The cost of living has eased over the past year but consumers are still under pressure. For business, planning is the key to managing Christmas volatility.  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 cash flow crunch  The New Year often leads into a quieter trading and tighter cash flow 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 cash flow 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.  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. Christmas is a great time of year. Just don’t get caught up in the rush and remember your business basics. Call Collins Hume in Ballina on 02 6686 3000 for any help you might need in your business before Christmas to see you through the festive season.

Helpful and holistic support for business owners  As a business owner, you know that staying on top of your finances is essential, but what if you had a partner who could do more than just look at the past? At Collins Hume, we’re here to guide your business into the future, offering tailored advisory services that go beyond traditional accounting.  In the current challenging environment, business owners need more than just an annual set of accounts or a tax return. They need an ongoing partner who understands the intricacies of their business and can provide real-time insights and strategic advice. That's where our Strategy360 services come in, providing hands on practical guidance, not just reports.  Guiding Your Business Future — What Does That Look Like?  1. Tailored Business Performance Solutions: we simplify the complexities of your business. By collaborating closely with you, we focus on achieving meaningful outcomes that align with your unique objectives. Our customised solutions aim to enhance your business performance, boost profits and improve cash flow, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.  2. Enhancing Business Value: Our approach is centred on increasing the value of your business. Through our expertise and strategic resources, we help you optimise ongoing earnings, drive business growth and ensure that your business valuation increases, providing you with a more secure financial future.  3. Reducing Risks and Improving Stability: We leverage robust technology and diverse industry experience to reduce the risks and uncertainties that many businesses face. By strengthening your business’s resilience, we help you navigate through market volatility and ensure ongoing success.  4. Supporting Your Lifestyle and Legacy: Our approach focuses on more than just numbers . We aim to improve the lifestyle outcomes you gain from owning a business and help you build a lasting legacy. By providing dedicated, ongoing support, we give you peace of mind, so you can rest easy knowing your business is in good hands.  Why use a Business Adviser?  Working with Collins Hume offers numerous benefits. We tailor our solutions to your precise needs, designed to improve business performance, minimise risks, boost business value, advance strategic initiatives, and execute plans effectively.   Our approach ensures that your business receives targeted support and guidance, ultimately leading to enhanced success and growth.  We understand that many business owners are great at what they do, but may not necessarily have the financial expertise or confidence to manage certain aspects on their own, and that’s where we step in to provide the ongoing support you need. Our goal is to help your business thrive, not just survive, by providing the tools and insights that make a difference all year long.  Elevate your business to new heights. Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you achieve a better performing business and lifestyle.

Kirra Connell started her role as an Admin Assistant at Collins Hume in May 2024, bringing a fresh perspective as she starts out on her career journey.   Originally from Rockhampton, Kirra’s family moved around a bit, finally settling in the Northern Rivers 10 years ago. Surrounded by individuals working in finance, Kirra found her interest piqued in the world of accounting, leading her to pursue a Business Certificate III, with aspirations of furthering her studies via Collins Hume’s traineeship into accounting via a Certificate IV and mastering Xero.  Being her first job after Year 11, Kirra has embraced the challenges and opportunities at Collins Hume. “I find accounting useful and meaningful for clients. Observing how accounting is done is enjoyable,” she says.   Driven by curiosity and a desire to help others, she’s excited about the hands-on learning she’s receiving, both from her duties and the team around her.  In her role, Kirra handles various responsibilities, from invoicing and managing client documents to covering reception and keeping up with ATO correspondence. One of her key responsibilities is managing ensuring client data is up-to-date.   "I set up new individual clients on our systems and adjust their profiles to be accurate, following up any missing contact details or updates needed," Kirra explains. She’s also responsible for tracking payments, ensuring they are allocated correctly and following up on any overpayments or outstanding balances.  Kirra's ambition doesn’t stop at her day-to-day tasks. She is excited to continue her professional journey at Collins Hume, where the welcoming and friendly environment, combined with the firm's reputation, solidifies her path toward a successful career in accounting. "The traineeship leading into an accounting career is really appealing," she says.  Beyond the office, Kirra is immensely creative, with talents in making gifts and crafting — including crocheting her formal dress! She enjoys staying active by exploring the region’s waterfalls and beaches and is also passionate about animals, showcasing a personality that blends her professional drive with her personal interests.  As she continues her journey at Collins Hume, Kirra is excited to grow, learn and eventually take on more complexity in her role, all while making a meaningful impact on the clients she assists.

