Engage a tax agent by 31 October for more time to lodge your 2026 tax return

Written By Ben Jackson

If you lodge your own tax return, your 2025–26 return is normally due on 31 October. This year that's a Saturday, so the deadline moves to Monday 2 November 2026. If you're on a registered tax agent's client list by 31 October, you can usually have until 15 May 2027 to lodge through the agent's lodgment program. That's more than six extra months.

This applies to individuals, including sole traders, and to most trusts. Large and medium trusts have earlier dates.

How it works

The ATO gives registered tax agents a lodgment program with later due dates for their clients. To be included, you need to be added to your agent's client list by 31 October 2026. Unlike the self-lodgment deadline, this date doesn't move to the next business day, even though it falls on a Saturday this year. Leaving it to the last few days may be too late.

When your 2026 return is due

  • Most people on the program: 15 May 2027.

  • If your latest return resulted in a tax liability of $20,000 or more: 31 March 2027.

  • If any earlier years' returns were still outstanding at 30 June 2026: 31 October 2026, unless all of those overdue returns are lodged by 31 October.

Returns due 15 May 2027 can also be lodged by 5 June 2027 without penalty, as long as any tax owing is paid by then.

You also get more time to pay

For returns due 15 May 2027, any tax owing is payable on a date that depends on when the return is lodged and processed: 21 March 2027 if lodged by 12 February, 21 April 2027 if lodged between 13 February and 12 March, and 5 June 2027 if lodged from 13 March. If processing takes longer, your notice of assessment will show a later date. For returns due on other dates, the payment date is shown on your notice of assessment. Missing a lodgment or payment date can attract penalties and interest. If you're expecting a refund, there's no benefit in waiting, so it can pay to lodge early.

What to do

If you'd like us to prepare and lodge your 2026 return, get in touch well before 31 October so we have time to add you to our client list. Call (02) 511 511 57 or email hello@redjay.com.au.

This article is general information only and is not tax advice. It is based on ATO guidance as at 29 September 2026 and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

Ben Jackson