The 2024 tax deadline has passed (31 October 2024)
2024 tax returns are now overdue, unless Etax has arranged an ATO extension for you.
You must lodge a 2024 tax return if you earned ANY income during the 2023-24 financial year (between 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024).
When should I do my overdue 2024 return?
Now! The 2024 tax deadline is in the past, so you should lodge your tax return as soon as possible.
The 2024 tax deadline was Thursday 31 October, 2024
Finish your tax return in minutes
Why should I lodge my return before the tax deadline?
Taxpayers who don’t lodge before the tax deadline could face financial penalties and interest charges from the ATO. And if you owe any money, that will become a debt that grows and grows with interest charges.
This is a risky thing to ignore, because the ATO never forgets, but sometimes they ‘hide’ taxpayer debts while the taxpayer’s income is fairly low… and those debts always come back later to bite you.
What if I didn’t work this year?
Even if you didn’t work during this time, you should still tell the ATO. You do this by submitting a Non Lodgement Advice (which Etax will take care free of charge for you).
What are the possible ATO late penalties and charges?
Australian tax laws authorise the ATO to apply penalties of $330* for the following offences:
- Fail to lodge a return or statement on time
- Make a false or misleading statement
- Fail to withhold amounts as required under PAYG system
- Fail to meet other tax obligations
Penalties for late lodgement
Days Past Deadline — Late Lodgement Penalty
1 – 28 days — $330
29 – 56 days — $660
57 – 84 days — $990
85 – 112 days — $1,320
113+ days — $1,650
General interest charges (GIC) may also apply to unpaid tax that’s owing such as:
- Any tax, charge, levy or penalty that is unpaid or paid late
- A shortfall in your income tax instalment
For more information about penalties and interest charges, visit the Australian Taxation Office website.
*Maximum penalties apply.
Can I get a 2024 tax deadline extension?
Etax can usually get you an extension of your tax deadline, often to 15 May the next year, IF you meet these conditions:
- You used Etax before the tax deadline of 31 Oct and Etax is your tax agent
- You don’t have a tax debt with the ATO
- No un-lodged or overdue tax returns for previous years
- No outstanding Centrelink or Child Support debts
Etax Accountants helps thousands of people get tax deadline extensions each year. If you’re not sure if you are eligible for an extension, get in touch with your accountant from within your Etax account (via messages) who will be able to check your ATO records for you.
Can Etax help me get my overdue taxes up to date?
Yes. If your return is overdue, or you’ve missed a year (or two), the Etax online tax return is fast, easy and simple. Our step-by-step online tax return can help you finish your overdue return in minutes. If you need a hand or have questions, you can talk to a qualified accountant anytime. No appointments needed!
Here are some other common questions we hear about completing tax returns on time.
“How quickly can I finish my late tax return?”
Most clients can finish any tax return in as little as 10 minutes. No appointments needed, and you get the help you need from real accountants – on phone or online chat.
“I don’t have a record of my income.”
If you don’t have an Income Statement or PAYG or Group Certificate, don’t worry! Etax accountants will help you.
We can often access your tax records directly from the ATO and help complete your tax return. This can include your Income Statement plus income from bank interest and Centrelink. Just send your Etax accountant a message directly using the “my messages” link within your Etax account.
“I don’t know what to enter in a certain part of the tax return.”
If you’re not sure where something goes on the return, just use the “Any other questions or documents” section down at the bottom of your Etax return. Then after you sign your return, our accountants will make sure your information goes into the right part of your tax return.
You can also use live chat or phone to connect with a friendly, qualified accountant at Etax.
“Can Etax help me get out of an ATO fine?”
If you receive a fine for lodging your tax return after the deadline, our team of tax experts can contact the ATO on your behalf and try to get your penalties cancelled or reduced.
You may be eligible for the ATO to waive your fine if:
- All of your tax returns up to date
- You have no other amounts outstanding to the ATO
If you do have any outstanding tax returns, it is highly unlikely the ATO will be lenient and waive your fine.
Whether the ATO agrees to waive a fine is ALWAYS at their discretion. As your tax agent, we will push the ATO for an outcome that is in your favour.
We can also request a payment plan on your behalf to make any amount due to the ATO easier for you to manage.
“Does the ATO forget about old tax returns from past years?”
No, never.
The ATO never forgives an un-lodged late tax return.
For some people, overdue tax returns are a big source of stress, but that stress is really unnecessary. With the right help, it can be affordable and easy to get on top of late taxes.
You can learn more here about how to handle late tax returns.
