“Agents are able to lodge your return after 31 October, but only if you are on your agent’s books before then. This is especially important to remember if you’re using an agent for the first time or are using a different agent this year,” an ATO spokesperson said.

“If you lodge after the deadline, you might incur penalties. The penalty for failing to lodge is $210 for every 28 days that your return is overdue, up to a maximum of $1050. So it’s best to get your lodgement in before the deadline.”

Bathurst-based registered tax agent Bronwyn Stone said those who are registered with a tax agent may have an extension until May 15 next year.

Mrs Stone said one of the biggest mistakes people commit is lodging too early when they don’t have all their information from employers and other sources.

“People forget to declare income from all employers, and money earned through bank interest, shares and dividends,” she said.

She said people should not completely rely on the Australian Taxation Office, which may not have an individual’s entire income-related information.

“Employers are supposed to supply the ATO their employees’ tax details by August 14 at the latest, but it is not always the case with everyone,” she said.

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According to the ATO, the second most common mistake people make is when they claim deductions for personal expenses, including the money spent on travelling to work, normal clothes and personal phone calls.

“Another problem is assuming that some deductions can be claimed without evidence, for example that everyone is entitled to claim $300, or $150 for laundry, or 5000km for car travel. You still need to show how you arrived at the figure that you claim,” Mrs Stone said.

“In general, you cannot claim a deduction for travel to and from work. However, there are exceptions where you have to travel to different places of work in the same day, or when your employer requires you to carry heavy or bulky equipment. 

“If travel is extensive then it is a good idea to maintain a logbook for 12 weeks and a record for all expenses as that may give a higher claim.”

She said that once you have a tax file number you need to lodge a tax return each year or notify the ATO that you are not required to lodge a return. 

“There can be penalties for non-lodgement.”