2025 business tax return due dates: ATO deadlines by business type

Tax season can be a stressful time for business owners, especially when it comes to meeting important deadlines. But the reality is, staying on top of your business's tax obligations is crucial to avoid penalties, interest charges, and unnecessary stress. In this article, we'll break down the key business income tax return due dates so you can plan ahead and navigate EOFY with confidence.

When do business owners have to lodge their tax return?

The key tax return due dates for different business types are [1][2]:

Sole traders

• If you lodge your tax return by yourself, the due date is 31 October, 2025.
• If you lodge your tax return through a tax agent, they’ll inform you of your specific due date—you just need to be registered with an agent by 31 October, 2025.

Partnerships and trusts

• If you lodge your tax return by yourself, the due date is 31 October, 2025.
• If you lodge your tax return through a tax agent, they’ll inform you of your specific due date.

Companies

• If you lodge your tax return by yourself, the due date will most likely be 28 February, 2026, unless your company has outstanding returns from previous years, in which case, it is 31 October, 2025. Company tax lodgement dates vary, so it’s important to check the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for official information.
• If you lodge your tax return through a tax agent, they’ll inform you of your specific due date.

Other EOFY dates to remember

Staying aware of lodgement and payment dates throughout the year can help avoid last-minute stress. Here are a few coming up:

April

• 21 April – March BAS statements due (if you lodge monthly)
• 28 April – Q3 (Jan-Mar) BAS statements due (if you lodge quarterly)
• 28 April – Q3 super guarantee contributions due
• 30 April – R&D Tax Incentive claims due

May

• 21 May – April BAS statements due (if you lodge monthly)
• 21 May – Fringe Benefits Tax return due, if you lodge by paper
• 28 May – Fringe Benefits Tax return due, if you lodge electronically

June

• 21 June – May BAS statements due (if you lodge monthly)
• 30 June - End of financial year

July

• 14 July – PAYG withholding summaries for employees due
• 21 July – June BAS statements due (if you lodge monthly)
• 28 July – Q4 (Apr-Jun) BAS statements due (if you lodge quarterly)
• 28 July – Q4 super guarantee contributions due

What happens if you miss tax deadlines?

Missing tax deadlines can have financial implications for your business. You may receive a Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty from the ATO, which is based on how long the return is overdue and the size of the business [3].

For small businesses, it’s set at one penalty unit for every 28 days the return is late, capped at a maximum of five penalty units. And this doesn’t just apply to income tax returns—it also includes business activity statements (BAS), fringe benefits tax (FBT) returns, PAYG withholding payment summaries, and other required documentation.

In November 2024, the ATO set the penalty unit amount at $330, which means FTL penalties could reach up to $1,650 [4]. The ATO does consider each business’s specific circumstances when deciding their course of action, and according to their website, “don't apply penalties in isolated cases of late lodgement.” Still, it’s best to be safe rather than sorry and file your tax return by the deadline.

Another consideration is the General Interest Charge (GIC). If you owe tax and end up not paying it by the due date, the ATO will charge GIC on the outstanding amount. And from 1 July, 2025, GIC will no longer be tax-deductible—making it a more expensive consequence for small businesses. On the flip side, interest paid on business loans remains tax-deductible, making financing a potentially more cost-effective option.

If your business is facing cash flow issues that might delay lodgement or payment, a short-term business loan could help you stay up to date with your tax obligations and avoid these penalties. Speak with one of our lending experts today to explore your options.

It’s also worth mentioning that failing to lodge is a criminal offence, so there can also be legal consequences for overdue tax returns. In serious cases, the ATO can prosecute for FTL offences, but this is typically a last resort.

Tips for managing tax deadlines as an SME

Keeping your business compliant is easier when you stay organised and proactive:

• Create a tax calendar and mark all important dates
• Set automatic alerts for all your tax-related tasks
• Work with a registered tax agent to access extended lodgment deadlines
• Keep your records up to date and maintain real-time records of transactions, invoices, and receipts
• Set aside funds for your tax bills throughout the year
• Check the ATO website regularly for any policy updates

Keen to learn more about how to prepare for tax season as a business owner? Download our EOFY guide for all our top tips.

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References

1. https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/preparing-lodging-and-paying/reports-and-returns/income-tax-return
2. https://www.ato.gov.au/other-languages/information-in-other-languages/business/lodging-a-tax-return-for-your-business
3. https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/paying-the-ato/interest-and-penalties/penalties/failure-to-lodge-on-time-penalty
4. https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/paying-the-ato/interest-and-penalties/penalties/penalty-units