Stunning Performances raise over $100k for Cancer Council The Stars of Ballina event, held on 22 November at Ballina RSL, brought the house down with spectacular performances and smashed fundraising targets in support of the Cancer Council. One of the night’s standout acts was a dramatic contemporary dance to Lose Control  by Teddy Swims, performed by Collins Hume Partner and CEO, Christopher Atkinson, with professional dance coach team mate, Maree White. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Mandy Nolan, the performance left the audience in awe. The judges were full of praise for Chris and Maree's performance, highlighting their incredible energy, strong connection and the creative choreography that kept the audience captivated. They were especially blown away by what Chris was able to achieve on the dance floor, commending his confidence and ability to take on such a dynamic and challenging routine thanks to Maree’s training. “I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us on this journey – from my family, friends, and the amazing Collins Hume team, to our sponsors and the entire Ballina community,” said Chris. “Your encouragement, donations and belief in me, even when my dance moves were questionable at best, made all the difference.” “A huge thank you to Maree for being the best dance partner I could ask for and to the judges for their kind words – it’s been an unforgettable experience, and I couldn’t have done it without all of you!" Reflecting on their performance, Mandy said, “I have to say wow. I will never make a joke about accountants ever again.” The humorous and heartfelt banter continued as Mandy remarked on Chris’ leadership and the importance of showing flexibility, “More CEOs should be doing this!” When asked about the experience, Chris said that he wanted to enjoy every second of it. The audience erupted when Mandy asked if Chris had beautiful moves and Chris humbly admitted that the hardest part was perfecting some of the lifts, “We just had great time out there. Chris pulled it off, big time,” Maree said. This year’s Stars of Ballina event exceeded the initial fundraising target of $60,000, reaching an incredible $101,000 – a testament to the generosity of the Northern Rivers community. Chris and Maree celebrated not once, but twice on the night. They were named Judges’ Choice Runner-Up and Fundraiser Award Runner-Up after surpassing their personal fundraising goal of $15,000. Chris accepted the Fundraiser Runner-Up Award presented by Collins Hume Partner Kelly Crethar and Tamara Hepburn, and the Judges’ Choice Runner-Up Award, presented by Curves Ballina. Tara Koellner from the Cancer Council added, “To Chris & Maree: WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! Naturally, I have seen you perform this routine a few times in rehearsal, but on event night it hit different. Your routine was so powerful, so theatrical and so technical. It was a beautiful routine that unfolded and told a story on stage, and I could see people genuinely mesmerized in the crowd by this performance.” “A huge achievement and a routine that was so completely different from the rest of the group. You were my only Male Star Chris, and I feel you have set the tone so positively now for the men of the Ballina Shire to take part in future events and furthermore be somewhat of a mentor to push this experience on them. A huge congrats to you both, you should be so proud!” Collins Hume played a significant role as gold sponsors of the event, alongside Headroom Hair and Curves Ballina. The Collins Hume team turned out in force to support Chris, joined by his wife and daughters, celebrating a remarkable performance and fundraising achievement. Donations are still being accepted for this incredible cause. To contribute, visit Chris Atkinson’s fundraising page . The evening was a resounding success, with the Ballina RSL providing the perfect backdrop for an event that blended joy, creativity and a heartfelt commitment to making a difference. Congratulations to all the Stars of Ballina for their spectacular performances and for raising funds to support vital cancer research and services! For more details, visit Stars of Ballina  and @maree_white_dance .

