Trust tax return due dates 2026: Complete filing & payment deadlines

Introduction:

Have you started preparing your trust tax return for 2026 yet?

The deadlines are coming up, and now's a good time to start getting things together before it all sneaks up on you. Whether you're the trustee or a beneficiary, it’s best to get everything in order now so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 trust tax return deadlines so you can avoid any stress when it’s time to file.

What is a trust tax return?

A trust tax return is filed with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to report the activities of a trust. The trustee is responsible for lodging the return, which includes details of the trust's net income, such as capital gains, foreign income, and deductions.

If you are a beneficiary, you must report your share of the trust’s net income on your personal tax return, even if you haven’t physically received it by the end of the financial year (which is June 30).

The trustee will provide you with a statement of distribution, which outlines your share of the income, including any tax offsets or credits, such as amounts of tax withheld or family trust distribution tax. If you are not sure about the types of trusts, read our blog on the nine types of trusts in Australia for more clarity on the various trust structures that may apply to your situation.

Key filing deadlines for trust tax returns in 2026

The trust tax return due dates for 2026 vary depending on the trust's income, prior-year filings, and other factors. Here are the key trust tax return deadlines:

Trust tax returns payment deadlines 2026: When and how to pay

Trust tax return payment deadlines in 2026 depend on the lodgment date and whether the trust qualifies for the 15 May lodgment deadline or lodges earlier. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) applies staggered payment arrangements for trusts to allow enough time for processing after lodgment.

If a trust’s tax return is due 15 May 2026, the payment deadlines are as follows:

• Lodged on or before 12 February 2026 → Payment due 21 March 2026
• Lodged between 13 February and 12 March 2026 → Payment due 21 April 2026
• Lodged on or after 13 March 2026 → Payment due 5 June 2026

These are the latest possible trust tax payment dates. If ATO processing takes longer, the final payment due date will be shown on the notice of assessment.

For trust tax returns not due on 15 May, payment is generally due 21 days after the lodgment due date or the date the assessment is deemed received (3 days after issue), whichever is later.

Trustees should track these deadlines carefully to avoid late payment penalties and ensure ATO compliance.

Trust tax return extensions 2026: How to apply for extra time

Sometimes, trusts may need extra time to prepare and file their tax returns. Fortunately, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows trustees to apply for extensions to lodge the trust tax return.

• How to apply for an extension: Trustees can apply for an extension through a registered tax agent. The tax agent will submit the request on behalf of the trustee. If approved, the lodgment deadline will be extended beyond the standard due date. The exact extension date will depend on the trust's circumstances and the agreement with the tax agent.
• Common extension deadlines: The final lodgment date for most trusts is 31 October 2025. However, with the assistance of a tax agent, this can be extended. For trusts with a 15 May 2026 due date, they can take advantage of the 5 June 2026 concession, which allows them to lodge their trust tax return by 5 June 2026 without penalty, as long as any payments are also made by this date.

If your trust needs more time to lodge the return, it’s essential to work with your tax agent well before the standard due date to ensure all necessary paperwork is in order. Need help managing BAS deadlines, too? Stay informed and avoid penalties by reading our BAS due dates 2025-26 blog here for important updates on your ATO obligation.

What happens if you miss the trust tax return due dates in 2026?

If your trust tax return is due after an extension, it’s important to understand the consequences of missing the final extended deadline.

Once the extension period ends, penalties and interest will apply for late lodgment or payment. For trusts, the final lodgment due date may be 15 May 2026 (with a 5 June 2026 extension for those who meet the requirements). Missing this deadline can lead to:

• Penalties for late lodgment
• Interest on any unpaid tax, calculated from the original due date (typically 31 October 2025).

To avoid penalties:

• Confirm your final extended deadline with your tax agent.
• Ensure the trust tax return is lodged and any tax payments are made promptly.

How to lodge your trust tax return before the 2026 due dates?

