31 October Tax Deadline: A Last-Week Checklist for Side Hustlers and Sole Traders
If you lodge your own tax return in Australia, the deadline for the 2025-26 financial year is 31 October 2026. Because that's a Saturday this year, the ATO says the due date moves to the next business day, Monday 2 November 2026, but don't leave it that late. If you use a registered tax agent and were on their books before that date, you may have a later deadline. If you've got a side hustle or you're a sole trader and haven't lodged yet, this checklist helps you get it done this week.
1. Decide: self-lodge or tax agent?
If your affairs are simple, myTax through myGov is free. If you have business income, lots of deductions or you're unsure about anything, a registered tax agent can help. Many agents can lodge for new clients later than 31 October if you're registered with them before the deadline, so if you're going this way, contact one now. You can check an agent is registered on the Tax Practitioners Board register.
2. Gather your income
- Your income statement from each employer (it should be tax-ready in myGov).
- Bank interest, dividends and any government payments.
- All side hustle or business income: Etsy, marketplace, freelance, rideshare, delivery. Platforms may report data to the ATO, so make sure your records match.
3. Gather your expenses
For a side hustle or sole trader business, you can generally claim expenses incurred in earning your business income: materials, platform fees, a portion of phone and internet, equipment, and so on. You need records. Bank statements and receipts are the start; a simple income and expense tracker makes next year far easier.
4. Work-related deductions
If you're also an employee, check the ATO's guidance for your occupation. Remember the three golden rules: you must have spent the money yourself, it must relate directly to earning your income, and you need a record.
5. Check before you lodge
- Pre-filled data in myTax is correct and complete.
- Business income is reported in the right section, with your ABN.
- You've included any GST-registered business details correctly if you're registered.
6. Can't make it?
If you genuinely can't lodge by 31 October, contact the ATO or a registered tax agent before the deadline. Lodging late can attract penalties, but dealing with it early usually goes better. If you can't pay a tax bill in full, the ATO has payment plan options. Our post on what to do about a late tax return covers more.
7. Set up for next year today
The single best thing you can do after lodging is start a running record for this financial year. Log income and expenses as they happen and set aside a percentage of side hustle profit each pay. Our GST threshold guide explains when a side hustle needs to register for GST. The Sole Trader Tax & BAS Dashboard estimates your tax set-aside and BAS quarter totals.
General information only, not tax or financial advice. Check current rules with the ATO or a registered tax agent.
Apps for this
Side Hustle Income & Tax Tracker (AU) (A$29, one-off): Track side hustle income and know what to set aside for tax.
Sole Trader Tax & BAS Dashboard (A$65, one-off): Know what to set aside for tax and what goes on your BAS, every quarter.
FAQ
When is the tax return deadline in Australia?
For people lodging their own return, it's 31 October following the end of the financial year. Agent clients may have later dates.
Do I need to declare side hustle income?
Generally yes. Business and side hustle income is usually assessable income. Check the ATO's guidance for your situation.
What if I can't lodge by 31 October?
Contact the ATO or a registered tax agent before the deadline to discuss your options.