The clock is ticking...the 31 October tax return deadline is approaching fast!

If you are not yet registered as a client with a tax agent - like H&R Block, or you plan to lodge your tax return yourself, you need to be aware that the October 31 deadline for lodging your return is fast approaching. Lodge after that and you run the risk of incurring a late tax lodgement penalty.

Taxpayers who use a tax agent like H&R Block can often lodge well beyond that deadline without penalty. Tax agents are given concessional extended deadlines which mean that they can lodge returns on behalf of clients up to 15 May without incurring any penalty.

What are the penalties for not lodging a tax return?

Taxpayers who must lodge by 31 October but who fail to do so could be hit with an immediate late lodgement penalty of $330 per 28 day period.

What should you do to avoid ATO penalties?

If you are concerned that you cannot meet the 31 October deadline, you should now be giving serious thought to visiting a tax agent like H&R Block. You MUST be registered with us by 31 October in order to benefit from the extended deadline. Use our office locator to find your nearest H&R Block office and book an appointment online or call us on 13 23 25.

DIY tax return

If you'd like to lodge your tax return yourself, use H&R Block's DIY tax return program - you complete your return and we check it. Start now.

H&R Block can help

With only weeks left to go, many taxpayers will be starting to feel the pressure and should be considering contacting a tax agent like H&R Block, particularly if they have been deterred from completing their return so far by the complexity of the task.

Use our office locator to find your nearest H&R Block office and book an appointment online or call us on 13 23 25.

Updated June 2025