Summarised below are the ATO’s super guarantee annual employer compliance results for 2023–24 The Tax Office finalised 23,600 super guarantee (SG) cases in total during the 2023–24 financial year, resulting in $659M super guarantee charge liabilities. Read more » This is part of the ATO’s revised (and aggressive) approach targeting businesses that fail to respond to unpaid tax and superannuation reminders. Key points Intensified focus on businesses that ignore unpaid tax and super notices Stricter actions  for those not responding to reminders, including SMS and letters Prompt action urged to avoid penalties. Key Changes to ATO Debt Collection The ATO’s revised approach includes: Director Penalty Notices (DPNs):  Directors of businesses with outstanding Goods and Services Tax (GST), Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding, or superannuation guarantee charge (SGC) obligations who fail to engage will face quicker action, including the issuance of DPNs. Directors of multiple companies may receive DPNs that cover all related entities. Garnishee Notices:  The ATO may issue garnishee notices to financial institutions, employers or other businesses that hold funds for non-compliant companies or individuals. Engaging External Debt Collection Agencies:  From January 2024, the ATO has engaged Recoveries Corp to assist in the collection of overdue debts. Anyone who receives a call from debt collectors are urged to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of the communication. The ATO has emphasised  that businesses failing to meet their tax obligations not only jeopardise their own financial health but also pose risks to other small businesses and employees. As a result, the ATO is implementing a more targeted strategy aimed at businesses that refuse to respond or set up payment plans. It is best to take swift  action on an outstanding tax debt. For those unable to pay their full obligations, payment plans can be set up through the ATO’s online services. It is important to note that taxpayers with debts under $200,000 can request these arrangements online through their tax agent or independently. In cases of genuine financial hardship, there are additional options available, including deferred payments and interest remissions. However, address any outstanding issues proactively to avoid further penalties. ATO phone campaign to recover debts Stay cautious and never disclose personal information, such as tax file numbers or credit card details, over the phone. Always request a call reference and independently contact the ATO using a publicly listed number for verification. If you have any concerns regarding the legitimacy of ATO communications, contact Collins Hume on 02 6686 3000. Our team is here to help you navigate these changes and ensure that your business remains compliant with the latest tax obligations and avoid costly interest penalties and fines. Further reading ATO changing approach to collecting unpaid tax and super » Find out what happens if you don't pay your ATO debt » Director penalties »

Uber Triumphs Over $81.5 Million Payroll Tax Challenge in NSW Supreme Court Rules Uber Drivers Are Not Employees, Revoking Payroll Tax Assessments and Clarifying Contractor Relationships Multinational ride-sharing system Uber has successfully contested six Revenue NSW payroll tax assessments totalling over $81.5 million. The assessments were issued on the basis that Uber drivers were employees and therefore payroll tax was payable.   The Payroll Tax Act 2007 (NSW) imposes the tax on all taxable wages paid or payable by an employer. The Act also extends to contractors by capturing payments made “by a person who, during a financial year, supplies services to another person under a contract (relevant contract) under which the first person (designated person) has supplied to the designated person the services of persons for or in relation to the performance of work.”  So, are Uber drivers employees? The New South Wales Supreme Court says no. Among the reasons is that, “amounts paid or payable by Uber to the drivers or partners were not for or in relation to the performance of work …and are not taken to be wages paid or payable.”  The payroll tax assessments were revoked.  Uber is a special case because of its method of operation. Businesses working with contractors need to be vigilant that they have assessed the relationship with their contractors correctly. If your business works with contractors, it’s crucial to ensure you’ve assessed these relationships correctly to avoid potential tax liabilities. Need help navigating payroll tax and contractor obligations? Contact Collins Hume in Ballina to safeguard your business and ensure compliance!

