Don’t let the horrors of a late tax return haunt your 2025 Halloween, Australia’s leading accounting body says, reminding locals that do-it-yourself statements, must be in by Friday, October 31.

CPA Australia says it’s time to banish procrastination and get your DIY tax affairs in order before the witching hour, or at least get on the books of a tax agent to secure an extension.

“Don’t let your tax return haunt you,” CPA Australia’s Tax Lead Jenny Wong said.

“We’re all busy and the deadline has crept up on us, but lodging your tax return on time is important. It’s your responsibility,” she added.

Hastily-prepared returns completed under deadline pressure are not the ideal way to handle such an important task, Jenny believes.

“Leaving it until the last minute comes with the risk that you cut corners, get things wrong and don’t submit your return accurately.

You could receive a less favourable outcome, plus missing the deadline could summon a scary penalty from the ATO," she explained.

Such a scenario also opens-up opportunities for unscrupulous scammers, Jenny argues.

“Rushing to lodge your tax return can also put you at greater risk of falling for scams as scammers target people with last-minute calls to action, or promises of substantial refunds.

So, if you haven’t already done it, set aside some time over the next week to compile your evidence and get your return in on time, or seek expert advice from a registered tax agent who can assist, especially if your finances are complicated," she concluded.

Top tips to avoid fright-night tax returns

Copy and pasting is a “grave” mistake

If lodging yourself through myGov, check the pre-filled information carefully and don’t simply copy-and-paste last year’s deductions.

“Consider whether your circumstances have changed in the past 12 months and ensure all your income has been declared accurately,” Jenny said.

“You may also find that your work expense claims will be different to what you previously submitted, especially if you’ve changed jobs.”

Avoid the "bite" of tax scams

“Scammers are like vampires – they thrive in the shadows and feed on urgency; be wary of unsolicited SMS messages and emails claiming to be from the ATO, including those with hyperlinks and urgent calls to action, such as claiming you have a substantial refund to secure,” Jenny said.

“Also treat unsolicited phone calls with caution. If in doubt, hang up and call the ATO directly to check the validity of the call,” she added.

She also recommended taxpayers register for myID to increase their online security and help reduce the risk of identify fraud.