Lost a Receipt? What the ATO Accepts When You Lodge Your Own Tax Return
A lost receipt doesn't always mean a lost deduction. On your 2025-26 tax return you can claim some work-related expenses without receipts, within set limits, and the ATO can accept other evidence in place of a missing receipt, such as a supplier's copy or a bank statement backed by something that shows what you bought. What you can't do is claim an amount you have no way of supporting: if the ATO reviews your return and the evidence isn't there, it can remove the deduction.
Read MoreOctober 31 Tax Deadline: The Self-Lodger's Guide to Not Panicking
In short: The ATO deadline for individuals and sole traders who lodge their own tax return is 31 October, for the financial year that ended 30 June. In 2026, 31 October falls on a Saturday, so a return lodged by Monday 2 November 2026 is still on time. If you register with a registered tax agent by 31 October, you generally inherit their later lodgment program.
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