Creating a culture of accountability in your business can be a game-changer, but it’s no small feat. Many business owners find it challenging to implement a system that truly holds everyone accountable. One of the biggest obstacles is maintaining accountability during meetings with your management team. It's tough to hold others to their commitments when you haven't met your own. These meetings should focus on critical issues that need attention,  not just routine updates.  Another challenge comes when responsibility is spread across committees or teams. It's easy for accountability to get lost when everyone assumes someone else is taking care of it. Instead, appoint a single person responsible for overseeing each task or project. Even if they delegate, they must ensure the job gets done.  4 Steps to Create Accountability  1. Define Clear Outcomes   Start by setting specific outcomes with clear actions and deadlines. Whether it's individual performance, team goals, or broader business objectives, clarity is key. Set short-term goals—monthly or even weekly—that are easy to track.  2. Regular Reporting   Establish a routine for reporting progress. This should include:  What’s been achieved  What hasn’t been met and why, along with corrective actions  Plans for the next period  Any concerns or potential obstacles.  3. Review Meetings   If things aren’t on track, schedule a review meeting with the relevant team members. Use this time to agree on corrective actions and set up follow-up meetings to ensure progress.  4. Escalation Process   If someone consistently misses deadlines or fails to deliver, it’s time to escalate. Involve senior management to address the issue. Often, the pressure of being held accountable by peers is enough to drive improvement. If not, additional meetings might be necessary to discuss their performance and next steps.  Maintaining Accountability  Your goal is to ensure that no one can dodge responsibility. By setting clear expectations and consistently monitoring progress, you can build a strong culture of accountability. If someone repeatedly ignores the process, it’s crucial that senior management addresses the behaviour head-on, regardless of their position in the company. Continued failure to comply may lead to serious reconsideration of their role.  This process isn’t about making threats. It’s about being transparent. Everyone should understand why escalation is happening and what is expected of them.  Consistency is Key  Many businesses struggle to maintain accountability because they lack consistency. To build a lasting culture, you need to stick to your framework, even when it’s tough.   Start by defining clear outcomes, setting actions, and establishing deadlines. Implement a solid reporting process and engage in regular follow-up discussions. You might be surprised at how much this can boost your business’s performance.  Elevate your business to new heights. Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you tailor a business advisory program to suit your specific requirements.

Business Advisors, Accountants and Bookkeepers Poised to Help Businesses Survive As business conditions continue to tighten, small and medium businesses (SMBs) are facing significant challenges. High interest rates, inflation, and a wave of business failures are putting many at risk of collapse. However, business advisors, accountants and bookkeepers have a critical role to play in helping SMBs navigate these turbulent times.  According to Paul Robson, CEO of MYOB, a lack of fiscal management skills is evident in many business owners, leading to significant issues, particularly after six months of operation. Robson notes several key areas of concern, including poor understanding of supplier payment terms, unfamiliarity with credit terms, ineffective debtor management systems and failure to plan for Australian Taxation Office (ATO) payments.  These issues have been further underscored by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, who has raised alarm over the ATO's pursuit of tax debt. Billson also highlighted a 3.5% deterioration in business conditions over the past year and a concerning decline in small business contributions to the economy, with their share of economic activity dropping from 40% in 2006 to just 33% today.  Despite these statistics, SMBs can take steps to regain control and build resilience.   A trusted and skilled advisor can be a lifeline for these businesses by providing essential services such as:  Preparation of realistic business plans  Crafting budgets and cash flow forecasts aligned with business objectives  Structuring payment times with key suppliers based on realistic cash flow  Implementing effective debtor management systems  Creating systems that provide daily key financial information  Producing weekly performance reports with key performance indicators  Preparing monthly profit and loss statements and budget variance reports.  Additionally, advisors can offer virtual CFO services, act as a sounding board for strategic decisions, and provide tailored advisory services, such as a 52-week business enhancement system, to address the knowledge gap many SMBs are currently facing.  Business owners struggling to keep afloat are urged to seek professional advisory services to navigate these challenges and rebuild stronger, more sustainable enterprises.  Galvanise your business for resilience in the current climate. Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you achieve a better performing business and lifestyle.

