Important tax dates for business owners in 2024

When things get busy in your business, it’s easy for due dates to sneak up on you. Staying on top of these dates can help you keep your business running smoothly.

This handy guide will make sure you don’t forget the important dates in 2024, including when to lodge your tax returns, business activity statements or super for employees.

When to lodge your tax return
Just as individuals need to report their earnings to the ATO on a tax return, so does your business, even if there is no tax to pay.

The tax returns you need to lodge and when you need to lodge will depend on your business structure:

Business structure	Declare	Due date
Sole trader (can be known as an individual in business or working for yourself)	Your business income in your individual tax return.	31 October unless you lodge through a registered tax agent*
Partnership	Your share of the partnership income in your individual tax return. The partnership itself will also need to lodge a partnership return.	Both returns are due by 31 October unless you lodge through a registered tax agent*
Trust	Any trust distribution you receive in your individual tax return. The trust will also need to lodge a trust return.	Both returns are due by 31 October unless you lodge through a registered tax agent*.
Company	Any salary or wages you receive, including any other payments such as director’s fees or income from dividends, in your individual tax return. The company will also have to lodge a company tax return.	If you don’t lodge through a registered tax agent Individual tax returns are due by 31 October. Company tax returns are generally due by 28 February each year.

*Most registered tax agents have special lodgement schedules and can lodge returns for their clients later than the usual 31 October deadline. If you’re using a tax agent for the first time, or using a different tax agent, you need to contact them before 31 October.

Read this guide for full details and more important tax dates.