1. Superannuation Payments – Compliance is Critical
We cannot stress enough the importance of paying superannuation on time. The ATO has significantly increased compliance activity, and even a one-day delay now results in mandatory Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) Statements, which carry costly financial implications:
Real-World Examples:
- Client A: Paid June 2023 super on 29 July 2023. The ATO identified the delay in 2024 and charged over $1,000 in interest (non-remittable). The client also lost the tax deduction for the superannuation paid.
- Client B: Owed $32,000 for March 2025 quarter but paid late on 16 May 2025. Interest of $3,200 was charged, plus $500 in admin fees for 20 employees. None of the late super was tax-deductible.
- Client C: Pays monthly, but missed the March 2025 payment. Despite paying January and February on time, they are non-compliant for the full quarter. A full SGC Statement must be lodged and none of the super is deductible for that quarter.
These situations are not isolated, and the consequences are significant.
Superannuation Due Dates for 2025:
Q1 (January to March 2025):
Covers the period 1 January – 31 March 2025.
Due Date: 28 April 2025.
Q2 (April to June 2025):
Covers the period 1 April – 30 June 2025.
Due Date: 28 July 2025.
Q3 (July to September 2025):
Covers the period 1 July – 30 September 2025.
Due Date: 28 October 2025.
Q4 (October to December 2025):
Covers the period 1 October – 31 December 2025.
Due Date: 28 January 2026.
Tip: If the 28th falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment must still be received on or before that date.
Super Processing Times:
If you are not using the ATO Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH):
- Allow up to 10 business days for processing.
- Super is not considered paid until it is received by the employee's fund.
- Submit well before the due date (ideally 7–10 business days in advance).
We recommend reviewing your payroll processes to ensure timely super payments and avoid unnecessary penalties.
Looking ahead to 1 July 2026, super will be due at the same time as wages, which should reduce compliance risks significantly.
2. ATO Debt Management – Key Information
We are seeing an increase in clients experiencing difficulty in managing ATO debts. The ATO is becoming more proactive and strict in pursuing unpaid balances, and we’re receiving more frequent contact on behalf of clients regarding outstanding liabilities.
While we’re here to assist, please note:
- Payment arrangements can take up to an hour to negotiate with the ATO.
- It is becoming increasingly difficult to secure arrangements if:
- There has been a default on a previous plan, or
- There is an existing unpaid balance from a prior arrangement.
- New tax debts are not automatically added to your existing payment plan – you must renegotiate with the ATO each time new liabilities arise.
- Fees will apply if you request our office to contact the ATO and organise a payment arrangement on your behalf.
If you prefer to manage this directly, you can contact the ATO on 13 11 42 to discuss your account.
3. Key Changes from 1 July 2025
Several regulatory changes come into effect at the start of the new financial year:
- Superannuation Guarantee Rate increases to 12% – ensure your payroll systems are updated accordingly.
- ATO General Interest Charges (GIC) will no longer be tax-deductible – this may increase your tax liability if you’re carrying an ATO debt.
Recommendation: Consider refinancing any ATO debt through commercial finance to retain the benefit of deductible interest. Our finance team is available to help assess your options and find the most cost-effective solution.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your EOFY obligations, superannuation payments, ATO debts, or financing options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Let’s work together to close out the year strong and set you up for success in 2025/2026.
