by Ariful | Mar 17, 2026 | Australia Updates
TITLE: Navigating the Australian Tax Landscape in 2026
Navigating the Australian Tax Landscape in 2026
Navigating the Australian tax landscape in 2026 requires more than just a basic understanding of GST and income brackets. With the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) introducing significant structural changes to personal income tax, superannuation, and digital reporting, staying ahead of the curve is no longer optional: it is a business necessity.
At Sterlinx Global, we monitor these changes daily to ensure your compliance is handled with precision. Whether you are an Australian entity or an international business expanding Down Under, understanding these updates will help you optimise your cash flow management and avoid costly penalties.
The 2026 Income Tax Shake-up: Lower Rates for Millions
The most anticipated change for the 2026–27 financial year is the reduction in personal income tax rates. Starting 1 July 2026, the lowest personal income tax rate will drop from 16% to 15% for individuals earning between $18,201 and $45,000.
This change is designed to combat bracket creep: where inflation pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets despite their purchasing power staying the same. For business owners, this means your employees will see a measurable increase in their take-home pay, which can boost morale and simplify payroll discussions.
Key Takeaways for the 15% Tax Rate:
- Effective Date: 1 July 2026.
- Target Bracket: Income between $18,201 and $45,000.
- Immediate Impact: Up to $268 in additional annual take-home pay for individuals in this bracket.
- The Future Look: From 1 July 2027, this rate is scheduled to drop further to 14%.
All other tax brackets (0%, 30%, 37%, and 45%) currently remain unchanged. As a business owner, you don’t need to manually calculate these changes for your staff; the ATO’s PAYG withholding adjustments will handle the heavy lifting, provided your payroll software is up to date.
Superannuation Changes: Understanding the Division 296 Tax
If you are a high-net-worth individual or a business owner with a significant superannuation balance, the 2026–27 income year introduces a critical new measure: the Division 296 tax.
This tax targets high-balance superannuation accounts to ensure the system remains sustainable and fair. It introduces tiered concessional tax rates based on the total balance of your super:
- Balances up to $3 million: Continue to be taxed at the 15% concessional rate.
- Balances between $3 million and $10 million: Subject to up to 30% concessional tax rates on earnings.
- Balances above $10 million: Subject to up to 40% concessional tax rates on earnings.
Don’t worry: this tax is imposed directly on the individual, not the fund itself. You have the choice to pay this tax from your personal funds or request a release from your superannuation. To prepare for this, we recommend utilizing advanced financial forecasting to understand how these tiered rates will impact your long-term wealth strategy.
No More Deductions for Interest Charges
One of the most significant and perhaps overlooked changes effective from 1 July 2025 is the removal of tax deductions for certain interest charges.
Previously, taxpayers could claim a deduction for the General Interest Charge (GIC) or the Shortfall Interest Charge (SIC) incurred on outstanding tax liabilities. Moving forward, these charges are fully out-of-pocket expenses. They are no longer deductible, even if the underlying tax debt relates to a previous financial year.
Why this matters for your business:
- Cost of Debt: Tax debt just became significantly more expensive.
- Priority: Clearing ATO liabilities should be a top priority in your compliance strategy.
- Cash Flow: Unchecked interest charges will now drain your net profits more aggressively than before.
Digital Compliance: STP Phase 2 and Beyond
The ATO is doubling down on its Digital First strategy. Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2 is now the standard, providing the ATO with real-time visibility into your payroll data, including types of income and specific allowances.
In 2026, the focus has shifted toward GST and BAS lodgement accuracy through digital platforms. The ATO is increasingly using data-matching technology to compare your reported income against share transactions, managed fund distributions, and even property sales.
Stay Compliant with These Steps:
- Audit your data: Ensure your bookkeeping records match your digital lodgements exactly.
- Review home office claims: The ATO is increasing scrutiny on home office, travel, and motor vehicle deductions.
- Maintain records: Keep digital receipts for at least five years. If you need help organizing this, our team at Sterlinx Global manages the daily bookkeeping and filing so you never have to worry about a data mismatch.
Medicare Levy Adjustments
To provide further relief alongside the income tax cuts, the government has adjusted the Medicare levy thresholds for low-income taxpayers. This ensures that those on the lower end of the earning scale are not disproportionately affected by the levy as their wages rise with inflation.
