Lodge as soon as you properly can, and do not let a late lodgement become a non-lodgement. Check the current deadline and consequences on ASIC’s website, get the financial statements and the auditor’s work completed, and keep a record of why it was late and what you have done. If a licence condition or breach reporting obligation may be triggered, take advice on that promptly.
What it depends on
Where judgement stays human: Whether a late lodgement is reportable, and how to explain it, is a judgement on your specific facts — and the audit itself must be signed by an independent registered auditor, not us.
The first step is to work out what is actually missing — the financial statements, the independent auditor’s report, or both — because that tells you the critical path. A licensee’s accountant can prepare and reconcile; the audit opinion must come from an independent registered auditor, so their availability often sets the timetable.
The second step is to consider whether the lateness is itself a reportable matter under your licence obligations. That depends on your circumstances, so it deserves a considered answer rather than an assumption either way.
Whether a late lodgement is reportable, and how to explain it, is a judgement on your specific facts — and the audit itself must be signed by an independent registered auditor, not us.
No question is silly, and there's no judgement about where things are at. Tell us what is different about your situation and a CPA will reply personally — usually within one business day.
Reviewed by Graham Chee FCPA (TPB registered tax agent, RAN 15375009) on 1 September 2026.
Financial Services · general information current as at 1 September 2026. This is general information only, not personal financial, tax or legal advice.