For many businesses, this will represent a significant shift in payroll processes and cash flow management. Instead of paying super every three months, super contributions will need to be calculated and paid each time payroll is processed—whether that is weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

The change is designed to ensure employees receive their super sooner and reduce unpaid super across Australia. It will also increase transparency, allowing workers to see their super contributions reaching their funds more quickly.

Which Accounting and Payroll Software Is Ready?

The good news for businesses is that most modern cloud accounting and payroll systems are already preparing for Payday Super. Platforms such as Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks are updating their payroll functions so superannuation can be calculated and paid automatically as part of each pay run.

These systems integrate payroll, reporting and super payments, helping businesses stay compliant while reducing manual administration. In many cases, employers will simply process payroll as normal and the software will automatically calculate and schedule super payments.

Preparing for the Transition

Although the new rules don’t begin until July 2026, businesses should start preparing now. Key steps include:

• Reviewing your current payroll and accounting software
• Ensuring employee super fund details are accurate
• Planning for the cash flow impact of more frequent super payments
• Confirming your payroll processes are ready for the change

The transition to Payday Super will be one of the biggest payroll changes since Single Touch Payroll. With the right systems and preparation, businesses can make the transition smoothly and maintain compliance with the new requirements.

If you would like help reviewing your payroll systems or preparing for the upcoming changes, the team at DGL Accountants is here to assist.

The post Payday Super Is Coming – What Businesses Need to Know appeared first on DGL Accountants.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset, review and make sure your business is set up properly for the months ahead. With EOFY only months away, a little planning now can save time, stress and money later.

Below is a practical checklist to help you stay on track in the first half of 2026.

1. Check Your BAS and GST Position

Ensure BAS lodgements are up to date, GST coding is accurate, and cash flow can support upcoming GST payments. If GST is consistently tight, it may be time to review pricing, payment terms or instalment options.

2. Review Your Cash Flow

Profit on paper doesn’t always mean cash in the bank. Review debtor days, expense trends, and whether you have enough buffer for quieter periods. A simple 3–6 month cash flow forecast can make a big difference.

3. Superannuation Obligations

Confirm super is up to date and you paid January on time and in full. Make sure employee details are accurate. Late super can trigger penalties, so staying ahead is critical.

4. Payroll and Compliance Review

Review wage rates and award classifications, check leave balances and accruals, and ensure payroll reporting is accurate. Staff changes or role changes should also be reviewed.

5. Asset and Equipment Planning

If you’re considering asset or vehicle purchases later in the year, now is the time to plan. Understanding tax timing and depreciation early helps avoid rushed EOFY decisions.

6. Tax Planning

Tax planning should not be left until June. Review expected profit, tax instalments, and whether any adjustments or restructuring should be considered.

7. Align Personal and Business Finances

Review drawings or director loans, loan structures and repayments, and ensure personal tax obligations are aligned with business performance.

The first half of the year is about setting strong foundations. A short review now can prevent issues as EOFY approaches.

The post Your 2026 Business & Tax Checklist appeared first on DGL Accountants.

1. ATO Focus Areas for 2026

The ATO has made it clear that improved reporting pathways through STP and integrated banking data mean real-time monitoring is now normal. Businesses can expect continued focus on:

• unpaid superannuation
• inaccurate payroll reporting
• GST discrepancies and lodgement delays
• personal vs business expenditure separation

Getting ahead now prevents stress later — especially in an audit climate that is becoming more automated and data-driven.

2. Payday Super — Be Prepared

2026 will bring one of the biggest payroll shifts in recent years: Super will be paid at the same time as wages, not quarterly.
This means businesses will need:

• cash flow to support more frequent super payments
• payroll systems capable of processing contributions automatically
• internal processes tightened to prevent late lodgements

Those who prepare early will transition smoothly — those who leave it until the deadline may feel the pinch.

