Haven't lodged your 2026 tax return? 31 October is the date that matters
Your 2026 tax return is due by 31 October if you lodge it yourself. Get on a registered tax agent's list by that date instead and, for most people, the due date moves to 15 May 2027. This year 31 October is a Saturday – and the ATO will not accept the Monday.
If you have not lodged your 2026 tax return yet – the return for the year from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 – the next two weeks matter more than the next six months.
If you lodge it yourself, it is due by 31 October 2026. If you use a registered tax agent and are on their client list by that date, your due date usually moves into next year. The catch is the date you join the list, not the date the return is done.
The two deadlines
Lodging yourself, through myGov: due 31 October 2026.
Lodging through a registered tax agent: you must be on the agent's client list by 31 October 2026. Once you are, your due date is set by the ATO's lodgment program for tax agents. For the 2026 returns of individuals:
| Your situation | Due date |
|---|---|
| Most individuals | 15 May 2027 (5 June 2027 if any tax owing is also paid by then) |
| Your latest return showed tax payable of $20,000 or more | 31 March 2027 |
| One or more earlier years' returns were still outstanding at 30 June 2026 | 31 October 2026 – unless the earlier returns are lodged by 31 October |
Source: the ATO's registered agent lodgment program for 2026. Your own due date can differ – we check it once you are on our list.
31 October is a Saturday this year
The ATO has been clear that new clients must be added to an agent's list by 31 October – not the next business day. Our office is open Saturdays by appointment only, so in practice: get in touch by Friday 30 October.
You do not need your documents ready to get on the list. We add you first and you send the paperwork afterwards.
If you have earlier years outstanding
This is the trap. If any earlier year's return was still unlodged at 30 June 2026, your 2026 return is due 31 October 2026, agent or not – unless those earlier returns are lodged by 31 October. Get them in by then and the later due date applies to your 2026 return as well.
If you are several years behind, the sooner we start, the better. See disputes and compliance for how we catch up overdue returns.
Expecting a refund?
Then there is no reason to wait for May. A later due date is a safety net, not a target – lodge as soon as your documents are ready and the refund arrives sooner.
Owing tax?
For most individuals on the 15 May due date, the date payment is due depends on when the return is lodged and processed – it can be as late as 5 June 2027 if you lodge after 12 March 2027. If you are likely to owe, talk to us about timing; and if you cannot pay in one go, see our guide on setting up an ATO payment plan.
What to do this week
- Contact us by Friday 30 October – send us a question or call (02) 9386 0500.
- We add you to our client list and confirm your due date.
- Send your documents when you are ready. Our individual and sole trader tax returns start from $220 including GST, or $330 with an ABN.
Questions people ask
When is my 2026 tax return due?
If you lodge it yourself, by 31 October 2026. If you are on a registered tax agent's client list by 31 October 2026, most individuals have until 15 May 2027, or 31 March 2027 if their latest return showed tax payable of $20,000 or more.
31 October is a Saturday. Do I have until Monday?
No. The ATO has said new clients must be added to a tax agent's list by 31 October itself, not the next business day. Contact us by Friday 30 October.
Do I need all my documents before 31 October?
No. We can add you to our client list first and you send the documents afterwards.
I have not lodged for a few years. Does the later date still apply?
Only if the earlier returns are lodged by 31 October. Otherwise your 2026 return is due on 31 October 2026 as well. Talk to us as soon as possible.