31 October Is The Last Day To Get On A Registered Agent's List
Most people know 31 October as tax return day.
For a lot of business owners, it matters for a different reason.
It is the last day to get on a registered agent's client list for this year's return.
Miss it, and you may miss out on the later lodgement dates that agents can usually give their clients.
This is not a post about how to do your tax return.
It is about making sure you are not doing it alone, and late.
If you want a registered agent to lodge this year's return, get on their list before the weekend of 31 October.
Why The List Matters
Registered agents have a lodgement program with the ATO.
It usually gives their clients later due dates than people who lodge on their own.
But you are only covered if your agent has added you to their client list in time. For this year's return, that date is 31 October 2026.
Early is now on time. On time is late. 31 October falls on a Saturday this year, and the ATO has said it won't roll to Monday. So get on your registered agent's list, and lodge any overdue returns, before the weekend.
If you are not on an agent's list by then, you may not get the agent's later due date. An earlier due date can apply instead.
The Catch With Earlier Years
There is a second part to this.
If any earlier returns were still outstanding at 30 June, all of them need to be lodged by 31 October. If they are not, this year's return is due 31 October, even if you are on an agent's list.
Where Do You Stand?
Find your situation below.
Your situation | What 31 October means for you |
You have an accountant and you are on their list | Nothing changes. Check they have what they need from you. |
You have been lodging yourself and want help this year | Get on a registered agent's list by 31 October. |
You are switching accountants | Make sure the new one adds you before 31 October. |
You have returns outstanding from earlier years | Get them lodged by 31 October too. |
You are not sure | Ask. It is a quick check. |
What To Do Before 31 October
None of this is complicated. It just has a hard date.
1. Check whether you are on a list now
If you are not sure who your registered agent is, or whether you have one, find out this week.
2. Choose the accountant you want for this year
Starting fresh or switching? Do it now, not on the last day.
3. Give them what they need to add you
If your business is a company, trust, partnership or SMSF, you may need to nominate your agent before they can add you. Individuals and sole traders don't need this step yet, but the ATO plans to extend it to them from November 2027, so it's worth getting set up with an agent now.
4. Deal with any overdue years
If earlier returns are still outstanding, tell your accountant straight away. They need to be lodged by 31 October too.
5. Then get the records together
Being on the list buys you time. It does not do the work.
Use that time to get the books right before the return is prepared.
There is no free tool for this one. It is a short conversation with an accountant.
Why Not Just Do It Yourself?
Plenty of people lodge their own return, and that is fine.
For a business owner, though, the return is only one piece. The same numbers drive your BAS, your cash flow and your plans for next year.
An accountant who already looks after your compliance can see what is coming, and talk it through with you before it lands.
→ We add you to our client list and check what is outstanding.
→ We look after the lodgements, including any overdue years.
→ You get someone looking at your numbers with you, not just filing them.
Because we are already in your numbers for the normal compliance work, the bigger conversation happens as part of it.
It is not a separate project. It comes from keeping the books right.
A Quick Self-Check
Take a minute and answer these honestly.
Question | Yes / No |
Do you know who your registered agent is? | ☐ |
Has your agent confirmed you are on their client list? | ☐ |
Are all your earlier years' tax returns lodged? | ☐ |
If you are switching accountants, has the new one added you? | ☐ |
Do you know when this year's return is due for you? | ☐ |
If a few answers are "No", there is still time.
Not much, but enough.
The fix is one conversation.
Final Thought
31 October is not just a tax return date.
It's the cut-off for getting on a registered agent's list before the due date. You can still get help after that, but your return may be due sooner.
Get on the list. Sort out any overdue years. Then use the time well.
When someone is already looking after your lodgements, the deadlines stop being a scramble.
You'll know what to do next.
Next Step
Not sure whether you are on a registered agent's list for this year? We can check where you stand and what needs to happen before 31 October.
Book a call with our team.
This article is general information only. It does not take your circumstances into account and is not tax or financial advice.
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