Prime Ledger Accounting Blog

From 1 July 2026, employers must pay superannuation at the same time as wages, not quarterly. This is the biggest superannuation compliance change in years.

 

This change aims to reduce unpaid super and strengthen long‑term retirement savings for workers. Businesses will need to update payroll systems to stay compliant, as the ATO increases real‑time monitoring of super payments. Staying prepared for the payday super changes will help employers avoid penalties and maintain smooth payroll operations.

 

What this means:

 

• Super must reach the employee’s fund within 7 business days of payday.

• First payment for a new employee within 20 business days.

• ATO will monitor payments in real time via Single Touch Payroll.

• ATO will take a “soft compliance” approach in the first year for employers making genuine efforts.

 

From 1 July 2026, the ATO Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will officially close, marking a major shift for small employers managing super payments. Businesses that previously relied on the free ATO service will need to transition to a Super Stream‑compliant commercial clearing house or use the clearing tools built into their payroll software. With the SBSCH shutting down, employers should download their historical records and update their payroll processes early to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions to employee superannuation payments.

From 1 July 2026, new personal income tax cuts will come into effect, delivering savings for millions of Australians. The tax rate for income between $18,201 and $45,000 will drop from 16% to 15%, giving low‑ and middle‑income earners a noticeable boost in take‑home pay. These changes are part of the government’s broader tax reform plan aimed at easing cost‑of‑living pressures and supporting household budgets. Understanding the 2026 tax cuts now can help individuals plan ahead and make the most of the updated tax thresholds.