More than 2 million Australians have less than three weeks to lodge their tax returns, or they could face penalties exceeding $1,500. The deadline for individuals to submit their own tax return for the 2024–2025 financial year is Friday, October 31, 2025, according to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Around 15 million tax returns are expected this year, with 8.7 million already lodged, leaving millions yet to submit. Anyone missing the deadline may incur a Failure to Lodge (FTL) on-time penalty.
An ATO spokesperson told 9News, “You need to lodge your return, and pay your tax in full and on time to avoid penalties, interest charges, and further actions.”
ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson warned taxpayers not to believe myths about late lodgment. “There’s a myth that delaying your tax return gives you more time to pay – that’s not true. If you prepare your own return and incur a tax bill, it will be due on November 21,” he said.
The FTL penalty starts at $330 and increases by $330 for every 28-day period (or part thereof) that your return is overdue, capping at $1,650 for individuals. The ATO typically considers individual circumstances and may waive penalties in isolated cases, often issuing warnings by phone or in writing before applying penalties.
If you face penalties due to extenuating circumstances such as illness or natural disasters, you can request a remission, and the ATO may reduce the penalty in part or in full. Late lodgment may also incur a General Interest Charge (GIC) on overdue amounts, currently 10.61% per year (0.02906849% per day, compounded daily).
The best way to avoid penalties is to lodge your return before October 31. Using a registered tax agent can extend your lodgment period beyond this deadline, often into 2026, but you must appoint the agent before October 31. Tax agents must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), which can be verified online.
CPA Australia advises taxpayers to check pre-filled information carefully and ensure all income is declared accurately, especially for those with complex finances such as rental properties, crypto assets, or side businesses. Seeking professional help from a tax agent ensures accuracy and provides extra time to lodge.
Australians are also warned to stay vigilant against scams, including unsolicited SMS, emails, or phone calls claiming to be from the ATO. If in doubt, hang up and contact the ATO directly to verify any communication.
