What is the tax return deadline for sole traders in Australia?

If you are lodging your own tax return, the deadline is **31 October** each year. The Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June. So, for the 2023–24 financial year, you must lodge by 31 October 2024. **If you use a registered tax agent:** You may have a much later deadline (often as late as **15 May** the following year), provided you are on their 'lodgment program' before 31 October. If you fail to lodge on time, the ATO may apply 'Failure to Lodge' (FTL) penalties, which increase every 28 days the return is late.

• Self-lodgment deadline: 31 October
• Tax year: 1 July – 30 June
• Tax agents can provide extensions (up to May 15)
• You must be registered with an agent by Oct 31 for the extension
• Late lodgment can result in significant penalties