While this is a positive for employees, it adds another layer of complexity to your payroll calculations. Using a structured compliance suite ensures these adjustments are applied automatically and accurately.
How Sterlinx Global Simplifies Australian Tax Compliance
At Sterlinx Global, we don’t just offer advice; we deliver end-to-end compliance. We understand that running a business in Australia or expanding into the Australian market is demanding. You shouldn’t have to spend your weekends deciphering ATO legislative updates.
We position ourselves as your Global Tax Compliance Suite. Our operating model is simple: you provide the data, and we complete the compliance.
Our Australian Services Include:
- Ongoing Bookkeeping: Real-time tracking of your transactions to ensure audit-ready books.
- GST & BAS Filings: Timely and accurate digital lodgements to avoid the new non-deductible interest charges.
- Income Tax Calculations: Navigating the new 15% rates and Division 296 complexities.
- Year-End Accounts: Comprehensive reporting that meets all Australian regulatory standards.
Whether you are a fast-growing SME or an international brand needing GST support, we provide the operational execution required to keep you in the ATO’s good books.
FAQ: Navigating Australian Tax in 2026
1. When does the new 15% income tax rate start?
The new rate applies to income earned between $18,201 and $45,000 starting from 1 July 2026.
2. Is the Division 296 super tax applied to everyone?
No. This tax only applies to individuals with a total superannuation balance exceeding $3 million.
3. Can I still deduct interest on my tax debt?
No. From 1 July 2025, General Interest Charges (GIC) and Shortfall Interest Charges (SIC) are no longer tax-deductible.
by Ariful | Mar 17, 2026 | Tax & Accounting
The Data-Matching Dragon: Platform Revenue vs. BAS
The single biggest mistake e-commerce sellers make is assuming the ATO only knows what you tell them. In reality, the ATO receives data directly from platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and Etsy, as well as payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and Afterpay.
If the total revenue reported on your Business Activity Statement (BAS) does not align with the data the ATO receives from these third parties, an automated flag is generated.
Why this happens:
- Gross vs. Net Reporting: Many sellers mistakenly report the “net” amount deposited into their bank account (after fees) instead of the “gross” sales amount.
- Multiple Channels: Forgetting to aggregate sales from a smaller, secondary platform.
- Timing Discrepancies: Not accounting for sales made at the end of a quarter that haven’t hit the bank yet but are recorded in the platform’s data.
The Fix: You must reconcile your platform reports with your accounting software every single month. This ensures your books match what the platforms are reporting in real-time.
Ignoring the $75,000 GST Threshold
In Australia, if your business has a turnover of $75,000 AUD or more (or you expect it to reach that within the next 12 months), you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Many e-commerce entrepreneurs wait until they see the cash in the bank before registering. However, the ATO views the threshold on a “prospective” basis. If you see a massive spike in sales that suggests you will hit $75,000 soon, you need to register immediately.
Common GST Errors:
- Failing to register on time: This results in back-taxed GST payments that come out of your profit margin.
- International Sales: Even if you sell to customers outside Australia, those sales often count toward your $75,000 threshold, even if you don’t charge GST on them.
- Incorrect GST Credits: Claiming GST “input tax credits” on items where no GST was actually charged (like international software subscriptions or overseas inventory).
The Benefit: Registering correctly and on time allows you to claim back the GST you pay on your business expenses, which can significantly improve your cash flow.
The Inventory and COGS Discrepancy
The ATO uses industry benchmarks to determine if your reported figures make sense. If your Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) is disproportionately high compared to your revenue, or if your ending inventory levels look suspicious, you will be flagged for a manual review.
E-commerce businesses often struggle with inventory management, especially when using 3PLs (Third Party Logistics) or offshore warehousing.
Audit Red Flags:
- Large Year-End Write-downs: Suddenly claiming a massive loss on “damaged” or “unsaleable” stock right before the end of the financial year.
- Estimated Figures: Using “round numbers” for inventory instead of actual stocktake data.
- Customs Inconsistency: If your reported inventory purchases don’t match the import data held by Australian Border Force, the ATO will want to know why.
By maintaining a clean audit trail of your inventory movement, you ensure your COGS claims are defensible and accurate.
Mismanaging International Sales and Currency Conversion
If you are an Australian business selling to the US, UK, or EU, your tax obligations don’t stop at the border. Conversely, if you are a foreign entity selling to Australians, you may have “Significant Global Entity” (SGE) obligations or Low-Value Imported Goods (LVIG) GST requirements.
