As we move through 2025, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is tightening its approach to late tax lodgments. With stricter enforcement and an increased focus on compliance, it’s more important than ever to meet your tax obligations on time.
At Walshs, we understand that tax deadlines can sometimes slip through the cracks, especially for busy professionals juggling multiple responsibilities. However, with the ATO’s growing emphasis on timely compliance, the consequences of late lodgments can be costly.
Here’s what you need to know about key tax deadlines in Queensland and how to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Key tax lodgment dates for businesses and individuals
Keeping track of your tax lodgment deadlines ensures you remain compliant and avoid penalties.
Here are some of the key dates to be aware of:
Individuals and sole traders
- 31 October 2025 – Standard deadline for self-prepared individual tax returns. If you lodge through a registered tax agent (such as Walshs), you may be eligible for an extended deadline.
Quarterly Business Activity Statements (BAS)
If you’re required to lodge a Business Activity Statement (BAS), your lodgment and payment due dates are:
- 28 October 2025 – Quarter 1 (July 2025 – September 2025)
- 28 February 2026 – Quarter 2 (October 2025 – December 2025)
- 28 April 2026 – Quarter 3 (January 2026 – March 2026)
- 28 July 2026 – Quarter 4 (April 2026 –June 2026)
If you lodge your BAS electronically through a registered tax or BAS agent, you may receive an extension of up to four weeks, if applied for.
Quarterly Instalment Activity Statements (IAS)
For those on the PAYG instalment system, key IAS deadlines include:
- 28 October 2025 – Quarter 1 (July 2025 – September 2025)
- 28 February 2026 – Quarter 2 (October 2025 – December 2025)
- 28 April 2026 – Quarter 3 (January 2026 – March 2026)
- 28 July 2026 – Quarter 4 (April 2026 – June 2026)
Superannuation Guarantee (SG) Payments
Employers must pay their employees’ superannuation contributions by the following due dates:
- 28 October 2025 – Quarter 1 (July 2025 –September 2025)
- 28 January 2026 – Quarter 2 (October 2025 – December 2025)
- 28 April 2026 – Quarter 3 (January 2026 –March 2026)
- 28 July 2026 – Quarter 4 (April 2026 – June 2026)
Failure to make these payments on time can result in the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), which includes additional penalties and interest.
ATO crackdown on late lodgments
The ATO are becoming more stringent in enforcing tax compliance, particularly in relation to late lodgements. This means businesses and individuals who fail to meet their lodgement deadlines are at greater risk of receiving penalties and interest charges.
What are the penalties for late lodgment?
The ATO issues Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalties based on the size of your business and how late the lodgement is. The penalty increases every 28 days that the return remains overdue, up to a maximum of five penalty units.
As of 1 July 2024, each penalty unit is $313, meaning penalties for late lodgement can quickly add up. Here’s an example of how FTL penalties are applied:
- Individuals and Small Entities (annual turnover under $10M) – $313 per 28-day period (up to a maximum of $1,565)
- Medium Entities (turnover between $10M and $100M) – $626 per 28-day period (up to a maximum of $3,130)
- Large Entities (turnover over $100M) – $1,565 per 28-day period (up to a maximum of $7,825)
Intentional late lodgments may result in additional scrutiny
The ATO is increasing its scrutiny of taxpayers who wilfully fail to lodge returns on time. This means that repeated late lodgments may lead to audits, additional fines, or even legal action in severe cases. In such instances, the ATO is unlikely to remit penalties or General Interest Charges (GIC).
How Walshs can help you stay compliant
At Walshs, we are committed to helping our clients meet their tax obligations efficiently and stress-free. Our team can:
✔️ Track and manage your tax deadlines – ensuring you never miss an important date
✔️ Lodge your returns correctly and on time – reducing the risk of penalties
✔️ Negotiate with the ATO on your behalf – in cases where an unavoidable delay occurs
✔️ Provide tax planning advice – to help you streamline your financial obligations
If you receive a penalty notice from the ATO, don’t ignore it. In some cases, we may be able to help you request a remission (reduction) of penalties if there are valid reasons for the delay.
Avoid Penalties – Act Now
If you’re unsure about your lodgment obligations or need assistance staying on top of key deadlines, get in touch with our team at Walshs today. We’re here to help you stay compliant, avoid unnecessary penalties, and manage your tax obligations with confidence.
📞 Call us on 07 3221 5677
📧 Email us at enquiries@walshs.com.au
🌐 Book a meeting HERE
By staying proactive and informed, you can keep your tax affairs in order and avoid costly mistakes.
Article by: Ben Knoblanche, Walshs Client Manager
