Don’t Miss the 31 October Tax Return Lodgement Deadline — How Sydney Taxpayers Can Get More Time
- Adenix Accounting
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Every year, 31 October is a key date for Australian taxpayers. If you’re an individual lodging your own tax return, this is the final day to submit it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) online portal for the previous financial year (1 July – 30 June). Missing this deadline can lead to late-lodgement penalties and interest — but there’s good news.
If you contact a registered tax agent like Adenix Accounting Sydney before 31 October, you may qualify for an extension to lodge until May 2026.
The 31 October tax return deadline is one of the most important dates for Australian taxpayers who lodge their own return, as missing it can lead to ATO penalties and interest charges.
Who Needs to Lodge by 31 October
Individuals & sole traders who lodge their own return via myTax or paper form.
Property investors & share traders with rental income, dividends, or capital gains.
Freelancers & side hustlers with ABNs who aren’t already using a tax agent.
Tip: To access the ATO’s extended lodgement program, you must engage a registered tax agent. Adenix Accounting’s Tax Services for Individuals in Sydney can register you before 31 October so you qualify for an extension until May 2026.
Why You Should Act Before 31 October
Waiting until the last minute can mean:
Missed deductions and tax savings.
Rushed lodgement that may trigger an ATO review of your tax return
Late penalties and interest charges if you miss the cut-off.
By contacting Adenix Accounting Sydney now, we can secure your May 2026 lodgement extension, review your records thoroughly, and help you maximise your refund or reduce your tax payable.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may apply:
Failure to lodge on time penalty (FTL): starts at $313 and increases every 28 days you’re late (up to $1,565 for individuals).
Interest charges on unpaid tax.
Higher audit risk if you have a pattern of late lodgement.
Running behind? Don’t panic — it’s better to call a tax agent now than wait and risk penalties.
How Adenix Accounting Helps Sydney Taxpayers
Working with a registered tax agent like Adenix Accounting means you can:
Secure an extended due date — many clients get until May 2026.
Maximise deductions (work-from-home, vehicles, tools, investments, property expenses).
Get help with ATO debts, payment plans, and tax planning strategies.
File a return that’s accurate, compliant, and audit-ready.
We help PAYG employees, sole traders, property investors, and small businesses across Rockdale, the St George area, and greater Sydney.
Quick Tax Return Prep Checklist
Income statements (PAYG, ABN, rental, dividends).
Receipts and logbooks for work-related deductions.
Private health insurance details & HELP/HECS info.
Records for cryptocurrency, share trading, or property sales.
Contact Adenix before 31 October to get your May 2026 extension.
Local Sydney Tax Help — Book Before It’s Too Late
Based in Rockdale, Sydney, Adenix Accounting helps individuals, sole traders and small businesses stay compliant and reduce tax stress.
Spots for the May 2026 ATO lodgement extension fill quickly contact us before 31 October to secure yours.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 31 October Tax Return Deadline
When is the deadline to lodge my tax return in Australia?
The deadline is 31 October for the previous financial year if you lodge your own return. A registered tax agent can often extend your deadline to May 2026.
Can I get more time to lodge my tax return if I use a tax agent?
Yes. If you engage a registered tax agent like Adenix Accounting Sydney before 31 October, you can usually be placed on the ATO’s tax agent lodgement program and gain extra time — often until May 2026.
How can I extend my tax return deadline to May 2026?
Simply contact Adenix Accounting before 31 October. We’ll register you under our ATO tax agent lodgement program so you qualify for the extended deadline.
What happens if I miss the 31 October tax return deadline?
The ATO may charge a Failure to Lodge on Time penalty starting at $313 and increasing every 28 days you’re late (up to $1,565 for individuals), plus interest on unpaid tax.
How much is the late tax return penalty from the ATO?
The penalty starts at $313 and can rise up to $1,565 for individuals, depending on how many days late you lodge.
What documents do I need to prepare my tax return?
You’ll usually need things like income statements (PAYG, ABN, rental, dividends), receipts for expenses, logbooks for vehicle or home office, private health details, and investment records such as shares, crypto or property sales.
Do I need to lodge a tax return if I earned under the tax-free threshold?
You may still need to lodge a return to notify the ATO you’re under the threshold or to claim any withheld tax. Always check with a tax agent if unsure.
Can a tax agent lodge my return after the 31 October deadline?
Yes. If you engage a tax agent before 31 October, you’ll often have until May the following year (May 2026 for this tax year) to lodge. If you wait until after 31 October, it may be too late to secure the extended deadline.
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