The Currency Trap
The ATO requires all income and expenses to be converted into Australian Dollars (AUD) for tax purposes. Many sellers use a single average exchange rate for the whole year, which can lead to significant errors if the AUD/USD or AUD/GBP rate fluctuates.
What you need to do:
- Use the exchange rate applicable at the time of the transaction or an approved ATO daily rate.
- Properly document “forex gains or losses” when transferring money between overseas wallets (like Airwallex or Wise) and your Australian business account.
- Ensure your international VAT and GST filings are consistent across all jurisdictions.
Poor Record Keeping and Missing Digital Trails
In the world of e-commerce, the “shoebox full of receipts” has been replaced by a “cloud full of PDFs.” However, many sellers still fail to keep adequate records. Under Australian law, you must keep records for five years.
The ATO is increasingly looking at “split” payments, where a business takes some payments via a website and others via bank transfer or cash. If your point-of-sale (POS) data doesn’t align with your bank statements, an audit is almost certain.
Checklist for Compliance:
- Tax invoices for all purchases over $82.50 (including GST).
- Records of any private use of business assets.
- Detailed logs of international shipping and customs duties paid.
- Monthly reconciliations of all payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, etc.).
How to Protect Your E-commerce Business
Navigating the ATO’s requirements shouldn’t keep you up at night. A comprehensive tax compliance approach provides an end-to-end solution for businesses scaling in and out of Australia.
Key protective measures include:
- Bookkeeping & Data Syncing: Pull data directly from your sales platforms and payment processors into your accounting system automatically.
- Automated BAS Preparation: Ensure your quarterly Business Activity Statement is accurate and filed on time.
- GST Compliance: Track GST liability and input credits across all sales channels and jurisdictions.
- Inventory Tracking: Maintain detailed records of stock movements, valuations, and year-end stocktakes.
- Currency Management: Automate currency conversions using ATO-approved rates and track forex gains and losses.
- Record Retention: Organize and retain all tax documents for the required five-year period.
by Ariful | Mar 17, 2026 | UK Updates
TITLE: The Global Minimum Tax (GLOBE) and Your Australian Operations
The Global Minimum Tax (GLOBE) and Your Australian Operations
One of the most significant shifts hitting the fan in 2026 is the full integration of the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules. Australia has aggressively moved to implement these Pillar Two rules, establishing a 15% global minimum tax.
Why this matters to you: If your UK business is part of a larger group or has substantial Australian-sourced income, the way you account for profit in Australia is now under a microscope. Even if you aren’t a massive multinational, the reporting requirements surrounding “top-up taxes” are trickling down into standard compliance checks.
The 2026 update ensures that any “low-tax” income is captured. While the UK and Australia have similar corporate tax vibes, differences in deductions and credits can accidentally trigger these rules. It is essential to maintain rigorous bookkeeping to ensure your effective tax rate is calculated accurately to avoid double taxation.
Leveraging the UK-Australia Double Tax Agreement (DTA)
The good news is that the UK-Australia Double Tax Agreement remains a powerful shield for British business owners. In 2026, understanding the nuances of this treaty is the difference between profit and loss.
The DTA is designed to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same pound (or dollar). Here are the key benefits you should be leveraging right now:
- Zero Withholding Tax on Dividends: If your UK company holds a substantial shareholding in an Australian entity, you may qualify for a 0% withholding tax rate on dividends sent back to the UK.
- Capped Royalties and Interest: Royalties are generally capped at 5%, and interest at 10%. If you are being charged more, your compliance setup is likely outdated.
- Foreign Tax Credit Relief: You can often offset the tax paid to the ATO against your HMRC liabilities.
Managing these claims requires precise execution. We see many businesses fail to file the correct treaty relief forms, leading to “trapped” cash in Australia. At Sterlinx Global, we manage these financial reports and compliance filings daily to ensure your cash flow remains fluid across borders.
The “Permanent Establishment” Trap in 2026
Are you taxable in Australia even if you don’t have an office there? In 2026, the answer is increasingly “Yes.” The ATO has tightened its definition of a Permanent Establishment (PE).
If you have employees working remotely from the Gold Coast, or if you maintain a significant inventory of stock in an Australian warehouse, the ATO may deem you to have a taxable presence.
