Tax return due 31 October? How a registered tax agent can give you more time

If you lodge your own tax return, it is generally due by 31 October. Miss it and the ATO can apply a failure-to-lodge penalty, even when you are owed a refund. But many people do not realise that using a registered tax agent can change the date entirely.

How the tax agent lodgement program works

Registered tax agents have access to a lodgement program with its own due dates. If you become a client of a registered agent before 31 October, your return can usually be lodged later than the standard deadline. For many individuals with no outstanding returns, that date falls in the following year.

The key condition is timing. You must be on the agent's client list before 31 October. Contacting an accountant on 2 November is too late to use the program for that year's return.

Who may not get the extension

The ATO can require some returns earlier, even when an agent is engaged. This commonly applies if:

• You have prior year returns that are still outstanding
• You had a large tax bill the previous year
• The ATO has issued you a specific request to lodge by a set date

If any of these apply to you, tell us early so we can check your actual due date.

What to do before 31 October

You do not need every document ready to secure the later date. You only need to engage us so we can add you to our client list. Then gather your paperwork at a sensible pace.

• Send us a quick message with your name, phone and date of birth
• Confirm whether you have any older returns not yet lodged
• Start collecting documents using our tax return checklist

Why use an agent at all

Beyond the extra time, an agent reviews your deductions, checks your prefilled data for errors, and deals with the ATO on your behalf if questions come up. The fee for preparing your return is generally tax deductible in the following year.

If 31 October is approaching and your return is not done, get in touch and we will add you to our list straight away.