3. Review Business Structure & Risk Exposure

Many businesses evolve over time without reviewing their structure. If 2025 brought growth, expansion, asset purchases or staffing increases, then 2026 may be the right time to evaluate whether your entity still works for you in terms of:

• tax efficiency
• asset protection
• exit and succession planning

A quick review now could save years of complexity later.

4. Invest in Better Systems

Manual systems cost time and money — even if they feel familiar. Upgrading digital tools for payroll, bookkeeping, inventory or job management can reduce error, free up your team and provide the real-time data you need to make stronger decisions.

Looking forward instead of looking back is how strong businesses stay competitive. A new year is more than a date change — it’s an opportunity to reset, refocus and build for what’s next.

The post Looking Ahead: Preparing Your Business for 2026 appeared first on DGL Accountants.

If your business currently uses the SBSCH to process superannuation payments, now is the time to review your processes and transition to an alternative solution.

Why You Need to Act Now

Transitioning early will help your business:

• Avoid delays when the SBSCH shuts down and ensure you’re ready for more frequent super payments under Payday Super.
• Have processes in place to pay super for the January–March and April–June quarters if you currently pay quarterly.
• Reduce the risk of late SG payments for the April–June 2026 quarter (due 28 July), as the SBSCH will already be closed by then.
• Manage cash flow more effectively by preparing for more frequent SG payments.
• Download all relevant reports and finalise any payments before the SBSCH becomes unavailable.

Key Dates to Be Aware Of

If you are still using the SBSCH, these dates are critical:

• 10 December 2025: Super payments and instructions must be submitted by 5:30pm AEDT. Anything received after this deadline will not be processed until 2 January 2026.
• 28 January 2026: Super Guarantee (SG) quarterly payments due.
• February–March 2026: Recommended timeframe to move to an alternative super payment provider.
• 28 April 2026: SG quarterly payments due.
• 30 June 2026: Final day to use the SBSCH. Ensure all payments are made and all reports are downloaded.
• 1 July 2026: SBSCH permanently closed.

What Are Your Alternative Options?

The good news is that many businesses may already have suitable alternatives available.

Before searching externally, check your existing accounting, payroll, or workforce management software. Many modern systems already include integrated superannuation clearing functions.

If not, consider options such as:

• Superannuation funds offering their own clearing services
• Commercial clearing houses
• Digital payroll and workforce management providers

Transitioning now reduces risk, avoids payment delays, and ensures your business is fully compliant ahead of Payday Super’s rollout.

Need Help Navigating the Changes?

DGL Accountants can help you:

• Review your current systems
• Identify the most suitable clearing house alternatives
• Prepare your business for the new Payday Super requirements
• Ensure your SG payments remain compliant and on time

If you need guidance, get in touch with the DGL team—we’re here to support your business through every stage of this transition.

The post Upcoming Payday Super Changes: Start Preparing Now for the Closure of the SBSCH appeared first on DGL Accountants.

Key points to know:

• Eligibility: Small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million.
• What’s covered: You can immediately write off assets costing less than $20,000 (excluding GST). This means you can claim the full amount as a tax deduction in the same financial year.
• Per-asset basis: The $20,000 limit applies to each individual asset, so you can write off multiple assets if each one is under the threshold.
• Timing: The asset must be first used, or installed ready for use, between now and 30 June 2026.
• Assets over $20,000: Assets costing $20,000 or more can still be added to your small business depreciation pool and depreciated over time at the standard rates.

Why this matters:
This extension gives small businesses a valuable cash flow advantage. It allows you to invest in tools, machinery, vehicles or equipment when you need them, while reducing your taxable income in the same year.

What you need to do:

• Make sure any asset purchases meet the eligibility criteria.
• Keep accurate records and invoices for any claims.
• If you’re considering larger purchases, speak to us first so we can help you plan and maximise your benefit.

If you’d like to understand how this extension could work for your business or need help with your tax planning, our team at DGL Accountants is here to help.

Get in touch with us to discuss your options and make the most of this opportunity.

