The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has confirmed that most Australians are now cleared to lodge their 2023–24 tax returns, marking a key milestone in the country’s annual financial calendar. With more than 91 million records pre-filled, taxpayers with straightforward financial affairs can now file their returns with confidence.
This development follows weeks of caution from the ATO, which had previously advised the public to hold off filing early to avoid errors from incomplete data. The announcement now allows the majority of taxpayers to proceed, provided they carefully review the accuracy of the pre-filled information.
ATO Completes Data Preparation and Pre-fill Integration
The ATO’s internal systems have integrated information from employers, banks, private health insurers, and government agencies, enabling a broad rollout of pre-fill data across its myTax platform and tax agent services. According to ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson, “You’ve been patiently waiting, but now you’re good to go.”
He noted that this year’s tax return season opens with improved pre-fill accuracy, particularly for taxpayers with basic income structures and no investment complexities. This streamlining is expected to reduce filing errors and administrative delays, which often trigger audit flags or additional scrutiny.
Self-lodgers Face October 31 Deadline, Tax Agents Get More Time
Australians filing their returns independently must do so by October 31, 2024, while those using a registered tax agent are granted an extended deadline of May 15, 2025. This annual extension is designed to support tax professionals handling complex cases or large client portfolios.
Taxpayers are reminded that all sources of income must be declared, including side hustles, freelance work, and income generated through digital platforms such as rideshare apps or online marketplaces. Failing to disclose these could result in amendments, fines, or audits.
ATO Urges Caution Even with Pre-filled Returns
While the ATO has emphasized the convenience of pre-fill data, it also cautions individuals to verify all information before submission. “If you are lodging yourself, you’ll need to check all the pre-filled data is correct, add anything that’s missing, and then include any deductions you are entitled to claim,” Thomson said.
To assist taxpayers, the ATO offers 40 industry-specific deduction guides, outlining allowable claims and the necessary documentation to substantiate them. These resources are especially relevant for Australians in occupations with specialized tax considerations, such as tradespeople, healthcare workers, and educators.
ATO's major tax return update for 15 million Aussies: ‘It’s time’ https://t.co/2gKZlK9StP
— Yahoo Finance Australia (@YahooFinanceAU) July 24, 2025
Taxpayers with Investments Advised to Delay Lodging
Not all Australians are advised to lodge immediately. Hripsime Demirdjian, founder of Hive Wise, told Yahoo Finance that individuals with investment income, particularly from managed funds, should wait until at least August or September. Many financial institutions delay releasing income statements, and filing prematurely could result in inaccurate reporting.
Demirdjian highlighted the importance of ensuring pre-fill data is labeled as “tax ready”, which confirms the data’s completeness. Lodging before this status is confirmed may require later amendments and could complicate the assessment process.
Once a return is filed, the ATO will issue a Notice of Assessment to the taxpayer. This official document details whether a refund is due or whether additional tax payments are required. Processing times vary depending on the method of lodgment and whether further information is requested.
