Can I lodge my tax return on the 31st of October?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can lodge your tax return on the 31st of October. For individual taxpayers not using a tax agent, the due date for lodging your income tax return is generally 31 October each year. However, if you lodge through a registered tax agent, you may get an extended deadline — sometimes as late as May or June of the following year, depending on your agent’s lodgment program.

Understanding the 31 October Tax Return Deadline

In Australia, the standard due date for lodging your annual income tax return is 31 October. This applies to individuals who do not use a registered tax agent. If you are completing your return yourself (either through myGov or approved software), you must lodge and pay any outstanding tax by this date to avoid penalties.

What Happens If You Miss the 31 October Deadline?

If you do not lodge by 31 October and you are not with a tax agent, the ATO will begin charging the Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty. Starting from the day after the deadline:

• $312 per 28 days (or part thereof) the return remains outstanding
• Maximum of $1,560 (5 × $312) for individuals

Additionally, if you owe tax, the ATO will apply the General Interest Charge (GIC) on the outstanding amount from the original due date.

Can You Lodge on 31 October Legally?

Absolutely. 31 October is the official deadline — not the date you should avoid lodging. You can lodge your tax return on 31 October itself, and as long as the ATO receives it by end of business on that day, you will not incur an FTL penalty.

However, keep in mind that:

• If you are lodging online through myGov or ATO online services, ensure you submit well before midnight AEST on 31 October
• If you are mailing your return, it must be postmarked by 31 October
• Paper returns have effectively passed their deadline if not yet received by early October (processing times are longer)

Extended Deadlines Through Tax Agents

If you engage a registered tax agent, you automatically get an extended lodgment due date. Under the Tax Agent Services Act (TASA) regime, tax agents have access to the ATO’s Online Services for Agents, which allows lodgment of client returns well past the standard 31 October deadline. Typical extended due dates through agents are:

• 15 November for certain lodged-to-order (LTO) agents
• 31 May in the following year for most standard agents
• As late as June for complex returns through special arrangements

However, you must be already engaged with the tax agent before 31 October to get the extended deadline. If you engage an agent after 31 October, the FTL penalty may still apply for the period between the original deadline and the agent lodgment date.

Tips for Lodging on 31 October

• Don’t wait until the last day if possible — technical issues or high traffic can cause delays
• Ensure all income statements (from employers, banks, super funds) are loaded into your myGov account
• Double-check your bank details for any refund
• If using a tax agent, contact them well before October to book your appointment

Summary

Yes, 31 October is a perfectly valid lodgment date — it is the official deadline for individual taxpayers in Australia. Lodging on time is the best way to avoid the $312 per 28-day FTL penalty and any interest charges. If you think you will struggle to lodge by 31 October, contact a registered tax agent before the deadline to discuss your options.