If you normally lodge your own tax return, 31 October 2026 is an important date. Your 2025-26 individual tax return is generally due on 31 October if you lodge it yourself. If you use a registered tax agent, you may be covered by the agent’s lodgment program and receive a later due date. But don’t assume that simply contacting an accountant after 31 October will give you extra time.
Past clients, this means you
If we’ve prepared your tax return before but you haven’t been in touch with us this year, please contact us.
The ATO’s lodgment program rules take account of when a client is added to the tax agent’s client list, among other things. The ATO says 31 October is the final date to add new clients to an agent’s client list for the return to be covered by the lodgment program.
So if you want us to look after your 2025-26 return, please contact us before 31 October.
You don’t necessarily need to have all your paperwork ready when you first contact us. The important thing is to talk to us so we can understand your situation and explain what needs to happen.
Are you behind with previous returns?
If you have one or more earlier tax returns that haven’t been lodged, please don’t ignore them.
The ATO has specific rules for taxpayers with overdue prior-year returns. In particular, if prior-year returns are still outstanding at 30 June, the current year’s return can have a 31 October due date even where the taxpayer uses a registered tax agent.
If you are behind, we can help you work out what is outstanding and what needs to be done.
What you should have ready
- Income statements and bank interest
- Receipts for work-related expenses
- Rental property income and expenses
- Private health insurance information
- Records of shares or other assets you sold
- Other income or deduction information relevant to your return
The important date
If you haven’t contacted us about your 2025-26 return, 31 October is the date to keep in mind. And if you’re a past Taxright client who hasn’t been in touch this year, please don’t assume we have your return covered.
Give us a call on (07) 3385 0686 or send us an email before 31 October and we’ll work through your situation with you.
Sources
- Australian Taxation Office – Why due dates change (ato.gov.au)
- Australian Taxation Office – Check your clients’ lodgment due dates (ato.gov.au)
- Australian Taxation Office – Tax return due dates and registered tax agents (ato.gov.au)
This article is general information only. It doesn’t take into account your personal circumstances and isn’t financial product advice. Please speak with us before acting on anything here.
