Home › Guides · Updated 27 October 2026
Tax Return Due Date 2026: Why It Is 2 November This Year
Lodging your own tax return this year? The usual deadline is 31 October, but in 2026 that's a Saturday. The ATO says self-lodgers have until 11:59 pm local time on Monday 2 November 2026, because if 31 October falls on a weekend the due date is the next business day after 31 October. Here are the 2026 dates in one place, including what changes if you use a registered tax agent.
Key dates for the 2025-26 tax return
| Date | What it means |
|---|---|
| 30 June 2026 | End of the 2025-26 income year (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026) |
| Saturday 31 October 2026 | Usual deadline. Falls on a weekend this year. Last day for a registered tax agent to add new clients to their list so their return is covered by the agent lodgment program. |
| Monday 2 November 2026, 11:59 pm local time | Deadline if you lodge your own return |
| 21 November 2026 | Payment due if you lodge yourself on time and owe tax. If your assessment issues after 31 October, payment is due 21 days after it issues. |
| 31 March 2027 | Agent lodgment program date for individuals whose latest return resulted in a tax liability of A$20,000 or more |
| 15 May 2027 | Agent lodgment program date for most remaining individuals, with a 5 June concession for some returns if any payment is also made by then |
Agent dates depend on your history and situation, and the ATO can ask for a return earlier. If you had prior-year returns outstanding at 30 June 2026, the agent due date is 31 October 2026. Always confirm your own date with your agent.
Want a step-by-step list for doing it yourself? Use our self-lodge tax return checklist.
Using a tax agent? Get on their books by 31 October
The ATO says that if you're using a registered tax agent for the first time, or switching agents, you should contact them before 31 October to be part of their lodgment program. Check the agent is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.
Lodging yourself through myTax
myTax is accessed through myGov with the ATO linked, and the ATO pre-fills most of your information. Have these ready:
- bank account details (BSB and account number)
- income statements or payment summaries, including Centrelink
- receipts or statements for deductions you're claiming
- your spouse's income, if you have one
- private health insurance details, if you have cover
Sole trader? See our tax return guide for sole traders and the tax time checklist.
If you miss it
Lodge as soon as you can. The ATO says delaying won't change when a bill is due (generally 21 November for self-preparers), and not lodging can lead to failure-to-lodge penalties. If you're struggling to pay, you may be able to set up a payment plan. Contact the ATO early. Our missed the deadline guide covers the next steps.
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Keep records as you go and set tax aside each time you're paid, especially if you have side income. The tax set-aside calculator and Side Hustle Income and Tax Tracker help.
Sources
- ATO, Preparing your tax return
- ATO media release, The final countdown: ATO reminds taxpayers to lodge now
- ATO, Lodge with a registered tax agent
- ATO, Registered agent lodgment program: individuals and trusts
- ATO, Registered agent lodgment program: October 2026
FAQ
When is the tax return due in 2026?
If you lodge your own return, 31 October falls on a Saturday this year, so the ATO says you have until 11:59 pm local time on Monday 2 November 2026.
Do I get more time with a tax agent?
Usually, if you're on a registered agent's client list by 31 October. Many individuals then have until 15 May 2027, but your date depends on your situation, so confirm it with your agent.
When do I pay if I owe tax?
If you lodge yourself on time, payment is generally due 21 November 2026. If your assessment issues after 31 October, it's due 21 days after it issues.
What if I miss the deadline?
Lodge as soon as possible and contact the ATO if you can't pay. Delaying doesn't change when a bill is due.
General information only, not financial or tax advice. Check ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent for your situation.
Try it in an app
Side Hustle Income & Tax Tracker: Log side income and expenses through the year so tax time is quicker.
See Side Hustle Income & Tax Tracker
Prefer spreadsheets? The Australian Tax Time Bundle has five sole trader trackers for income, expenses, GST and BAS records, in Excel and Google Sheets.
Want quick numbers first? Try our free money calculators.