Are you one of the two million Aussies risking up to $1,650 on your tax return?

By Peter Terlato · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure
tax return Australia woman

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued a final warning to more than two million Australians who are yet to lodge their income tax returns, with the 31 October deadline fast approaching.

ATO assistant commissioner Rob Thomson stressed the importance of meeting the due date, regardless of how you lodge.

“If you’re lodging yourself, you need to have completed and submitted your return by 31 October. If you plan to use a registered tax agent, you must be on their books by 31 October,” Mr Thomson said.

Missing the deadline can result in a Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalty. For individuals and small businesses, the fine is calculated using penalty units for every 28 days (or part thereof) that a return is late. With each penalty unit currently worth $330, a taxpayer could face an initial fine of $330, increasing to a maximum of $1,650 for one overdue return.

Period overdue Penalty units charged Penalty fine
1–28 days
 1 unit
 $330
29–56 days
 2 units
 $660
57–84 days
 3 units
 $990
85–112 days
 4 units
 $1,320
113+ days
 5 units (maximum)
 $1,650

Debunking the delayed lodgement myth

Mr Thomson also dispelled a common misconception that delaying lodgement gives taxpayers extra time to pay.

“There’s a bit of a myth that lodging late buys you more time – that’s not true. If you prepare your own tax return and owe money, your payment is still due on 21 November,” he explained.

If you’re unable to lodge or pay on time, the ATO recommends reaching out to a registered tax professional or visiting its website to explore support options.

So far, over 8.7 million Australians have already submitted their tax returns, with lodgements split almost evenly between self-lodgers and those using registered tax agents.

The three golden rules for tax deductions

With the deadline looming, the ATO is warning taxpayers not to overstate their work-related expenses.

To claim a deduction correctly, these are the ATO’s three golden rules:

1. You must have spent the money yourself and not been reimbursed.

2. The expense must directly relate to earning your income.

3. You must have a record, such as a receipt, to prove the purchase.

How to turn your tax refund into an investment portfolio in five simple steps View

It’s not just about getting your deductions right and lodging on time. CPA Australia warns simple mistakes or overlooking changes in your financial situation can turn a straightforward tax return into a costly Halloween horror story. Here’s their top three tips for lodging your tax return:

1. Check your details – Don’t rely on last year’s deductions; review your pre-filled myGov info.

2. Get help if needed – Complex cases like rental or gig income may need a registered tax agent.

3. Beware of scams – Only trust official ATO messages; avoid suspicious email and text links.

Expecting a tax refund? Put it to work by comparing high-interest savings accounts on Mozo.

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 255 savings accounts using the filters.
Last updated 5 December 2025 Important disclosures
  • Promoted

    Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Ongoing bonus interest when you meet conditions
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app
  • Promoted

    AMP Bank GO Save

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • No deposit or withdrawal conditions
    • No minimum balance or monthly account fees
    • All you need is an AMP Bank GO Everyday Account to open a Save account in the AMP Bank GO app.
  • Promoted

    Reward Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    Intro bonus rate of 4.50% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 2.50%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rate by depositing $50 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Introductory rate for first 4 months
    • No monthly account fees

  • High Interest Savings Account

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    3.45 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • Easy set up, online and mobile banking app
    • No fees, no minimum balance, no minimum monthly deposit and no minimum term
    • Kick start your savings with the 4 month introductory variable rate

  • Reward Saver Kick Start Account - Up to 30 years old

    Maximum rate
    4.75 % p.a.
    (for $5,000 to $100,000)
    Minimum deposit of $20 and no withdrawals in the month.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rates by depositing $20 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Mozo Experts Choice Awards winner for Teen High Interest Savings in 2025
    • No monthly account fees

  • Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Ongoing bonus interest when you meet conditions
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • Savvy Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • No minimum balance required
    • Move money in and out and still earn interest
    • Transfer or make payments using the mobile app

  • Reward Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    Intro bonus rate of 4.50% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 2.50%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rate by depositing $50 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Introductory rate for first 4 months
    • No monthly account fees

  • Smart Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.45 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Minimum deposit of $100 and no withdrawals in the month
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus interest each month (T&Cs apply)
    • Open up to five accounts
    • No monthly fees or minimum balance

  • Power Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.35 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Minimum of $100 deposited into account, and no withdrawals made.
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Bonus interest for the first four months
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • AMP Bank GO Save

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • No deposit or withdrawal conditions
    • No minimum balance or monthly account fees
    • All you need is an AMP Bank GO Everyday Account to open a Save account in the AMP Bank GO app.

  • Savings+Bonus

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
    Standard rate
    1.75 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Go to site
    • Enjoy bonus interest when you meet criteria
    • Access your money at any time via app
    • $250K maximum balance

  • Bonus Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Bonus interest for the first four months
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • Hi Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus interest for the first four months
    • No Minimum balance required
    • Transfer or make payments using the mobile app
Showing 11 results from 255 savings accounts. Use the filters to see more

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

Today's savings account rates