Hello Chasers,
For many Australians, 31 October is an important date on the tax calendar.
If you normally lodge your own individual tax return, 31 October 2026 is the standard deadline to keep in mind. But if you use a registered tax agent, you may have access to a later lodgment date through the ATO’s registered tax agent lodgment program.
That means you may not necessarily need to have your tax return lodged by 31 October.
However, there is an important catch: you need to engage your registered tax agent before 31 October if you want to be considered for their lodgment program.
With tax time approaching, now is a good time to understand how the system works and what you should do next.
What is the 31 October tax deadline?
The Australian financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June.
For taxpayers who prepare and lodge their own individual tax return, the usual lodgment deadline is 31 October following the end of the financial year.
For the 2025–26 financial year, this means 31 October 2026 is an important deadline for self-preparers.
If you are planning to use a registered tax agent instead, the situation can be different.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) says most registered tax agents have a special lodgment program that allows them to lodge clients’ tax returns after the usual 31 October deadline.
This can give eligible taxpayers more time to get their records together, discuss their circumstances with their tax agent and have their return prepared properly.
Why you should contact a tax agent before 31 October
One of the most important points to understand is that simply deciding to use a tax agent after 31 October does not automatically mean you receive a later deadline.
The ATO specifically advises that if you are using a tax agent for the first time, or changing to a different tax agent, you should contact them before 31 October to be part of their lodgment program.
So if you have been thinking:
“I’ll just find an accountant after October and lodge later.”
It is worth reconsidering.
Getting in touch before the deadline gives your tax agent the opportunity to discuss your circumstances, determine the applicable lodgment arrangements and explain what information they need from you.
Your actual due date will depend on your individual circumstances and the applicable ATO lodgment arrangements.
Could your tax return be due in May 2027?
Potentially, yes, depending on your circumstances and the lodgment program that applies to you.
The ATO’s registered agent lodgment program provides different due dates throughout the year. The date that applies to an individual taxpayer can depend on factors including their circumstances, when they engage their tax agent and whether they have outstanding prior-year returns.
For this reason, taxpayers should not assume that 14 May 2027 will automatically be their deadline.
Instead, think of May 2027 as a potential later lodgment timeframe that may apply under the registered tax agent program.
Your tax agent can confirm the applicable date for your circumstances.
The important takeaway
31 October is still a date you should act before.
If you want to use a registered tax agent and potentially access a later lodgment date, don’t wait until after 31 October to make contact.
What happens if you miss 31 October?
Missing a tax deadline does not mean you should simply put your tax return aside.
The ATO advises taxpayers who miss a due date to lodge as soon as possible. Late lodgment can potentially result in penalties, and interest may apply to amounts that remain unpaid.
If you know you are going to have difficulty meeting your tax obligations, contacting your tax agent or the ATO as early as possible is important.
Getting professional advice can also help you understand whether there are outstanding returns or other tax obligations that need attention.
What can affect your tax return due date?
There isn’t one later date that applies to every taxpayer using a registered tax agent.
The ATO explains that several factors can affect a client’s lodgment due date. These can include:
- Your individual circumstances
- The type of taxpayer or entity
- When you were added to the tax agent’s client list
- Whether you are a new client
- Whether you have overdue prior-year tax returns
- Whether your previous return was taxable or non-taxable
- Other circumstances that may affect your ATO lodgment arrangements
This is why it is important to speak directly with your registered tax agent rather than relying on a date you have seen online or heard from someone else.
What should you do before 31 October?
If you haven’t lodged your 2025–26 tax return yet, there are a few practical steps you can take now.
1. Decide whether you need professional help
If your tax affairs have become more complicated, a registered tax agent can help you understand your obligations and prepare your return.
This can be particularly useful if you have multiple income sources, investments, business interests, property, deductions or other circumstances that require additional consideration.
2. Contact your tax agent early
Don’t leave it until the last few days of October.
If you’re using a registered tax agent for the first time or changing agents, the ATO recommends contacting them before 31 October so you can be considered for their lodgment program.
3. Gather your records
Your tax agent will need information relevant to your tax return.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include information about:
- Employment income
- Bank interest
- Dividends and investments
- Rental property income and expenses
- Work-related expenses
- Donations
- Private health insurance
- Capital gains
- Business income and expenses
- Other income or deductions
The exact information required will depend on your circumstances.
Getting your records together early can make the preparation process much smoother.
4. Ask what lodgment date applies to you
Don’t assume that your tax return will automatically be due in May.
Ask your registered tax agent:
“What is my applicable lodgment date under your tax agent program?”
That gives you a clear date to work towards.
Why using a registered tax agent can be valuable
A registered tax agent isn’t simply someone who submits your tax return.
A good tax professional can help you understand your tax position, identify information you may need to provide, explain your obligations and help ensure your return is prepared appropriately.
The Tax Practitioners Board also provides consumer protection around registered tax practitioners, including requirements relating to qualifications, experience and professional conduct.
For taxpayers who aren’t confident preparing their own return, professional guidance can provide greater clarity around what needs to be done and when.
Don’t confuse a later lodgment date with more time to pay
There is another important distinction.
A later tax return lodgment date does not necessarily mean you can simply delay any tax payment without consequences.
Your lodgment date and payment date can be different, depending on your circumstances.
The ATO notes that payment arrangements can depend on when the return is lodged and the taxpayer’s situation. Interest can also apply to amounts that remain unpaid after the applicable payment due date.
Your registered tax agent can explain both the lodgment and payment requirements that apply to you.
What if you already have overdue tax returns?
If you have outstanding tax returns from previous years, don’t ignore them.
The ATO notes that overdue prior-year returns can affect lodgment arrangements and the due dates that apply to taxpayers.
If you’re behind, speaking with a registered tax agent can help you understand what needs to be brought up to date.
The sooner you address outstanding obligations, the sooner you can get a clearer picture of your overall tax position.
Your 31 October checklist
With 31 October 2026 approaching, here’s a simple checklist:
Before 31 October:
☐ Decide whether you’ll lodge yourself or use a registered tax agent.
☐ If you’re using a registered tax agent for the first time or changing agents, contact them before 31 October.
☐ Gather your income and deduction records.
☐ Tell your tax agent about any changes to your circumstances.
☐ Ask what lodgment date applies to you.
☐ Check whether you have any outstanding prior-year tax returns.
☐ Understand both your lodgment and payment obligations.
☐ Keep copies of the records you provide.
Don’t wait until October 31
Tax time doesn’t have to become a last-minute scramble.
If you’re considering using a registered tax agent, getting in touch before 31 October can give you an opportunity to understand your options and potentially access a later lodgment date through the agent’s lodgment program.
The key point is simple:
You may have more time to lodge your tax return, but you need to take action before 31 October to make sure you understand the arrangements that apply to you.
And remember, a later lodgment date is not automatically the same for everyone. Your registered tax agent can confirm the date that applies to your circumstances.
Need help with your tax return?
If you haven’t lodged your 2025–26 tax return yet, now is a good time to speak with the team at Ceebeks Business Solutions for GOOD.
As a registered tax agent, Ceebeks can help you understand your tax obligations, prepare your return and discuss the lodgment arrangements that may apply to your circumstances.
Don’t wait until 31 October. Get in touch with Ceebeks today to discuss your tax return and your options.
Book a complimentary consultation with Ceebeks
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