MELBOURNE, Australia - AussieJournal -- Missing the Australian tax deadline can be stressful, and many taxpayers are now facing higher penalties in 2025. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has increased the value of penalty units, making overdue tax return fines costlier than ever before.

According to Nanak Accountants & Associates, the penalty for failing to lodge a tax return on time is calculated using "penalty units." For the 2025 income year, one penalty unit is valued at $313, and individuals can be fined up to five units ($1,565) for a single late return. Larger businesses face even steeper penalties, with fines potentially exceeding $15,000.

"Many Aussies don't realise the penalty clock starts ticking the moment they miss the deadline," said a spokesperson from Nanak Accountants. "The longer you wait, the more you pay. But the good news is that lodging your overdue return even if you can't pay immediately will stop the penalty from increasing."

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The ATO also applies a General Interest Charge (GIC) on unpaid tax debts, which compounds daily until the debt is cleared. This means delays not only trigger fines but also add significant interest costs.

Nanak Accountants advises taxpayers to:

• Lodge ASAP to stop penalty escalation.
• Engage a registered tax agent for extended lodgment deadlines.
• Contact the ATO early if experiencing hardship.
• Request a remission if circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, or genuine mistakes caused the delay.

Failure to lodge on time can also delay refunds, trigger default assessments, and increase audit risks.

"At Nanak Accountants & Associates, we help clients lodge overdue returns quickly and negotiate with the ATO to reduce fines," Puneet Singh , Principal Accountant added.

For assistance with overdue or complex tax matters, contact Nanak Accountants & Associates at 1300 NANAK TAX (626 258) or visit www.nanakaccountants.com.au