Australians have just three days left to submit their tax returns, or face penalties exceeding $1500. The deadline for individuals to lodge their own tax return is this Friday, October 31, 2025. About 15 million tax returns will be lodged for the 2024-2025 financial year, according to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
READ MORE: Your guide to Australia's skies: The lunar eclipses, meteor showers and celestial events happening in 2025 But earlier this month, the ATO said millions are still yet to be lodged and anyone who misses the deadline at the end of the month could cop a failure to lodge (FTL) on time penalty. "You need to lodge your return, and pay your tax in full and on time to avoid penalties, interest charges and firmer actions," an ATO spokesperson told 9news.com.au. ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson today warned Aussie taxpayers not to fall for any myths about lodging late. "There's a bit of a myth that delaying lodgment of your tax return will buy you more time to pay – that's not true," he said. "If you have prepared your own tax return and incur a tax bill, it will be due on 21 November." The FTL penalty starts at $330, then increases by $330 for every 28-day period (or part thereof) that your return is overdue. The penalty caps out at $1650 for individuals. READ MORE: How to maximise public holidays and make the most of your annual leave in 2025

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View Gallery Fortunately, the ATO will consider your circumstances when deciding what action to take for late lodgement and usually won't apply penalties in isolated cases. The ATO will also typically warn you by phone or in writing before applying FTL penalties. If you are liable for a penalty, the ATO will notify you in writing. The notice will include the reason for the penalty, the amount of the penalty, and the due date for payment. If you cop a fine but failed to lodge due to extenuating circumstances (such as illness, natural disasters, etc.) you can request a remission of penalties. The ATO may choose to reduce the penalty in part or in full, depending on the circumstances. Aussies who fail to lodge their tax return on time may also incur a general interest charge (GIC) on their late lodgement and any unpaid penalties. The current GIC rate is 10.61 per cent annually or 0.02906849 per cent per day, and is calculated on a daily compounding basis on the amount overdue. READ MORE: Breastfeeding in public: What are your legal rights in Australia? In short, the best way to avoid paying any penalties on your tax return is to make sure you lodge it before October 31.
The only way to potentially get around that deadline is by engaging a tax agent. Most registered tax agents can lodge returns well past the October 31 deadline, often even into 2026. But you must appoint your tax agent and ensure you're on their books before October 31 to avoid penalties. "If you miss that deadline without lodging a tax return or appointing a tax agent, then you could be up for late lodgement fees," Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) tax expert Susan Franks previously told 9News. Tax agents must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), which you can check online . "If you're worried you won't be able to lodge and pay by the due dates, contact your registered tax professional or visit our website before the due date to find out what support options are available to you," the ATO spokesperson said. READ MORE: What is the current advice for paracetemol in Australia?

The nation's largest accounting body, CPA Australia, has also urged Australians lodging their own tax returns to check the pre-filled information carefully. "Consider whether your circumstances have changed in the past 12 months and ensure all your income has been declared accurately," CPA Australia tax lead Jenny Wong said. Wong said Australians with complex finances, including taxpayers who own rental properties, crypto assets or have side hustles, should seek professional help from a tax agent. "A tax agent will help you navigate the complexities of your finances, make sure everything is accurate and give you more time to lodge," she said. Australians should also be vigilant about scams during tax time. "Be wary of unsolicited SMS messages and emails claiming to be from the ATO, including those with hyperlinks and urgent calls to action, such as claiming you have a substantial refund to secure," Wong said. "Also treat unsolicited phone calls with caution. "If in doubt, hang up and call the ATO directly to check the validity of the call." The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.