If you lodge your own tax return, the deadline is 31 October. This year it falls on a Saturday, so the effective deadline is Monday 2 November 2026.
Sole traders report their business income in their individual tax return, so the same deadline applies to you.
How to get more time
Here’s what many people don’t know. If you register with a registered tax agent before 31 October, you’ll usually get until 15 May 2027 to lodge.
There are exceptions. If you had a prior-year return outstanding at 30 June 2026, or your last return showed a tax bill of $20,000 or more, your deadline is earlier. If you register with an agent after 31 October, the self-lodger deadline has already passed and late lodgement penalties can apply.
Three things to sort before you lodge
- All your business income, from every source, including cash jobs and payments through apps and platforms.
- Your vehicle logbook or kilometre records, so you can support your car claim.
- Receipts for tools, phone, internet and home office costs, with the business-use percentage worked out.
Electricians, personal trainers, designers, café owners and freelancers across the Northern Beaches: if your return isn’t done yet, there’s still time to do it properly.
Need a hand?
We prepare sole trader tax returns for local businesses from our office in Dee Why. See our sole trader tax return service or get in touch before 31 October.
This article is general information only and isn’t personal tax advice. Please speak with us about your own circumstances.
