Your 2026 tax return may be due sooner than you think

Most people who use an accountant assume their tax return isn’t due until next year. For some, it’s due at the end of this month. Your due date depends on who lodges your return and whether your earlier returns are up to date.

If you lodge your own return

Self-lodged returns are due 31 October. This year that falls on a Saturday, so you have until Monday 2 November.

If you have a dedicated accountant

Ask your accountant when your return is due. Most people who lodge through a registered tax agent get until 15 May 2027 under the ATO’s lodgement program. That later date isn’t automatic, though. You need to be on your accountant’s client list by 31 October to get it.

When the later date doesn’t apply

If any of your earlier tax returns were still overdue at 30 June 2026, your 2026 return is due 31 October, even if an accountant lodges it for you. It doesn’t matter which year the overdue return is for.

You can get the later date back by lodging every overdue return by 31 October. If that isn’t possible, your accountant may be able to ask the ATO for more time but it isn’t guaranteed. Overdue returns can also attract penalties when they are lodged, so the sooner the better.

Key takeaway

Check your due date now. If you have an accountant, ask whether your return is on the later date. If you have an older return outstanding, get it sorted before 31 October.

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