When you’re busy with life, refinancing can seem like a hassle. However, with a mortgage broker to guide you through the process, it doesn’t have to be!  Refinancing may allow you to switch to a more competitive home loan, thereby potentially saving you money in interest.   It can also help you achieve other goals, like using different finance options to renovate your property or consolidating your debt and paying it off more efficiently. You may even consider refinancing to access equity to buy an investment property or another big-ticket item like a pool.  Here are the steps involved in the refinancing process: Step 1: Work out your financial goals Do you want to find a loan with a lower interest rate? Perhaps you’d like to explore some of the interest-saving loan features that are available nowadays like offset accounts and redraw facilities?  It’s important to understand what your financial goals are so that we can help you to access the finance you need to achieve them.  Step 2: Compare home loan options  Next, it’s time to do some research. Trying to understand all the different home loan options available and consulting with different lenders can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Instead, get us to do the hard yards for you. We can explain which home loans may be suitable and help you narrow down your options.  Step 3: Submit your loan application Once you’ve decided which home loan is right for you, we’ll take care of your mortgage application.  Just like when you applied for your original loan, you’ll need to supply certain documents. These usually include identification, proof of income, home loan statements, and records of living expenses, liabilities and assets.  The new lender may also require a property valuation. This helps them to determine how much they are willing to lend you.  Step 4: Discharge your existing loan and settle your new one  When your chosen lender approves your new loan, we will let your current lender know you plan to discharge, or pay out, your existing loan. We’ll keep you informed throughout the settlement process and let you know when your new lender has paid out your old loan.   Step 5: Start making repayments  After settlement, you’ll receive documentation explaining the ins and outs of your new loan. Then, it’s time to start making repayments.   All up, in most cases the process of refinancing usually takes anywhere from four to eight weeks. The timeline depends on the lender, how quickly you submit the required paperwork and the strength of your application. Some lenders may offer a fast-tracked service.  Ready to get started? As you can see, refinancing may not be as hard as you think. If you’re interested in comparing what loan options are available for you, get in touch today. Email  David at Regional Finance Solutions or phone him on 0418785747. Article used with permission from David Seymour at Regional Finance Solutions Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence Number: 484980 | ABN: 71 163 893 945.

Unlock up to $300,000 in super contributions from your home sale. How downsizer contributions work and why more women are taking advantage of this opportunity. If you are aged 55 years or older, the downsizer contribution rules enable you to contribute up to $300,000 from the proceeds of the sale of your home to your superannuation fund (eligibility criteria applies).  In 2023-24, over 57% of people making a ‘downsizer’ contribution to super were women. And, the average value of the contribution was marginally higher at $262,000 versus $259,000 contributed by men.   The most likely age someone makes a downsizer contribution is between 65 and 69. From age 65, a downsizer contribution can be withdrawn from super if your circumstances change, even if you are still working. Those aged 55 to 64 generally won’t have access to these funds until they are at least 60 and retired.  Downsizer contributions are excluded from the existing upper age test, work test, and the total super balance rules (but the amount that can be moved to a retirement pension is limited by your transfer balance cap).  For couples, both members of a couple can take advantage of the concession for the same home. That is, if you or your spouse meet the other criteria, both of you can contribute up to $300,000 ($600,000 per couple). This is the case even if one of you did not have an ownership interest in the property that was sold (assuming they meet the other criteria).    To be eligible to make a downsizer contribution you do not have to buy another home once you have sold your existing home, and you are not required to buy a smaller home - you could buy a larger and more expensive one and make a downsizer contribution if you have access to other funds.  Please contact Collins Hume in Ballina on 02 6686 3000 if you would like the facts about downsizer contributions.

