# Australian tax season guidance & pre‑filled returns > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australian-eofy-tax-guidance > Updated: 2026-07-27T06:20:25.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 7. Advisers have continued to urge Australian taxpayers to use the end‑of‑financial‑year checkpoint for expense deductions, super contributions and portfolio reviews. The ATO has repeatedly warned that vehicle‑related claims are a common audit trigger and reminded filers of EOFY steps such as trust distributions and Division 7A loans. In late June 2026 the agency issued a fresh alert on myGov‑impersonation scams and reminded taxpayers that the 2025‑26 year ends on 30 June 2026, with self‑prepared returns due by 31 October and interest charges from 1 July 2025 no longer deductible. On 30 June the ATO added guidance on linking the ATO app to MyGov, keeping records of income, deductions and work‑from‑home expenses, and warned of penalties for late lodgement. CPA Australia, on 9 July, urged Australians to postpone lodgement until the ATO’s pre‑filled data is released in late July, noting early returns are more than twice as likely to need amendment and that tax‑time scams are rising sharply. A further CPA reminder on 8 July reinforced the same message, highlighting a surge in scams and noting the ATO’s email to roughly 500,000 drivers who previously claimed vehicle expenses, stressing that only genuine work‑related travel qualifies. On 27 July the ATO announced that pre‑filled tax information – more than 100 million data items from employers, banks and insurers – is now available for individuals with straightforward affairs. Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen said taxpayers can lodge via myTax or a registered professional from 1 July, with the standard deadline of 31 October and penalties ranging from $364 to $1,820 for late returns. A Finder survey indicated around 38 % of Australians expect a refund, of whom 58 % intend to save the money, 14 % to pay household bills and 6 % to reduce mortgage debt. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-27: Australian Tax Office Enables Pre‑Filled Returns for Millions Australia's tax office now offers pre‑filled data for millions to lodge returns, with most expecting refunds to be saved or used for bills, and a filing deadline of 31 Oct. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-tax-office-enables-prefilled-returns-for-millions ### 2026-07-08: Australian accountants warn against rushed 2026 tax returns and scams CPA Australia urges Australians to wait until late July for 2026 tax returns, citing ATO data on amended returns and heightened scam risk, while the ATO warns 500,000 drivers about improper vehicle expense cla​ 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-tax-office-warns-taxpayers-of-scams-and-vehicleexpense-claim-errors ### 2026-06-30: Australian Tax Office warns of myGov scams and issues tax‑time filing guidance The ATO warns of myGov phishing scams and, alongside tax expert Dr Vitale, outlines filing deadlines, record‑keeping tips, and a new rule removing interest deductions for 2025‑26. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-tax-office-warns-of-mygov-scams-and-issues-taxtime-filing-guidance ### 2026-06-23: Australian Taxation Office warns early lodgements will trigger amendments The Australian Taxation Office warned that early tax return lodgements double the amendment risk, with over 595,000 returns adjusted in 2024‑25, and urged waiting until late July for full pre‑fill data. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-taxation-office-warns-early-lodgements-will-trigger-amendments ### 2026-06-23: Australian bank warns of tax‑refund scams as financial year ends NGM Group warns Australian consumers that scammers will target tax‑refund and EOFY sales periods, urging verification and reporting to Scamwatch. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-bank-warns-of-taxrefund-scams-as-financial-year-ends ### 2026-05-28: Australian Tax Office flags car claim errors ahead of EOFY The Australian Tax Office is tightening scrutiny of vehicle‑related deductions ahead of the June 30 EOFY, warning against claiming daily commutes, 100 % fuel costs and poor records, while advisors urge early on 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-tax-office-flags-car-claim-errors-ahead-of-eofy ### 2026-05-05: Australian landlords urged to optimise EOFY tax deductions and super contributions Australian landlords are advised to use the EOFY to claim tax deductions and accelerate super contributions for retirement. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-landlords-urged-to-optimise-eofy-tax-deductions-and-super-contributions --- Cite as: Australian tax season guidance & pre‑filled returns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australian-eofy-tax-guidance