Key takeaways
- On 19 October 2026 the ATO said it has stopped more than 10,000 tax returns suspected of being prepared by unregistered preparers, with over $170 million in deduction claims.
- Only a registered tax agent can charge you a fee to prepare or lodge your tax return.
- Check any preparer on the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) register before you hand over your details.
- Using a registered agent gives you safe harbour protection from some penalties. An unregistered preparer doesn't.
- Lodging yourself? The deadline is 2 November 2026. To use an agent's later dates, get on a registered agent's client list by 31 October.
With the 2025–26 tax return deadline only days away, the ATO has issued a clear warning: check that whoever prepares your tax return is registered. Returns from unregistered preparers are being stopped, which means delayed refunds and extra questions for the people who used them.
What the ATO found
In its final reminder before the deadline, the ATO said it had received around 9 million individual tax returns for 2025–26, with around 2 million self-preparers still to lodge. So far this tax time, it has stopped more than 10,000 returns suspected of being prepared by unregistered preparers. Together they claimed more than $170 million in deductions.
A stopped return isn't processed until the ATO is satisfied it's correct. That can mean waiting longer for your refund, being asked for receipts and records, and having claims reduced. Even when someone else prepares your return, you are still responsible for what's in it.
Who can charge you to do your tax return
In Australia, only a tax agent registered with the Tax Practitioners Board can charge a fee or receive any other reward to prepare or lodge your tax return, or to give you advice about your tax. Registered agents must meet education and experience requirements, hold professional indemnity insurance, and follow a code of professional conduct.
A friend or family member can help you for free. But someone who charges for it without being registered is breaking the law, and you lose the protections that come with using a registered agent.
Warning signs of an unregistered preparer
- They can't give you a TPB registration number, or it doesn't match the register.
- They promise a bigger refund than you'd normally get, or charge a fee based on a percentage of your refund.
- They suggest the same deductions for everyone, such as a set amount for working from home or clothing, whether or not you have records.
- They want your refund paid into their bank account.
- They ask for your myGov username and password, or don't show you the return before it's lodged.
- They only work through social media messages and want cash.
How to check a tax agent is registered
- Ask for their full name and TPB registration number.
- Search the TPB public register at tpb.gov.au by name or number.
- Check that the registration is current and that the name and business match who you're dealing with.
- Look for the registered tax practitioner symbol on their website, emails and office.
Supertax is a registered tax agent (TPB registration 26183620). You're welcome to check us on the register.
The protection you get with a registered agent
| Situation | Registered tax agent | Unregistered preparer |
|---|---|---|
| Your agent makes a mistake after you gave them all the relevant information | Safe harbour can protect you from some false or misleading statement penalties | No safe harbour |
| Lodgment deadline | Later lodgment dates if you're on their client list by 31 October | Usually the standard deadline |
| Standards and insurance | Code of conduct, education requirements and professional indemnity insurance | None you can rely on |
| If something goes wrong | You can complain to the TPB | Much harder to fix |
Safe harbour doesn't cover everything. You still need to give your agent complete and accurate information, and you still owe any extra tax if a claim is wrong.
If you've already used an unregistered preparer
- Check what was lodged. Log in to myGov and look at your return and the bank account your refund goes to.
- Fix any errors quickly. A registered agent can review the return and lodge an amendment. Telling the ATO about a mistake before it contacts you can reduce penalties.
- Update your details if your refund or contact details were changed to someone else's, and contact the ATO if you think your identity has been misused.
- Report the preparer to the TPB.
Key dates this tax time
| If you… | Date |
|---|---|
| Lodge your own 2025–26 return | Monday 2 November 2026 (31 October is a Saturday) |
| Want a registered agent's later lodgment dates | Be on their client list by 31 October 2026 |
| Are on an agent's client list and your earlier returns are up to date | Most people have until 15 May 2027 |
Supertax prepares and lodges tax returns for individuals, sole traders and investors across Werribee and Melbourne's west. Register with us before 31 October and we'll check your deductions and lodge under our tax agent dates. See our services for employees, or book a free 15-minute consultation. Consultations are available in English, Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ), Hindi (हिंदी), Urdu (اردو) and Gujarati (ગુજરાતી).
This article contains general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Speak with a registered tax agent before acting.
Want a registered tax agent?
Join the Supertax client list before 31 October for more time to lodge.
