Sources
- ATO — Lodge your tax return with a registered tax agent
- ATO — Penalty units
- ATO — Lodgment and payment dates on weekends or public holidays
- TPB — Check the public register of tax agents
This article is general in nature and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary — please consult one of our registered tax agents for advice specific to your situation.