For many individuals, the query “Do I need to lodge a tax return?” can trigger dread, confusion, or both. You might be starting a new creative business, taking a break from freelance work, or juggling several income streams. Meanwhile, living in Australia—where tax laws can be just as strict as they are supportive of business growth—means you need to handle your obligations carefully to avoid aggravation later. Throw in year-to-year ATO updates, possible confusion about lodging dates, and that persistent myth that “if you earned under a certain amount, you can skip lodging,” and it’s clear why so many people feel torn. Below, we will walk you through exactly who needs to lodge a return, how to do it, and why getting it right in 2025 matters more than ever.
This is a perennial question for new and experienced taxpayers alike. The ATO offers a “Do I Need to Lodge a Tax Return?” tool that, as of now, covers income years from 2012–13 to 2023–24. Going into 2025, if your situation resembles prior years, you can still use their site for a quick check, or rely on the updated myTax version that typically encompasses the most recent income year. Just allow yourself five to ten minutes to answer a few questions about your income, employment status, and entitlements. Here are some main factors that might trigger mandatory lodgment:
Remember that skipping the right forms or ignoring your obligations can set you up for trouble later on. Late lodgment penalties can apply if you discover down the track that you did actually need to lodge.
While the main tax lodgment deadline in Australia typically falls on 31 October every year, you’ll want to double-check what day that is in 2025. If it lands on a weekend, the next business day often becomes the due date, giving you a small grace period. Taxpayers who use a registered tax agent and sign up before 31 October often receive lodging extensions.
Here’s the short version of what you need to keep in mind:
• If self-lodging, aim to submit your return by 31 October 2025.
• If using a tax agent, you still need to engage them by 31 October, but the agent may access extended lodgment dates.
• If you’re lodging between 1 July and 31 October but end up owing tax, your payment is usually due by 21 November.
A crucial note about missing deadlines: Even if you lodge after 31 October, you’ll still be required to pay outstanding tax by the 21 November deadline (barring any extended arrangements). Interest can accumulate after that date, so it’s best not to try your luck with an unwarranted delay.
If you confirm that you need to lodge, you have three main ways to do so:
Accessible via your myID (formerly myGovID), myTax is the ATO’s convenient online lodgment service. Once you link your myGov account to the ATO, you can complete your return on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Key advantages include:
• Pre-filled information: By late July, the ATO system is typically populated with details from your employer(s), banks, and more.
• Faster processing: The ATO aims to process online returns within two weeks.
• Secure and accessible: You can self-lodge 24/7.
Prefer to have a professional do the heavy lifting? Look for a registered tax agent—particularly if your finances are more complex or you’re trying to ensure no deduction slips through the cracks. Advantages also include:
• Extended lodgment schedules: Registered tax agents often have more time to lodge beyond 31 October, giving you breathing room.
• Tailored advice: Agents will clarify which deductions are valid, especially if you operate a creative business or freelance gig.
Though possible, old-fashioned paper filing is significantly slower; the ATO can take up to 50 business days (around 10 weeks) to process. If you have an uncomplicated situation but dislike online tools, paper may still appeal. However, for most people, especially those wanting faster refunds or less anxiety, online or agent solutions are preferable.
It’s not always compulsory to file a tax return, but if you skip lodging when you should, the ATO might nudge you with queries or even penalise you. On the other hand, if your income is beneath the threshold, or your circumstances don’t require you to lodge, you must submit a non-lodgment advice to the ATO. This tells the government you haven’t simply missed your return date—you genuinely do not need to lodge.
Submitting non-lodgment advice is also crucial if you’re eligible for particular government assistance or benefits, since failing to clarify your tax status can result in underpayments or missed entitlements.
Below is a snapshot of the typical lodgment methods for Australian taxpayers, the approximate time to lodge, and common processing time frames. While some specifics may shift by 2025, the table provides a handy reference for your planning:
| Lodgment Method | Time to Lodge | Processing/Audit Time | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (myTax) | 5–15 minutes | ~2 weeks | Simple to medium returns, faster refunds |
| Registered Tax Agent | Initial meeting + agent’s forms | Varies but often extended past 31 Oct | Complex returns, multiple income sources, tailored advice |
| Paper Return | 1–2 hours+ (manually filling) | ~10 weeks | Limited internet access, small volume of computations |
As you can see, efficiency becomes a huge factor if you anticipate or need a refund. The online approach or an agent often trumps paper in terms of turnaround.
For first-time lodgers in 2025, the best strategy is to gather everything well in advance:
• Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) summaries, income statements, or payslips.
• Bank interest statements, if any.
• Records of insurance or superannuation contributions.
• Receipts for deductions like home-office expenses or professional development costs.
It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed if you’re stepping into the tax realm for the first time (especially if you’ve just turned your creative hobby into a legitimate small business). However, being prepared can drastically reduce the time spent lodging, minimise errors, and potentially boost your refund if you can properly claim relevant deductions. If your finances involve multiple revenue streams—like painting commissions plus design consultancy, for instance—you may prefer working with a tax agent to reduce the risk of misreporting.
Amplify 11 is an Australian chartered accounting firm that specialises in assisting creative professionals exactly like you. We’ve seen how combining artistry and entrepreneurship often leads to confusion around business structures, record-keeping, and tax compliance. By merging a passion for creativity with technical financial know-how, we help you ensure that your blossoming venture meets ATO obligations—without you having to decode every line in the latest legislation updates.
Before any confusion leads you astray, let’s dispel several misbeliefs about lodging tax returns in Australia:
• “If I earned below the tax-free threshold, I can ignore taxes completely.”
– Not exactly. You might be eligible for certain rebates or credits, plus some other factors can trigger a mandatory return. Always double-check.
• “I can’t lodge online if I have multiple income sources.”
– myTax lets you include multiple income sources, deductions, offsets, and more. Alternatively, a registered tax agent can juggle the various details more seamlessly.
• “I need to lodge only if the ATO specifically sends me a letter.”
– The ATO might contact you if they suspect you need to lodge, but relying on that approach invites penalty risk. Stay proactive.
• “Paper filing is better because it’s more thorough.”
– Paper returns are just as valid, but not necessarily more thorough. They also take significantly longer to process, which could delay your refund or finalisation.
Still feeling a little uncertain? Here’s a concise checklist to help guide you toward lodging (or deciding not to lodge) in 2025:
By adhering to these steps, you’ll drastically reduce the likelihood of missed deadlines and potential penalties.
Yes. Although the current ATO tool references income years from 2012–13 to 2023–24, it’s typically updated each year for the latest period. In 2025, you should find a relevant version or a similar online tool. If in doubt, consult a registered tax agent.
You still may need to lodge a tax return if your total income, including freelance gigs, surpasses the tax-free threshold or if you’re subject to any special circumstances (like capital gains, Centrelink, or foreign income).
Online returns usually take about two weeks to process. Paper returns can take up to 10 weeks. Keep an eye on official updates, as these processing times can shift slightly with policy changes, staffing, or system upgrades.
You risk late lodgment fees and interest on any tax owing if you miss the 31 October date (unless a registered tax agent lodges on your behalf after that deadline). Always engage a tax agent early to qualify for extensions.
If you truly had nil income and no special circumstances apply, you might not need to lodge a return. However, you should still file a non-lodgment advice to inform the ATO officially.
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