Tax Lodgment Deadline Australia 2025: (Key Dates & Penalties)

According to the ATO, July to October is the official tax season in Australia, which means that soon it will be the tax lodgment deadline for 2025 in Australia. You get a lot of time on hand to lodge a personal tax return when you know the due date for the tax return 2025. For this year, the tax return deadline in Australia is October 31. 

And the good news is that you can get an extension on the deadline will May 2026 once you register with a tax agent. There are other main dates, besides the 2025 tax return deadline in Australia, that can affect your tax obligations. Getting expert help from Aupod can save valuable time and take the stress out of tracking tax deadlines

You will learn about;

• Individual and sole traders’ tax lodgment deadline for 2025.
• How a registered tax agent can extend lodgement to May 2026.
• BAS lodgement dates for the 2024–25 financial year.
• Penalties for missing tax deadlines in Australia.
• Tips to plan ahead and avoid ATO issues.

When is an Individual’s Tax Lodgment Deadline for 2025?

In Australia, individuals need to lodge their tax return by 31 October each year if they file it themselves and aren’t using a tax agent.

Using a registered tax agent can give you more time. If you are registered as a client with the tax agent by 31 October and your past returns are up to date, the deadline may be extended to 15 May of the following year. 

This deadline covers income earned from 1 July to 30 June of the previous financial year. If you miss the deadline, late lodgement penalties may apply.

When is the Australian Tax Return Deadline for Sole Traders?

For a sole trader’s tax return in Australia, the due date for lodging a tax return depends on how it is lodged. If the return is lodged directly without the help of a registered tax accountant, the deadline is 31 October following the end of the financial year. However, using a registered tax agent often provides extra time, with many agents able to extend the deadline to 15 May of the following year. 

To qualify for this extension, the sole trader needs to be added to the agent’s client list by 31 October, and all previous tax returns must already be lodged. This system gives flexibility for those who need more time to organise their financial documents, while still keeping in line with the Australian Taxation Office requirements. Meeting these deadlines helps avoid penalties and helps stay ATO-compliance with tax obligations for sole traders.

BAS Lodgement Dates for 2024-25

BAS (Business Activity Statement) deadlines for the 2024–25 financial year in Australia are fixed dates. If you lodge your BAS on your own, you need to meet these deadlines without exception. 

A registered agent can give you an extra 28 days for most quarters, except for Q2, which already has an extended deadline due to the Christmas break. Unlike individual tax returns, BAS does not have automatic extensions, so it is important to meet the dates on time.

Quarterly BAS Deadlines (standard, self-lodgement)

• Q1 (1 July-30 September 2024): Due 28 October 2024
• Q2 (1 October-31 December 2024): Due 28 February 2025
• Q3 (1 January-31 March 2025): Due 28 April 2025
• Q4 (1 April-30 June 2025): Due 28 July 2025

Businesses that report BAS monthly, usually with turnover above $20 million, need to lodge by the 21st of the following month. Monthly reporting carries stricter rules, and many large businesses rely on professional accountants to avoid errors and penalties.

What Happens if You Miss the Tax Lodgment Deadline for 2025?

Missing a tax deadline is not just inconvenient; it can be costly. The ATO applies strict penalties for late lodgement, and these increase quickly. If an individual tax return is late after 31 October, the penalty is $330 for every 28 days it is overdue. The maximum penalty is $1,650.

• 1 month late: $330
• 2 months late: $660
• 3 months late: $990
• 5+ months late: $1,650 (maximum)

Late lodgement can also cause other problems. The ATO may issue a default assessment, often higher than what you really owe. You may lose payment options, and in serious cases, the ATO can take money directly from your bank account or wages.

These penalties are avoidable. Lodge on time or use a registered tax agent for an extension. If you already have overdue returns, act quickly. The ATO tracks non-lodgers and will follow up.

Planning for the Tax Return Deadline in Australia

Getting organized early makes tax time easier and less stressful. Planning now prevents penalties and unlocks more deductions.

Before 31 October 2025:

• Decide if you will self-lodge or use a tax agent.
• If using an agent, book an appointment early.
• Collect income statements, bank interest, and crypto tax records.
• Keep receipts for work-related expenses.
• Review last year’s return for missed deductions.
• Lodge your return or confirm your agent’s lodgement plan.

If you are behind:

• Contact a tax professional for catch-up advice.
• Gather documents for all missing years.
• Consider voluntary disclosure if income was missed.
• Set up systems to stay on track.

FAQs: Deadline for tax return 2025 Australia Questions Answered