Company Tax Return Deadlines in Australia: What You Need to Know

It's very vital for all Australian businesses to keep track of their tax dates. If you own or manage a small or growing business, knowing when and how to file taxes can help you avoid fines and comply with the ATO.

This guide talks about essential due dates for company tax returns, why they matter, the official ATO lodgement periods, and the BAS and PAYG deadlines for the 2025–2026 financial year.

1. When do companies have to file their taxes?

The due date for your business's income tax return depends on how you submit it and how well you've followed the laws in the past.

• Companies that file their taxes must do so by February 28, 2026, for the year ending June 30, 2025.
• The deadline for filing your returns from last year is October 31, 2025.
• Is the tax agent you are hiring registered? If you join up before October 31, 2025, you might be able to file your taxes later, usually until May 15, 2026.
• Large or medium-sized companies (with sales of more than $2 million) may face early deadlines, such as January 31 or March 31, depending on their size.

If you hire a tax agent, such as Ashmans Accounting in Adelaide, to submit your taxes, you may qualify for the ATO's lodgement extension programme.

2. Why Small Businesses Should Care About Lodgement Dates

There are more benefits to knowing and meeting your tax return deadlines than just avoiding late fees.

• Don't Get Fined: If you don't file on time, you could face a Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty that starts at $313 and rises up the longer you wait.
• Less Stress About Money: You'll have more time to plan and pay your taxes if you file them on time.
• Keep Your Tax Agent Rights: You might not be able to receive extensions from your tax agent in the future if you miss your deadline.
• The General Interest Charge (GIC) on late taxes will no longer be tax-deductible after July 1, 2025.
• Keep a record of your ATO compliance history: Filing on time makes your compliance history look good, which might help you earn credits or set up payment plans.

3. The ATO's Official Lodgement Calendar for 2025–2026.

Here is a simplified way to look at the ATO's schedule for filing income tax returns for the 2025–2026 financial year:

Find out what the deadline is for your organisation by looking at its categories. You will be sure to follow the appropriate filing cycle if you work with a tax agent.

4. Dates for BAS and PAYG are due every three and six months.

In addition to your yearly business tax return, you also have to satisfy Business Activity Statement (BAS) and Pay As You Go (PAYG) reporting obligations all year long.

Quarterly BAS & PAYG Instalment Dates (2025–2026)

Monthly PAYG Withholding and BAS

The 21st of the next month is the due date if your business reports every month. For instance, the BAS for July 2025 is due on August 21, 2025.

You may also incur fines and interest if you fail to pay your BAS or PAYG on time.

In the end: How Ashman's Accounting Can Be Useful

It's not enough to merely be legal; you also need to remain ahead when it comes to taxes. We help businesses in Adelaide by making sure they meet ATO obligations on time.

• You can receive more time to file your taxes through our tax agent scheme.
• Simplify your BAS, PAYG, and company return processes for better understanding.
• Minimise the interest and late fees you may incur.

Do you need help with your business tax return or figuring out when to file? For personalised help with your company's taxes, get in touch with Ashman Accounting right now.

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