What You’ll Learn:
- Critical lodgement deadlines for individuals, businesses, and companies in 2025
- PAYG instalment due dates and penalty rates for late payments
- BAS lodgement requirements and GST registration thresholds
- Extension options available through registered tax agents
- Penalty amounts and interest charges for missing key deadlines
- Strategic timing opportunities to optimise cash flow around tax obligations
Tax time is officially here, and if you’re like most Australians, you’re probably wondering exactly when your tax return is due and what happens if you miss the deadline. The good news is that understanding Australia’s tax deadlines for 2025 is really straightforward once you know the key dates.
In 2025, most Australians must lodge their tax return by 31 October. Extensions may apply if you use a registered tax agent, potentially giving you until May 2026. However, there are several other important deadlines throughout the year that could affect your tax obligations, especially if you’re running a business.
As tax professionals who’ve helped thousands of Australians navigate these deadlines over our 50+ years in practice, we know that staying ahead of the dates not only helps you avoid penalties but often results in faster processing and earlier refunds! Let’s break down everything you need to know about Australia’s tax deadlines for 2025.
Tax Deadlines Australia 2025: Key Dates at a Glance
Here are the critical dates every Australian taxpayer should have marked in their calendar:
| Event | Deadline |
| First day to lodge tax return: | 1 July 2025 |
| Self-lodged return deadline: | 31 October 2025 |
| Tax agent deadline (if eligible): | Up to 15 May 2026 |
| Q1 BAS (Jul–Sep 2024): | 28 October 2025 |
| Q2 BAS (Oct–Dec 2024): | 28 February 2026 |
| Q3 BAS (Jan–Mar 2025): | 28 April 2026 |
| Q4 BAS (Apr–Jun 2025): | 28 July 2026 |
The most important date for most people is 31 October 2025 — that’s when your individual tax return must be lodged if you’re doing it yourself. Miss this date, and you’ll face penalties that can quickly add up.$330 for 28 days late up to a maximum of $1,620 after 140 days late.
When Is Your 2025 Tax Return Due?
The standard deadline for lodging your 2024-25 tax return is 31 October 2025 if you’re preparing and lodging it yourself. This date applies whether you’re lodging online through myTax, using commercial tax software, or submitting a paper return.
However, many people don’t realise they have options — if you use a registered tax agent to prepare your return, you automatically qualify for an extension. Depending on your specific circumstances and the agent’s lodgement program, this extension can push your deadline out to anywhere from March to May 2026.
“Most clients are surprised to learn they can get an automatic extension just by using a registered tax agent,” explains senior ITP tax advisor Michelle Roberts. “It’s not just about the extra time — agents often identify deductions and opportunities that more than pay for their fees.”
The extension isn’t just a nice-to-have either. It provides valuable breathing room to gather all your documentation, ensures you don’t miss any deductions, and often results in more accurate returns. At ITP, our clients with agent lodgement deadlines rarely face the stress and rush that comes with the October deadline.
If you’re considering using a tax agent for the first time, don’t wait until September to make that decision. The best agents get booked up quickly, especially as we approach the busy season. Find your nearest office and book a consultation with ITP early to secure your spot and take advantage of the extended deadline.
BAS Lodgement Dates for 2024-25
If you’re running a business, you’ll also need to keep track of your Business Activity Statement (BAS) deadlines. These quarterly reports are due throughout the year and have strict deadlines that don’t offer the same flexibility as individual tax returns.
The BAS lodgement dates for the 2024-25 financial year are:
Quarterly BAS deadlines:
- Q1 (July–September 2024): Due 28 October 2025
- Q2 (October–December 2024): Due 28 February 2026
- Q3 (January–March 2025): Due 28 April 2026
- Q4 (April–June 2025): Due 28 July 2026
These dates are non-negotiable and apply when you lodge yourself. If you use an agent they can get an additional 28 days extension except in the case of the Q2 date which is already extended because of the Christmas break. Unlike individual tax returns, there’s no automatic extension available for BAS lodgements, making it crucial to stay on top of these deadlines throughout the year.
If you’re registered for monthly BAS (typically because your annual turnover exceeds $20 million), your deadlines are the 21st of the month following each month. The stakes are higher with monthly reporting, so most businesses in this category work with professional accountants to ensure compliance.
What Happens If You Lodge Late in 2025?
Missing tax deadlines isn’t just inconvenient — it can be expensive. The ATO takes late lodgements seriously, and the penalties can add up quickly.
For individual tax returns lodged after the 31 October deadline, you’ll face a failure-to-lodge penalty of $330 for every 28-day period you’re late, capped at a maximum of $1,650 (five penalty units). Here’s how that looks in practice:
Real penalty examples:
- Lodge 1 month late: $330 penalty
- Lodge 2 months late: $660 penalty
- Lodge 3 months late: $990 penalty
- Lodge 5+ months late: $1,650 penalty (maximum)
But the financial penalties are just the beginning. Late lodgement can trigger a cascade of other problems that make the situation worse. The ATO may issue you with a default assessment based on limited information, which is often much higher than what you actually owe. You’ll also lose access to certain payment options and arrangements, and in serious cases, the ATO can pursue garnishee orders against your bank accounts or employer.