The post Instant Asset Write-Off Extended to 30 June 2026 — What It Means for Your Business appeared first on DGL Accountants.

Key Components: Capital Allowance and Capital Works

• Capital Allowance (Division 40): Deduct costs related to plant and equipment, such as
  appliances and carpets, over their effective life.
• Capital Works (Division 43): Also known as building allowance, allows claiming 2.5% of
  construction costs annually for up to 40 years for properties built after 1987.

Depreciation Rules for Existing Properties

For existing residential rental properties purchased after May 9, 2017, investors cannot claim
depreciation on previously used plant and equipment assets. However, they can still claim
depreciation on new plant and equipment they install and on capital works (the building
structure) regardless of the property’s age.

• Division 43 (Capital Works) is still claimable on all established or second-hand residential
  properties, regardless of when they were purchased – this includes original works (if they
  qualify) as well as improvements and additions completed over time.
• Division 40 (Plant and Equipment Assets) acquired through the purchase may not be
  depreciable annually but are now deductible from profit at sale and help to reduce CGT.
• Division 40 (Plant and Equipment Assets) that are replaced brand-new by the investors
  after purchases are eligible for depreciation claims.

Summary of Key Benefits:

A depreciation report provides a detailed overview of potential Capital Allowance and Capital
Works items, ensuring all eligible deductions are claimed. This aids in informed financial
decisions, future planning, and taxation compliance. It amplifies the advantages of negative
gearing by increasing the deductible loss without impacting cash flow, making your
investment more tax efficient. Additionally, Capital Allowance and Capital Works deductions
reduce the tax payable for positively geared properties, lowering overall tax liability and
putting more money in your pocket for reinvestment or other expenses.

The post The Benefits of Obtaining a Depreciation Report for Investment Properties appeared first on DGL Accountants.

1. Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)

FBT year-end: 31 March 2025

Identify & value benefits: Review any benefits you’ve provided (e.g. cars, entertainment), calculate their taxable value and confirm whether you have an FBT liability.

Lodge & pay:

• Standard deadline: 21 May 2025
• Extended deadline (via registered tax agent): 25 June 2025
• Record-keeping: Maintain detailed records (logbooks, invoices, employee declarations) to substantiate your FBT position.

ATO focus: The ATO has flagged FBT as an audit priority this year. We’ll be in touch with some clients directly, but please reach out to your DGL file manager if you’d like to review your FBT readiness.

2. PAYG Withholding

Accurate withholding: Ensure you deduct the correct amount of tax from wages and other reportable payments (e.g. contractor fees, director’s fees).

Timely remittance: Pay all withheld amounts to the ATO by the due dates specified for your business (usually monthly or quarterly).

3. Single Touch Payroll (STP)

Finalisation date: 14 July 2025

All STP reports for the 2024/25 year must be finalised in your payroll system by this date (closely held payees may have a slightly later deadline).

Why it matters: Finalisation locks down your employees’ year-to-date totals for tax and super, ensuring accurate end-of-year reporting.

4. Super Guarantee (SG)

Quarterly due dates:

• 28 January 2025
• 28 April 2025
• 28 July 2025
• 28 October 2025

Current rate: 11.5% of ordinary time earnings

Upcoming increase: Rises to 12% from 1 July 2025

Penalty risk: Late or incomplete payments attract SG Charge—so confirm contributions are paid in full, on time, and to the correct fund.

The post How to Master Your Employer Obligations in 2025 appeared first on DGL Accountants.

The countdown to Christmas is on and we’re in the midst of a headlong rush to maximise any remaining opportunities before the Christmas lull. Busy period or not, Christmas causes a period of dislocation and volatility for most businesses. The result is that it is not ‘business as usual’ and for many, volatility can create problems.

