30/04/2023
The Australian tax agent lodgment program requires tax agents to lodge 85% of their clients’ returns on time to to ATO. For income tax returns, this is generally 15 May.
Where clients are represented by a registered tax agent, and the tax agent cannot meet the 15 May due date, a deferred assessment may be filed by the tax agent extending the due date.
Where a return is filed past the due date by a tax agent at no fault of the client, the client is protected by the Tax Agents’ safe harbour provisions, and it should not attract penalties. Where penalties are issued for late lodgment, a request for remission of penalties can be submitted, and is generally successful in these cases.