When is the tax return lodgment deadline for 2024-25 in Australia?

The standard deadline for lodging your own tax return for the 2024-25 financial year (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025) is 31 October 2025. This applies whether you lodge through myTax or on paper. If 31 October falls on a weekend or public holiday, the due date moves to the next business day.

If you use a registered tax agent, you may qualify for an extended deadline, often as late as May the following year, depending on your circumstances. To access this extension, you need to be on your agent's client list before 31 October.

If you miss the deadline, the ATO may issue a failure-to-lodge penalty. For individuals, this is currently $313 per 28-day period (or part period) the return is outstanding, up to a maximum of $1,565. The ATO does show discretion for first-time late lodgments, but repeated late lodgment attracts penalties reliably.

If you owe tax, late payment also accrues the general interest charge (GIC), currently around 11% per year, compounding daily. Lodging on time even if you cannot pay in full keeps the penalty component from accumulating.