ASIC’s annual insolvency data shows corporate business failure is up 39% compared to last financial year. The industries with the highest representation were construction, accommodation and food services at the top of the list.  Restructuring appointments grew by over 200% in 2023-24. Small business restructuring allows eligible companies – those whose liabilities do not exceed $1 million plus other criteria – to retain control of its business while it develops a plan to restructure its affairs. This is done with the assistance of a restructuring practitioner with a view to entering into a restructuring plan with creditors.  Of the 573 companies that entered restructuring after 1 January 2021 and had completed their restructuring plan by 30 June 2024, 89.4% remain registered, 5.4% have gone into liquidation, and 5.2% were deregistered as at 30 June 2024.  In the latest statement from the Reserve Bank of Australia, Michelle Bullock stated that, “...there’s also some signs that the business sector is under a bit of pressure, that the business outlook isn’t as rosy as it was.” Productivity is also lagging. Strategically, managers need to be on top of their numbers to identify and manage problems before they get out of hand. If you do not know what the key drivers of your business are - the things that make the difference between doing well and going under - then it’s time to find out.      A business becomes insolvent when it can’t pay its debts when they fall due.  The top three reasons why companies fail are:  Poor strategic management  Inadequate cashflow or high cash use  Trading losses. It’s easy to miss the warning signs and rely on optimism that things will get better if you can just get past a slump. The common problem areas are:   Significant below budget performance.  Substantial increases in fixed costs without an increase in revenues - Fixed costs are costs that you incur irrespective of your business activity level. When fixed costs go up, they have a direct impact on your profitability. If your fixed costs are increasing, such as leasing more space, hiring more people, buying more plant and equipment, but there is no measurable increase in your turnover and gross profit, it might tip you over.    Falling gross profit margins - Your gross profit margin is the margin between your sales, minus cost of goods sold. Every dollar you lose in gross profit is a dollar off your bottom line.   Funding your business primarily from debt rather than equity finance.  Falling sales - If sales are falling, it is going to have a ripple through effect on your business, reducing profit contribution and inhibiting growth.   Delaying payment to creditors - Your sales are good but you don’t seem to have enough cash in the business to pay your creditors on time.  Spending in excess of cashflow - Trying to pay today’s expenses with tomorrow’s income.    Poor financial reporting systems - Driving your business with a blindfold over your eyes!  Growing too quickly - You’re making more sales than your business can sustain.   Substantial bad debts or ‘dead’ stock - Customers who won’t pay their accounts and stock that you can’t sell. For a business structure review appointment with expert advice, call Collins Hume in Ballina (Byron Bay by appointment) on 02 6686 3000.

Employers Face New Reforms with Payday Super The Government’s upcoming Payday Super reform, set to take effect on 1 July 2026, will mark a significant shift for employers by requiring them to pay superannuation contributions on payday, rather than quarterly. Please note: Employers face daily interest on unpaid super Employers must switch to modern payroll solutions to meet new payday super requirements The ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will be retired on 1 July 2026. Under the new system, employers will be required to make Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions within seven calendar days of paying their employees’ wages. Failure to do so will result in immediate penalties, including a new SG charge that carries daily interest on unpaid super. The general interest charge for unpaid super, currently at 11.36% (July – September 2024 quarter), will apply on a compounding basis from the day after the due date, further incentivising timely payments. Employers who fail to meet these obligations will face larger penalties, especially if they are repeat offenders. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will have enhanced tools and visibility, allowing it to proactively identify missed or late payments through Single Touch Payroll (STP) data, ensuring non-compliance is addressed swiftly. This reform will empower employees to monitor their super entitlements more closely and take action against any instances of unpaid super by reporting to the Fair Work Ombudsman or the ATO. In a move that reflects the evolution of payroll solutions and the increasing need for efficiency, the ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will be retired on 1 July 2026. Employers, particularly small businesses, will be required to transition to more modern, fit-for-purpose payroll solutions that facilitate the new payday super requirements. The ATO will work closely with small businesses during the transition to ensure they are supported in adopting suitable alternatives. This reform is expected to enhance both retirement savings and superannuation system efficiency while creating a more accountable and transparent environment for employers and employees alike. This change is part of the broader Securing Australians’ Superannuation Package, aimed at tackling unpaid super and ensuring more dignified retirements for workers. At Collins Hume, we know that running a business is challenging enough without the added stress of payroll compliance. We help business owners manage their employer obligations with ease. Our goal is to allow you to focus on what matters most – growing your business. For payroll help and compliance, please contact Collins Hume's Bookkeeping team on 02 6686 3000. Source: treasury.gov.au