Lodging the trust tax return can be done in three main ways:

• Using SBR-enabled software: This is the fastest method to lodge electronically with the ATO. Simply choose an SBR-enabled software, such as Xero or MYOB, enter the trust's details, and submit directly through the platform.
• With a registered tax agent: If you prefer professional assistance, a tax agent can complete and lodge the return on your behalf. Provide them with all necessary financial details, and they will ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
• By paper: If you prefer to file manually, you can order a paper copy of the Trust tax return 2025 through the ATO’s Publications Ordering Service (POS) at iorder.com.au. Fill out the form and mail it to the ATO.

How is trust income taxed: Key ATO rules for trustees

The net income of a trust is calculated by subtracting allowable deductions from the trust's assessable income for the year. This income is generally taxed in the hands of the beneficiaries, based on their share of the trust's income, regardless of when or whether they receive it. Here are the key points:

• Proportionate approach: Beneficiaries are taxed on their share of the net income; for example, if a beneficiary is entitled to 50%, they are taxed on 50% of the trust’s net income.
• Beneficiary entitlement: A beneficiary is “presently entitled” to income if they have the right to demand payment from the trustee by the end of the income year.
• Franked distributions: These are taxed separately. If a beneficiary is specifically entitled to a franked distribution, it is taxed as their income.
• Tax rates: Beneficiaries pay tax at their applicable rates. Minors and non-residents may face higher taxes, and trustees may be taxed on income not distributed.

The trustee must provide beneficiaries with details of their income share for tax reporting.

Common mistakes to avoid when meeting trust tax return due dates

Filing a trust tax return can be complicated, especially for trusts with diverse sources of income, deductions, and distributions. Here are some common mistakes that trustees and beneficiaries should avoid:

• Failing to report all income: A frequent error is not reporting all the income that the trust has earned, such as capital gains, foreign income, or rental income. Trustees must ensure that every source of income is reported accurately on the tax return. This includes income that the beneficiaries are entitled to but have not physically received yet.
• Incorrectly calculating distributions: Trustees need to ensure that distributions to beneficiaries are correctly calculated and reported. If a distribution is made but not reported, the trust may face penalties. Similarly, beneficiaries need to report their share of the trust’s income correctly, even if they haven’t yet received the funds.
• Missing deductions or offsets: Trustees often overlook tax deductions and offsets available to the trust, which could reduce the taxable income. Common deductions include trustee expenses, management fees, and investment costs. Trustees should review all potential deductions thoroughly.
• Incorrectly using tax credits: Tax credits, such as family trust distribution tax or withholding tax credits, should be accurately applied. Mistakes in claiming these credits could result in incorrect tax calculations, which could trigger penalties.
• Not meeting lodgment deadlines: A common mistake is missing the lodgment deadline for the trust’s return. Failing to file on time can result in penalties and interest charges. It’s important for trustees to keep track of the deadlines for both lodgment and payments to avoid unnecessary charges.

To avoid these mistakes, trustees should maintain good communication with their tax agent and ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date before submitting the return

Let CleanSlate take the stress out of your trust tax return

Managing trust tax returns, setting up trusts, and keeping accurate records can be overwhelming. As a trustee, you’re responsible for ensuring everything is done correctly, but navigating trust tax laws and meeting deadlines can be complex. Common challenges trustees face include:

• Missed deadlines leading to costly penalties
• Confusion around complex trust tax laws and their application
• Struggling to maintain accurate records that meet ATO requirements

At CleanSlate, we remove the stress from trust management. Our experienced team helps you set up your trust correctly from the start, ensuring everything is structured for long-term success.

We handle the entire preparation and lodgement of trust tax returns, ensuring timely filing to avoid penalties. Whether you’re new to managing a trust or need assistance with your current setup, we ensure that everything is taken care of with accuracy and ease.

Our affordable pricing starts at just $225 per month, covering online bookkeeping, BAS preparation and lodgement, and taxes, with no hidden fees. Contact us today to get started and eliminate the stress of trust management.