The deadline to lodge your 2025–26 individual income tax return is approaching. If you are planning to lodge your own tax return, 31 October 2026 is the standard lodgment deadline for most individuals in Australia.
Leaving your tax return until the last minute can lead to unnecessary stress, missing paperwork and overlooked deductions. Getting organised early can help you lodge accurately and understand your tax position before the deadline.
At Digits Books and Tax Solutions, we help individuals, sole traders and property investors manage their tax obligations with professional, reliable and personalised service.
Want a quick estimate first? Try our Free Tax Calculator to see your likely refund or amount payable, and see our guide to the 2025-26 tax brackets for the rates that apply to this return.
Who needs to lodge a tax return by 31 October?
You may need to lodge an income tax return if you received income during the 2025–26 financial year and meet the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) lodgment requirements.
This may include:
- Employees earning salary or wages
- Sole traders and self-employed individuals
- Property investors earning rental income
- Shareholders receiving dividends or selling investments
- Individuals with interest income or other investment earnings
- People with multiple income sources or foreign income
If you are unsure whether you need to lodge, it is important to check your circumstances rather than assume you are exempt.
Can you get more time by using a tax agent?
Yes, you may be eligible for a later lodgment date if you engage a registered tax agent and meet the relevant requirements under the ATO's lodgment program.
However, a later deadline is not automatic for every taxpayer. Eligibility can depend on your circumstances, your lodgment history and when you engage the tax agent.
Do not wait until after 31 October. If you have not yet lodged your return, contact a registered tax agent as soon as possible to discuss your options. Appointing a tax agent after 31 October will not automatically give you an extension.
What documents should you prepare?
Having your documents ready can make the tax return process smoother and help ensure your income and deductions are reported correctly. Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
Income records
- PAYG income statements from your employer
- Bank interest and dividend statements
- Rental property income records
- Business income and expense records
- Share, managed fund and cryptocurrency transaction details, where relevant
Deduction records
- Eligible work-related expenses
- Work-related travel and vehicle records, where deductible
- Eligible self-education expenses
- Donations to eligible organisations
- Rental property expenses
- Eligible home office expenses
Other information
- Private health insurance details
- Spouse and dependent information, where relevant
- Details of capital gains or losses
- Previous tax returns and relevant ATO correspondence
Remember that not every expense is tax deductible. Claims must meet the applicable requirements, and you should retain supporting records. If you run a business or rental property, tidy records make this much easier. Our bookkeeping services can help you get them in order.
Common tax return mistakes to avoid
Before lodging your tax return, take the time to check for these common mistakes.
1. Forgetting additional income
Salary is not always your only source of taxable income. Bank interest, dividends, rental income and other assessable income may also need to be included.
2. Claiming ineligible deductions
Only claim expenses that meet the relevant tax rules. Personal expenses are generally not deductible simply because they were paid during the financial year.
3. Overlooking investment income
If you own shares, receive managed fund distributions or sell investments, check whether the relevant income and capital gains need to be reported.
4. Rushing the lodgment process
Last-minute preparation can increase the risk of errors and incomplete information. Allow enough time to check your records and seek professional assistance if needed.
Want a registered tax agent to handle your return?
We prepare individual, sole trader, rental property and investment income returns. Get in touch to discuss your circumstances and the options available to you.
Contact Us →What happens if you miss the 31 October deadline?
If you are unable to lodge by the due date, do not ignore your tax obligations.
Contact the ATO or a registered tax agent promptly to discuss your circumstances and determine your next steps. Late lodgment penalties may apply in some circumstances.
If you have outstanding tax returns from previous years, you should also discuss these with your tax agent so that your lodgment obligations can be addressed.
Keep in mind that your tax return lodgment deadline and the date for paying any tax liability are separate matters.
How Digits Books and Tax Solutions can help
Our goal is to make tax time simpler and less stressful. We provide professional tax and accounting services tailored to individuals and small businesses, including:
- Individual income tax returns (see our tax return preparation service)
- Sole trader tax returns
- Rental property tax returns
- Share and investment income reporting
- Tax advice and deduction reviews
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Business Activity Statements (BAS)
- Payroll and PAYG reporting (payroll services)
Whether you have a straightforward employment income return or more complex tax affairs involving rental properties, investments or business income, we can discuss your circumstances and explain how we can assist. Our focus is on accurate reporting, clear communication and helping you understand your tax obligations.
Don't leave your tax return until the last minute
The 31 October 2026 deadline is approaching. If you have not yet lodged your 2025–26 individual tax return, now is the time to organise your documents and arrange professional assistance if needed.
Contact Digits Books and Tax Solutions today to discuss your tax return on 0430 957 171 or at admin@digitsbooks.au, and arrange an appointment.
General information only. This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax, financial or legal advice. Lodgment obligations, deadlines and deductions depend on individual circumstances. Please consult a registered tax agent or the ATO for advice specific to your situation.
Australian Taxation Office — Your tax return (last updated 21 May 2026)
Australian Taxation Office — How to lodge your tax return
Australian Taxation Office — If you don't lodge