Don’t worry, here is the checklist to avoid surprises:
- Monitor Employee Duration: The “183-day rule” is a standard benchmark, but 2026 interpretations also look at the nature of the work being done.
- Review Contract Signing: If a person in Australia has the authority to habitually conclude contracts on behalf of your UK company, you likely have a PE.
- Check Your Inventory: Physical stock held for distribution can trigger GST and income tax obligations.
To mitigate these risks, advanced financial forecasting is vital. Knowing your exposure before the tax year ends allows for structural adjustments that keep you compliant without overpaying.
GST and Cross-Border Digital Services
For UK digital agencies, SaaS providers, and consultants, the 2026 Australian tax landscape requires a keen eye on Goods and Services Tax (GST). Australia requires non-resident businesses to register for GST if their “GST turnover” from sales connected with Australia is $75,000 AUD or more.
In 2026, the ATO has increased its data-sharing capabilities with HMRC. This means that “flying under the radar” is no longer a viable strategy. If you hit that threshold, you must:
- Register for GST.
- Charge 10% on your taxable supplies.
- File Business Activity Statements (BAS).
This is exactly where Sterlinx Global steps in. Instead of you trying to navigate the ATO’s “myGovID” system from London, we handle the registration and ongoing filings. We act as your end-to-end compliance suite, ensuring that your cash flow management accounts for these international tax outflows.
Why Compliance Is Your Competitive Advantage
You might see tax as a burden, but in 2026, being fully compliant is a competitive advantage. Australian partners and customers are increasingly diligent. They want to see that the UK companies they deal with are registered, transparent, and stable.
Maintaining a clean “tax health” record allows you to:
- Secure better terms with Australian banks and suppliers.
- Avoid the massive penalties and interest charges that the ATO is known for.
- Streamline your year-end accounts back in the UK.
Whether you are managing student fees for an international education branch or selling high-end tech, the principles remain the same: clean data in, compliant filings out.
How Sterlinx Global Simplifies Your Global Reach
Expanding to Australia shouldn’t mean hiring a whole new department. Our operating model at Sterlinx Global is simple: you provide us with the data, and we complete the compliance on an ongoing, daily basis.
We cover the full suite of accounting and compliance for UK Limited Companies and their Australian counterparts. This includes:
- Daily Bookkeeping: Keeping your Australian and UK books in sync.
- GST/VAT Filings: Handling the ATO and HMRC simultaneously.
- Year-End Accounts: Seamlessly consolidating your global position.
If you are concerned about how the 2026 updates affect your specific setup, it is time to stop guessing. You can talk to an expert today to see how we can take the compliance weight off your shoulders.
FAQ: 2026 Australian Tax for UK Businesses
1. Does a UK company need an Australian TFN (Tax File Number)?
If your UK business is earning Australian-sourced income or has a permanent establishment in Australia, you will likely need a TFN for your company to file an Australian tax return and claim treaty benefits.
2. What is the current corporate tax rate in Australia for 2026?
The standard corporate tax rate is 30%. However, “Base Rate Entities” with aggregated annual turnover of less than $50 million may be eligible for a lower rate.
3. Can I claim foreign tax credits in the UK for Australian taxes paid?
Yes. Under the UK tax system, you can claim foreign tax credits for Australian taxes paid on Australian-sourced income, subject to certain limitations and conditions under HMRC rules.
4. What happens if I don’t register for GST in Australia when I should have?
Failure to register for GST when required can result in significant penalties, back-dated GST assessments, and reputational damage. The ATO actively pursues non-compliant businesses through data-matching with overseas tax authorities.
5. How often do I need to file with the ATO if I’m a UK business with Australian operations?
If you are registered for GST, you must file Business Activity Statements (BAS) either monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on your turnover and circumstances. Annual income tax returns are due by a set deadline following the end of the financial year on 30 June.
by Ariful | Mar 17, 2026 | Australia Updates
Staying ahead of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is a full-time commitment. As we move further into 2026, the regulatory landscape for businesses and individuals continues to shift toward increased transparency, real-time reporting, and tighter compliance. Whether you are managing a growing SME or a complex international entity, understanding these changes is critical to avoiding penalties and maintaining a smooth operational flow.
At Sterlinx Global, we act as your end-to-end compliance partner. You provide the raw data; we handle the calculations, filings, and deadlines. To help you stay informed, here are the 10 most significant Australian tax changes you need to know right now.
