Tax Administration

Financial Year

Australia's financial year runs 1 July to 30 June. FY 2025-26 = 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. Tax returns lodge after year-end via ATO myTax or tax agent.

The Australian financial year (also called the income year or fiscal year) runs from 1 July to 30 June. For example, the 2025–26 financial year starts on 1 July 2025 and ends on 30 June 2026. All income, deductions, and tax obligations are calculated on this annual cycle, and tax returns are lodged after the financial year ends.

This differs from many other countries that use the calendar year (January to December) as their tax year. The financial year cycle affects the timing of PAYG withholding, quarterly BAS lodgements, superannuation guarantee payments, and estimated tax instalments. Many businesses also align their accounting periods with the financial year.

Key dates to remember: SG contributions are due 28 days after each quarter end (28 Oct, 28 Jan, 28 Apr, 28 Jul). Individual tax returns are due 31 October (or later through a tax agent). The ATO opens myTax for lodgement from 1 July each year.

Related Terms

Tax Return

An annual form lodged with the ATO reporting your income, deductions, and tax payable or refundable for the financial year.

ATO (Australian Taxation Office)

The government agency responsible for administering Australia's tax and superannuation systems.

PAYG Withholding

The system where employers withhold income tax from employees' wages and remit it to the ATO throughout the year.

Business Activity Statement (BAS)

A form lodged with the ATO to report and pay GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, and other business tax obligations.
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Last updated 22 April 2026 Tax year 2025-26

Data sources: ATO (ato.gov.au), Services Australia

This tool is general information only, not financial advice.

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