Added to this dislocation are cost of living pressures impacting consumers. Employee households are the hardest hit experiencing mortgage cost fuelled increases – spiked by the rollover of fixed rate loans to higher variable rate loans. While there has been some relief from energy subsidies and a reduction in fuel prices, underlying inflation remains persistently above the RBA’s target rate. Services inflation – the cost of your rent, insurance, your hairdresser, etc. – is sitting at around 5%. With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Board keeping rates on hold for now and hinting that it will be some time yet before they are comfortable reducing rates, consumers want a reason to spend based on value for money. The irony is that if we all spend up big, which a recent Roy Morgan poll suggests we are, there is a risk this elevated spending will further delay rate cuts. But, while we might spend more, some of this increase is simply to compensate for inflation – we need to spend more to buy at the same level as previous years.
 

The discounting trend

 
Consumers expect a bargain and can generally find one. If you choose to discount stock (or the market forces you to), it’s essential to know your profit margins to determine what you can afford to give away. A business with a 20% gross profit margin that offers a 15% discount, needs a 300% increase in sales volume simply to maintain the same position. Worst case scenario is that a business trades below its breakeven point and generates losses.

Increased sales from discounting can be great if you know your numbers, have excess or older stock that needs to be moved, generates demand, or drives new customers to you.

Also think about how you create value; it does not always have to be a direct discount on a product. Packaging might be a better option than a straight discount where you can increase sales of multiple items, even better if you can combine higher demand with lower demand stock. Quantity discounts, value added are also options.
 

The Christmas cost hangover

 
Costs tend to go up over Christmas. More staff, lower efficiency, downtime from non-trading days, increased promotional costs, all mean that the cost of doing business increases. It’s great to get into the Christmas spirit as long as you don’t end up with a New Year hangover. Cost control is important.

Many businesses also bring in casual staff. It’s essential that you pay staff at the correct rates and meet your Superannuation Guarantee obligations.

Check the pay calculator to make sure you have it right.
 

New Year cashflow crunch

 
The New Year often leads into a quieter trading and tighter cashflow period. The March quarter is often the toughest cashflow quarter of the year. You will need a cash buffer. Don’t over commit yourself in the run up to the end of the year and start the new Year with a problem.
 

Take a lesson from Scrooge

If you work with account customers, start your debtor follow up early. If your customers are under cashflow pressure, the Christmas period will only exacerbate it. The creditors that chase debt hard and early will get paid first. Don’t be the last supplier on the list; the bucket might be empty by then.

Christmas is a great time of year. Just don’t get caught up in the rush and forget about the basics.
 

Trading stock headaches

If business activity spikes over the Christmas period and you sell goods, then there is a temptation to increase stock levels. That makes sense as long as you don’t go too far. Too much stock post the Christmas period and you will either be carrying product that is out of season, or you will have too much cash tied up in trading stock. Try to work with suppliers that can supply on short notice.

Managing your trading stock is not just about managing cost. If your customers are in your store but can’t find what they need, have an online option available in store to take the sale.

The post What makes or breaks Christmas? appeared first on DGL Accountants.

From 1 July 2026, employers will be obligated to pay superannuation guarantee (SG) on behalf of their employees on the same day as salary and wages instead of the current quarterly payment sequence.

The rationale is that speeding up the payment sequence for SG will not only help reduce the estimated $3.4 billion gap between what is owed to employees and what has been paid, but will also improve outcomes for employees – the Government estimates that a 25‑year‑old median income earner currently receiving super quarterly and wages fortnightly could be around 1.5% better off at retirement.

Announced in the 2023-24 Federal Budget, payday super is not yet law. However, given the structural changes required to administer the new law, Treasury has released a fact sheet to help employers better understand the implications of the impending change.

How will payday super work?

Under payday super, the due date for SG payments will be seven days from when an ordinary times earning* payment is made.

That is, employers have seven days from an employee’s payday for their SG to be received by their super fund. The only exceptions are for new employees whose due date will be after their first two weeks of employment, and for small and irregular payments that occur outside the employee’s ordinary pay cycle.