1. Payday Super: The July 2026 Shift
The countdown is officially on. Starting 1 July 2026, employers will no longer be able to pay superannuation on a quarterly basis. Instead, you must pay superannuation at the same time you pay your employees’ wages.
This change is designed to ensure employees receive their entitlements faster and to provide the ATO with better visibility over unpaid super. For business owners, this means your cash flow planning must be more precise. If you are used to holding onto super funds until the quarterly deadline, you need to transition your payroll processes immediately. Review your payroll software compatibility and ensure your bank account is structured to handle these frequent outgoings.
2. Division 296: New Tax on High Super Balances
The government has introduced a new tax aimed at individuals with a Total Superannuation Balance (TSB) exceeding $3 million. Known as the Division 296 tax, this measure reduces the tax concessions available to high-wealth individuals.
Under these rules, earnings on the portion of the TSB that exceeds $3 million will be taxed at an additional 15%. This is separate from the standard 15% tax on fund earnings, effectively creating a 30% tax rate for those in this bracket. If you fall into this category, it is essential to ensure your reporting is accurate to avoid over-taxation or compliance errors.
3. Mandatory TFN Reporting for Trust Beneficiaries
Trustees face stricter reporting requirements in 2026. You are now required to report the Tax File Numbers (TFNs) of beneficiaries when lodging the trust tax return for any year where a beneficiary is entitled to a share of the trust income.
This update enhances the ATO’s data-matching capabilities. By linking beneficiary income directly to their TFNs, the ATO can pre-fill individual returns and identify discrepancies instantly. To maintain compliance, ensure you have collected and verified the TFNs of all active beneficiaries before your next filing deadline. Failing to do so can delay your lodgment and trigger unwanted scrutiny.
4. Advanced Data Matching and Contractor Reporting
The ATO’s digital “eyes” are more powerful than ever. With increased investment in AI and data analytics, the ATO is monitoring contractor income reporting and cross-border transactions with surgical precision.
Don’t assume that offshore payments or gig-economy income will fly under the radar. The ATO regularly matches data from banks, online platforms, and foreign tax authorities. To mitigate risks, ensure your internal documentation is flawless. High-quality record keeping is no longer optional; it is the backbone of audit defense. We recommend centralizing your transaction data so that compliance experts can verify your filings against these sophisticated ATO algorithms. If you want us to set up a clean, deadline-driven system, talk to an expert.
5. Instant Asset Write-Off for Small Businesses
For small business owners, the instant asset write-off remains a vital tool for managing tax liability. With the 30 June deadline approaching, now is the time to finalize any planned capital expenditures.
Current rules allow eligible businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of assets (up to the current threshold) in the year they are first used or installed ready for use. This is a “use it or lose it” benefit for the financial year. If you are planning to upgrade your equipment or technology, ensure the assets are operational before the end of the financial year to claim the deduction in your upcoming filing.
6. Pillar Two: Global Minimum Tax Transition
If you are part of a large multinational group, the Pillar Two rules are now a reality. Australia is part of the global movement to ensure a 15% minimum effective tax rate for large entities.
The ATO has signaled a “pragmatic compliance approach” during the transition period (affecting fiscal years ending on or before 30 June 2028). While the ATO is focusing on education and support for groups acting in good faith, you must still demonstrate progress toward compliance. This involves complex calculations and multi-jurisdictional data gathering. Partnering with a global tax compliance suite like Sterlinx Global allows you to manage these cross-border requirements without getting bogged down in the technical minutiae.
7. Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (OECD)
The wild west of crypto taxation is being tamed. Australia is adopting the OECD Crypto Asset Reporting Framework, with domestic reporting to the ATO commencing in 2027 and automatic international exchange beginning in 2028.
If your business or digital portfolio involves crypto assets, the time to organize your records is now. The ATO will soon receive data on your digital asset holdings directly from exchanges. To avoid penalties, ensure every trade, swap, and sale is recorded. This proactive approach helps mitigate financial risks associated with undeclared digital income.
8. OECD Proposals for Broad Tax Reform
While not yet law, the OECD’s 2026 Economic Survey of Australia has recommended significant structural changes. The proposals include:
- Broadening the GST base.
- Reducing personal and corporate income taxes to boost productivity.
- Further cuts to superannuation tax concessions for the wealthy.
While these are recommendations, they often signal the direction of future government policy. We are monitoring these developments daily to ensure our clients are never caught off guard by sudden legislative shifts.
