You must lodge a tax return before the 2022 tax return deadline if you earned ANY income during the 2021-22 financial year (between 1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022).
When should I do my 2022 Taxes?
You should finish your 2022 tax return between 1 July 2022 and 31 October 2022.
We recommend lodging your tax return during July or August.
(If you have not yet lodged a 2021 (or older) tax return, we recommend you do that right away. If you’re not sure how to find information for an overdue tax return, the accounting team at Etax will help you. Log in and finish your tax return here.)
The 2022 tax deadline is Sunday 31 October, 2022
Finish your tax return in minutes
Why should I lodge my return before the tax deadline?
Taxpayers who don’t lodge before the tax deadline could face financial penalties and interest charges from the ATO.
Even if you didn’t work during this time, you should still tell the ATO. You do this by submitting a Non Lodgement Advice (which Etax will take care free of charge for you).
What are the possible ATO late penalties and charges?
Australian tax laws authorise the ATO to apply penalties of $222* for the following offences:
- Fail to lodge a return or statement on time
- Make a false or misleading statement
- Fail to withhold amounts as required under PAYG system
- Fail to meet other tax obligations
Penalties for late lodgement
Days Past Deadline — Late Lodgement Penalty
1 – 28 days — $222
29 – 56 days — $444
57 – 84 days — $666
85 – 112 days — $888
113+ days — $1,110
General interest charges (GIC) may also apply to unpaid tax that’s owing such as:
- Any tax, charge, levy or penalty that is unpaid or paid late
- A shortfall in your income tax instalment
For more information about penalties and interest charges, visit the Australian Taxation Office website.
*Maximum penalties apply.
Can I get a 2022 tax deadline extension?
Etax can usually get you an extension of your tax deadline, often to 15 May the next year, IF you meet these conditions:
- You appointed a tax agent like Etax before the tax deadline of 31 Oct
- You don’t have a prior or existing tax debt with the ATO
- No unlodged or overdue tax returns for previous years
- No outstanding Centrelink or Child Support debts
Etax Accountants helps thousands of people get tax deadline extensions each year. If you’re not sure if you are eligible for an extension, get in touch with your accountant from within your Etax account (via messages) who will be able to check your ATO records for you.
How quickly can I get my late taxes up to date?
The Etax online tax return is fast, easy and simple. Our step-by-step online tax return can help you finish your return in minutes. If you need a hand or if you have questions, you can talk to a qualified accountant anytime. No appointments!
Here are some other common questions we hear about completing tax returns on time.
“How quickly can I finish my return?”
Most clients can finish any tax return in as little as 10 minutes. No appointments needed, but you get the help you need from real accountants – on phone or live chat.
“I don’t have a record of my income.”
If you don’t have an Income Statement or PAYG or Group Certificate, don’t worry! Etax accountants will help you.
We can often access your tax records directly from the ATO and help complete your tax return. This can include your Income Statement plus income from bank interest and Centrelink. Just send your Etax accountant a message directly using the “my messages” link within your Etax account.
“I don’t know what to enter in a certain part of the tax return.”
If you’re not sure where something goes on the return, just use the “Any other questions or documents” section down at the bottom of your Etax return. Then after you sign your return, our accountants will make sure your information goes into the right part of your tax return.
You can also use live chat or phone to connect with a friendly, qualified accountant at Etax.
“Can Etax help me get out of an ATO fine?”
If you receive a fine for lodging your tax return after the deadline, our team of tax experts can contact the ATO on your behalf and try to get your penalties cancelled or reduced.
You may be eligible for the ATO to waive your fine if:
- All of your tax returns up to date
- You have no other amounts outstanding to the ATO
If you do have any outstanding tax returns, it is highly unlikely the ATO will be lenient and waive your fine.
Whether the ATO agrees to waive a fine is ALWAYS at their discretion. As your tax agent, we will push the ATO for an outcome that is in your favour.
We can also request a payment plan on your behalf to make any amount due to the ATO easier for you to manage.
“Does the ATO forget about old tax returns from past years?”
No, never.
The ATO never forgives an unlodged late tax return.
For some people, overdue tax returns are a big source of stress, but that stress is really unnecessary. With the right help, it can be affordable and easy to get on top of late taxes.
You can learn more here about how to handle late tax returns.
