When to lodge your annual tax return

Tax returns cover the financial year, not the calendar year. The financial year begins on 1 July and ends on 30 June the following year.

When is your tax return due?

You have from 1 July to 31 October each year to lodge your tax return.

In some limited circumstances you can lodge your tax return before the end of the financial year. Generally this can only be done if you are certain of your income and you are leaving the country. You must request an early assessment if you want it to be processed before the end of the financial year.

Lodging using a tax agent

If you use a registered tax agent to prepare your tax return for you, you can lodge later than 31 October. See your tax agent before 31 October to qualify for their lodgment dates.

Note

Make sure your tax agent is registered.

Having trouble getting your tax return ready on time?

If you cannot lodge your tax return by 31 October or by your tax agent’s lodgment date, phone the Personal Infoline on 13 28 61 as soon as possible to find out if you can lodge at a later date.

There may be penalties for late lodgment, even if we have agreed to allow you extra time to lodge.

When do you need to pay your tax bill by?

If you have a tax debt, the earliest you will have to pay it is 21 November. This date is independent of the date you lodge your tax return.

What to read/do next

• Leaving Australia – lodging your return
• Do you want a tax agent?
• How to lodge your tax return
• Where’s my refund?

Last Modified: Thursday, 24 April 2008