If You Have Employees, These EOFY Deadlines Matter
The end of financial year always brings a cluster of payroll and superannuation obligations that arrive all at once.
Every year, we see business owners caught out by deadlines that seem further away than they are. To help you stay on track, we’ve put together a list of the key dates coming up and what you should be doing now to prepare.
Before 30 June 2026
Super contributions: lock in your deduction
If you want to claim a tax deduction for super contributions this financial year, the contribution must be received by the fund before 30 June, not simply transferred from your bank account.
In practice, payments made in the final days of June can take several days to clear, which may push the deduction into the next financial year.
To avoid any issues, aim to process contributions at least a week before year-end. Many funds require contributions to be received by around 21 June to guarantee processing before 30 June. If you’re unsure of your fund’s cut-off date, it’s worth checking now rather than leaving it until the last minute.
Payday Super: now is the time to prepare
From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay superannuation with each pay run instead of making quarterly payments.
For many businesses, this is one of the most significant payroll changes in years. It will affect cashflow timing, payroll processes and the way super contributions are managed and reported.
If your payroll setup hasn’t been reviewed with Payday Super in mind, now is the time. Some payroll systems and clearing houses require updates or configuration changes before the new rules take effect.
Businesses currently using the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) should also be aware that the service closes permanently from 1 July 2026. If you haven’t transitioned to an alternative provider yet, it’s important to do so before the new financial year begins.
Download our Payday Super Readiness Checklist for a practical guide to the key actions employers should take before 1 July. The checklist can be downloaded here.
14 July 2026
STP Finalisation
Single Touch Payroll (STP) finalisation declarations must be completed by 14 July 2026 so that employee income statements are available through myGov.
Until STP is finalised, employees cannot access their tax information or lodge their tax returns.
For closely held employees, such as family members on the payroll, the deadline is extended to 30 September 2026.
21–28 July 2026
Payroll Tax Annual Returns
If your business is liable for payroll tax, annual returns are due by:
- 21 July 2026 in Queensland
- 28 July 2026 in New South Wales and the ACT
Payroll tax thresholds vary between states, and growing businesses can sometimes cross the threshold without realising it. If you’re unsure whether payroll tax applies to your business, now is a good time to review your position.
28 July 2026
Q4 Super Guarantee: Don’t Miss This Deadline
The deadline for June quarter super contributions is 28 July 2026.
However, due to the complexities under the transition to Payday Super, we recommend making payment for Q4 as early as possible – ideally prior to making your first PayDay Super payments.
This would ensure there is no incorrect allocation of super contributions between periods, which might necessitate time consuming communication with superannuation funds in order to correct.
Missing this deadline can trigger the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), which includes the unpaid super, interest and administration fees. Unlike normal super contributions, SGC amounts are also generally not tax deductible.
Need Help Navigating EOFY?
With multiple payroll and superannuation deadlines falling within weeks of year-end, a little planning now can help you avoid penalties, cashflow pressure and unnecessary stress.
If you’re unsure how these obligations apply to your business, speak with one of our accountants. We can help you navigate EOFY requirements, prepare for Payday Super and ensure you’re starting the new financial year on the right foot. Talk to us today.