The good news is that these penalties are entirely avoidable. Lodge your return on time, or better yet, use a registered tax agent to automatically qualify for an extension. The cost of professional tax preparation is almost always less than the potential penalties, not to mention the stress and complications that come with late lodgement.
If you’re already behind on previous years’ returns, don’t ignore the problem — it won’t go away. The ATO has extensive data matching capabilities and will eventually catch up with non-lodgers. Contact a qualified tax professional to discuss your options and get back on track.
Why Lodge Early? Benefits of Beating the Rush
While you have until 31 October to lodge your return (or later with an agent), there are compelling reasons to get your tax affairs sorted early in the season.
The ATO typically finishes uploading pre-filled information from employers, banks, and health funds by mid to late July. Once this data is available, lodging late July and August often means faster processing times and quicker refunds. During the end of season (late September and October), processing times can stretch a little longer, while early lodgers often see their refunds within days.
Note: If you have managed investment funds you should wait until the annual tax statements are issued which is generally in September each year.
Early lodgement also gives you time to address any issues that arise. If the ATO has questions about your return or needs additional documentation, dealing with these requests in July or August is much easier than trying to resolve them during the October rush when everyone is scrambling to meet deadlines.
There’s also a practical benefit to early preparation: you’re less likely to make mistakes when you’re not rushing. Taking time to gather all your documents, review your deductions carefully, and ensure everything is accurate can result in larger refunds and fewer compliance issues down the track.
However, don’t rush to lodge on 1 July. Wait until the ATO has finished pre-filling your information to avoid discrepancies and the need to amend your return later. Mid to late July is typically the sweet spot for early lodgers.
Your Tax Deadline Action Plan
Getting organised now will save you stress later and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines or opportunities. Here’s your action checklist for the 2025 tax season:
Before 31 October 2025:
- Decide whether to self-lodge or use a tax agent
- If using an agent, book your appointment early
- Gather all tax documents (Income statements, bank interest, crypto tax statements)
- Organise work-related expense receipts and documentation
- Review last year’s return for potential missed deductions
- Lodge your return or confirm agent lodgement timeline
For Business Owners:
- Mark all quarterly BAS deadlines in your calendar
- Set up systems for tracking GST throughout the year
- Consider monthly bookkeeping to avoid quarterly rushes
- Review whether you need to register for monthly BAS
If You’re Behind:
- Contact a tax professional immediately to discuss catch-up options
- Gather documentation for outstanding years (aim to lodge multiple years in one go to reduce the chance of late penalties
- Consider voluntary disclosure if you’ve missed income
- Set up systems to stay current going forward
The most important step you can take right now is making a decision about how you’ll handle your 2025 tax return. If you’re considering professional help — even if you’ve waited until the last minute — don’t stress, we can help. Find your nearest office, or if you can’t make it in to see an ITP agent in person, get in touch and we’ll help you out via email or over the phone.
At ITP, we’ve been helping Australians navigate tax deadlines and maximise their returns for over 50 years. Our experienced team understands the complexities of modern tax obligations and can help ensure you meet all deadlines while claiming every deduction you’re entitled to.
Don’t let tax deadlines control your year — take control of them instead. The few minutes you invest in planning now can save you hundreds of dollars in penalties and potentially thousands in missed deductions and opportunities.
FAQs: Your 2025 Tax Deadline Questions Answered
When is tax due in Australia in 2025?
Individual tax returns for the 2024-25 financial year are due by 31 October 2025 if you’re lodging yourself. If you use a registered tax agent, you automatically qualify for an extension if all other years have been lodged. That can push your deadline to as late as 15 May 2026, depending on your circumstances.
What happens if I lodge my tax return late in 2025?
Late lodgement triggers penalties of $330 for every 28-day period you’re late, capped at $1,650. You may also face default assessments, lose access to payment arrangements, and in serious cases, face garnishee orders on your accounts.
When can I lodge my 2025 tax return?
The ATO’s tax return lodgement system opens on 1 July 2025. However, it’s often worth waiting until mid to late July when the ATO has finished uploading pre-filled information from employers, banks, and other third parties to ensure accuracy.
Do I get an extension if I use a tax agent?
Yes, using a registered tax agent automatically qualifies you for an extension. The exact deadline depends on the agent’s lodgement program, but extensions typically run from March to May 2026, giving you an extra 5-7 months.
What are the BAS deadlines for 2025?
Quarterly BAS deadlines are: Q1 (28 October 2025), Q2 (28 February 2026), Q3 (28 April 2026), and Q4 (28 July 2026). These deadlines apply regardless of whether you use an agent and don’t offer automatic extensions.Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Australian tax deadlines and should not be considered personal tax advice. Tax obligations vary based on individual circumstances, and deadlines may change. Always refer to the latest ATO guidance and consult with a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation. ITP Tax Professionals disclaims any liability for decisions made based solely on the general information provided in this article.