9. PAYG Withholding for Religious Practitioners
A specific update for the non-profit and religious sector: the ATO has released a draft legislative instrument (LI 2025/D26) that sets PAYG withholding to nil for certain payments made to religious practitioners.
This change also removes several reporting requirements for these specific payments. If your organization manages payments to religious practitioners, review your payroll settings to ensure you are not withholding tax unnecessarily. This simplifies the administrative burden but requires a correct initial setup to remain compliant with the updated definitions.
10. Proposed $1,000 Standard Tax Deduction
Looking ahead to the 2026–27 tax year, the government has proposed a $1,000 standard tax deduction. If passed, this would apply to returns lodged from July 2027 onwards.
This measure is intended to simplify tax time for millions of Australians.
by Ariful | Mar 17, 2026 | Australia Updates
1. March 31, 2026: Tax return due date for large companies (get it lodged, avoid the pain)
If your business is a large company (total income > $2 million), the ATO’s Registered Agent Lodgment Program flags 31 March 2026 as a key due date for lodging (and paying) your company tax return. This deadline is easy to underestimate—until penalties and interest start stacking up.
Do this now to stay safe:
- Confirm you’re in scope (total income over $2m for the latest lodged year is the trigger the ATO uses for this March due date).
- Finalise the core records early (bank recs, payment processors, marketplace settlements, FX, inventory/COGS where relevant).
- Tie out “tax vs accounting” items (director loans, depreciation schedules, R&D, intercompany charges).
- Leave time for questions (because ATO data matching is stronger than ever, and sloppy narratives get challenged).
You don’t need to panic—just treat this like an operational deadline. You keep trading; we keep the compliance moving so March doesn’t turn into a scramble.
2. Personal tax cut coming 1 July 2026 (small change, still worth planning for)
From 1 July 2026, the ATO’s published resident tax rates show the marginal rate for the $18,201 to $45,000 bracket dropping from 16% to 15%.
If you pay directors/employees through Australian payroll (or you’re planning to), this is a handy reminder to:
- Review withholding settings and payroll mappings ahead of the new financial year.
- Re-check salary packaging and pay mix (especially if you’ve got a blend of wages + dividends/distributions).
- Update cash flow forecasts for net pay changes (small, but it adds up across teams).
It’s not a “rebuild your whole structure” thing—more a “make sure your payroll and forecasts won’t be off” thing.
This is a practical, “systems” issue more than anything. If your books aren’t clean, you end up rushing, lodging late, and paying more in penalties and interest than you needed to.
Do this now to stay safe:
- Confirm whether you’re in the high-liability bucket (individuals and trusts with $20k+ tax bills).
- Lock your bookkeeping early (bank feeds, marketplace settlements, FX, and reconciliations).
- Keep evidence tight (invoices, contracts, proof of supply location) so your position holds up if the ATO queries it.
This is exactly where our structured, ongoing model helps. You keep trading; we keep the reporting ready so deadlines don’t turn into drama.
3. $20,000 instant asset write-off extended until 30 June 2026 (cash flow win)
The ATO has confirmed the $20,000 instant asset write-off is extended until 30 June 2026 for eligible small businesses. In plain English: if you buy eligible business assets under that threshold, you may be able to deduct them immediately rather than depreciating over time.
Why you should care (even as a cross-border operator):
- It can reduce taxable income fast, which helps cash flow.
- It rewards structured, documented spending (proper invoices, business-use evidence).
- It’s great for common scale-up purchases like laptops, POS gear, warehouse equipment, and certain software/hardware bundles (where eligible).
Keep it clean:
- Track purchase date, install/first use date, and business-use percentage.
- Don’t guess. If an asset is mixed-use, you need a defensible split.
4. Get ready for “Payday Super” from 1 July 2026 (pay super with wages)
From 1 July 2026, the ATO’s Payday Super regime is set to start. The big shift: employers must pay super concurrently with salary and wages, not “later in the quarter”.
If you run payroll (or you’ve got an Australian entity with employees/eligible workers), you’ll want to treat this like a systems upgrade, not a last-minute admin task.
Prep checklist you can action now:
- Update payroll workflows so super is calculated and paid every pay run.
- Confirm employee fund details are accurate (bad details = failed payments = compliance headaches).
- Build a buffer for processing time so payments land on time.
- Reconcile super payments like bank payments (because the ATO will).