Over the last few years, employers have moved to single touch payroll (STP) reporting for employee salary and wages. It is expected that payday super will fold into the existing electronic systems and some changes will be made to STP to collect ordinary times earning data.

The impact for some employers however will not be the compliance cost of administering the regular SG payments, but the cashflow. Employers will not be holding what will be 12% of their payroll until 28 days after the end of the quarter, but instead paying this amount out on the employee’s payday. The upside is that where an employer has either fallen behind or not paying SG, particularly when the business is insolvent, the damage is contained.

What happens if SG is paid late?

The penalties for underpaying or not paying SG are deliberately punitive and this approach will continue under payday super.

Currently, a super guarantee charge (SGC) applies to late SG payments – comprised of the employee’s superannuation guarantee shortfall amount, interest of 10% per annum from the start of the quarter the SG payment was due, and an administration fee of $20 for each employee with a shortfall per quarter. And, unlike normal superannuation guarantee contributions, SGC amounts are not deductible to the employer, even when the liability has been satisfied.

Under payday super, employees are fully compensated for delays in receiving SG amounts and larger penalties apply for employers that repeatedly fail to comply with their obligations. If you make a payment late, the SGC is made up of:

As you can see, if the proposed SGC becomes law, late SG payments can spiral out of control quickly. This will be a particular issue for employers that pay employees less than their entitlements over time, or have misclassified employees as contractors and have an outstanding SG obligation.

But, unlike the current SGC, the new SGC will be tax deductible (excluding penalties and interest that accrue if the SG charge amount is not paid within 28 days).

Payday super is not yet law. We will keep you up to date as change occurs and work with you to get it right once the details have been confirmed.

*Ordinary time earnings are the gross amount your employees earn for their ordinary hours of work including over-award payments, commissions, shift loading, annual leave loading and some allowances and bonuses.

The post Payday super: the details appeared first on DGL Accountants.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has initiated two data matching programs impacting investment property owners and those lucky enough to hold expensive lifestyle assets.

Investment property

What investment property owners declare and claim in their personal income tax returns is a constant focus for the ATO. Coming off the back of data matching programs reviewing residential investment property loan data, and landlord insurance, the ATO have initiated a new program capturing data from property management software from the 2018-19 financial year through to 2025-26. Data collected will include:

• Property owner identification details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, email addresses, business name and ABNs, if applicable;
• Details of the property itself – property address, date property first available for rent, property manager name and contact details, property manager ABN, property manager licence number, property owner or landlord bank details; and
• Property transaction details – period start and end dates, transaction type, description and amounts, ingoings and outgoings, and rental property account balances.

While the ATO commit to specific data matching campaigns, since 1 July 2016, they have also collected data from state and territory governments who are required to report transfers of real property to the ATO each quarter.

This latest data matching program ramps up the ATO’s focus on landlords, specifically targeting those who fail to lodge rental property schedules when required, omit or incorrectly report rental property income and deductions, and who omit or incorrectly report capital gains tax (CGT) details.

Lifestyle assets

Data from insurance providers is being used to identify and cross reference the ownership of expensive lifestyle assets. Included in the mix are:

• Caravans and motorhomes valued at $65,000 or over;
• Motor vehicles including cars & trucks and motorcycles valued at $65,000 or over;
• Thoroughbred horses valued at $65,000 or over;
• Fine art valued at $100,000 per item or over;
• Marine vessels valued at $100,000 or over; and
• Aircraft valued at $150,000 or over.

The data collected is substantial including the personal details of the policy holder, the policy details including purchase price and identification details, and primary use, among other factors.

The ATO is looking for those accumulating or improving assets and not reporting these in their income tax return, disposing of assets and not declaring the income and/or capital gains, incorrectly claiming GST credits, and importantly, omitted or incorrect fringe benefits tax (FBT) reporting where the assets are held by a business but used personally.

The post Property and ‘lifestyle’ assets in the spotlight appeared first on DGL Accountants.