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Australian Tax Return Dates & Deadlines You Need to Know (2026–27)

(The words “Dates & Deadlines” are a link in the heading; see observations.)

From the 31 October lodgment deadline to HECS-HELP indexation day, here's every date that matters for your Australian tax return — and how to avoid late lodgment penalties.

31 Oct deadline
Extensions explained
Never miss a date

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Only weeks left to lodge your 2025–26 return · From $88

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2025–26 Tax Time

Tax time opened

1 Jul 2026

Self-lodge deadline

31 Oct 2026

Days left to lodge

~39 days

Lodge Before 31 October

Countdown as at 22 September 2026 — register with Tax Falcon before 31 October to stay on track.

Quick answer

Australia's financial year runs 1 July to 30 June. If you lodge your own tax return, it's due by 31 October each year for the income year that just ended. Registered tax agents like Tax Falcon can often secure an extended deadline — but only if you're on their books before 31 October.

Financial Year Basics

When Does the Financial Year Run?

Australia's financial year doesn't follow the calendar — it runs from 1 July to 30 June. Here's how the two years on this page line up.

2025–26 financial year

Runs 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. This is the income year you're lodging a return for right now, due by 31 October 2026 if you self-lodge.

2026–27 financial year

Runs 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Tax time for this year opens 1 July 2027, with a self-lodge deadline of 31 October 2027.

The Timeline

When Can You Lodge, and When Is It Due?

1 July

Tax Time Opens

Income statements finalise and pre-fill data becomes available from the ATO. You can start lodging your return for the year that just ended.

July – October

Gather & Lodge Online

Use our tax return checklist to gather your documents, then lodge online with ATO pre-fill and agent review.

31 October

Self-Lodge Deadline

The standard deadline to lodge your own return. Miss it and the ATO can apply a Failure to Lodge penalty.

Don't Risk It

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you're required to lodge and miss the 31 October deadline without an extension, the ATO can apply a Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty that increases the longer your return is overdue, plus interest on any unpaid tax. Lodging on time — even if you can't pay straight away — is the best way to avoid it.

The Smart Move

Lodging Through a Tax Agent: Extended Deadlines

Register before 31 October

Registered tax agents like Tax Falcon operate under an ATO lodgment program that can extend your deadline well beyond 31 October — but you generally need to be on the agent's client list before that date.

Stay in good standing

To keep an extended deadline, you typically need to have no earlier tax returns overdue. Catching up on old returns first protects your extension for this year.

Study Loans

HECS-HELP Indexation Date

Following government reforms, your study loan is never indexed by more than the lower of these two measures.

How the Rate Is Set

CPI

Consumer Price Index

WPI

Wage Price Index

Whichever is lower is applied to your loan balance on 1 June each year.

Once a year, on 1 June

Your HECS-HELP indexation applies to your study and training loan balance annually on 1 June, based on the balance remaining on that date.

Repayments reduce your balance first

Compulsory repayments made through your pay, or any voluntary payment, reduce the balance before indexation is calculated on it.

Beyond the Individual Return

Other Key Dates for Sole Traders & Investors

Q1 BAS / PAYG — 28 Oct

Due for the July–September quarter if you're registered for GST or pay quarterly PAYG instalments.

Q2 BAS / PAYG — 28 Feb

Due for the October–December quarter (the extended date that applies to this particular quarter).

Q3 BAS / PAYG — 28 Apr

Due for the January–March quarter.

Q4 BAS / PAYG — 28 Jul

Due for the April–June quarter, closing out the financial year's business activity statements.

Super guarantee

Due 28 days after the end of each quarter for any employer super contributions, including for sole traders with staff.

Sole Trader & Property returns

Follow the same individual lodgment dates above — see our Sole Trader and Property return pages.

Swipe to see every date

At a Glance

2026–27 Key Dates Cheat Sheet

JUL 1 2026 [New FY]

New Financial Year Begins

The 2026–27 financial year begins, and tax time opens for lodging your 2025–26 return.

OCT 31 2026 [Deadline]

Self-Lodge Deadline

The standard deadline to lodge your own 2025–26 tax return without a registered agent.

OCT 31 2026 [Register]

Tax Agent Registration Cut-off

JUN 1 2027 [Indexation]

HECS-HELP Indexation Date

Study and training loan balances are indexed annually on this date, using the lower of CPI or WPI.

JUN 30 2027 [New FY]

Financial Year Ends

The 2026–27 financial year closes — the last day of income counted toward that year's return.

JUL 1 2027 [New FY]

Tax Time Opens

Lodgment opens for the 2026–27 income year as income statements and pre-fill data finalise.

OCT 31 2027 [Deadline]

Self-Lodge Deadline

The standard deadline to lodge your own 2026–27 tax return without a registered agent.

Keep Reading

Related Resources

Before You Lodge

Tax Return Checklist Australia 2026

Every document and detail you need before you start your return.

Deductions

Tax Deductions Guide Australia 2026

What you can claim, including the new $1,000 fast claim.

Get Started

Standard Tax Return — $88

See exactly what's included when you lodge with Tax Falcon.

Questions

Dates & Deadlines FAQs

What is the tax return deadline in Australia for 2026?

For most people self-lodging, the deadline is 31 October 2026 for the 2025–26 income year (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026).

What if I register with a tax agent after 31 October?

You'll generally miss out on the extended lodgment program deadline for that year and may need to lodge as soon as possible to limit any Failure to Lodge penalty.

Can I lodge before 1 July?

Generally no, since your income statement needs to be finalised first. An early lodgment is only available in limited cases, such as permanently leaving Australia.

Does the 31 October deadline apply to sole traders too?

Yes, your individual tax return (including business income) is still due 31 October if you self-lodge. Business Activity Statements (BAS) follow a separate quarterly schedule.

When is HECS-HELP indexed?

Once a year, on 1 June, based on the loan balance remaining on that date, using the lower of CPI or WPI.

What if I owe tax and can't pay by the deadline?

Lodge on time regardless to avoid the Failure to Lodge penalty, then contact the ATO about a payment plan — interest generally still accrues on the unpaid amount.

Beat the 31 October Deadline

Register with Tax Falcon before 31 October and a certified tax agent will check your deductions, apply ATO pre-fill, and lodge your return — on time.

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