Managing a successful trade business requires more than just expert craftsmanship; it demands precise financial timing. The ATO enforces strict deadlines for Australian businesses to ensure national tax compliance and consistent revenue flow. For a professional tradie operation, missing these key dates can result in non-deductible penalties and increased scrutiny from the ATO compliance division.
At Hillier’s Advisors in Belmont, we provide the professional oversight needed to manage these obligations effectively. By utilizing a registered tax agent, your business often gains access to extended lodgment and payment concessions, allowing for better cash flow management throughout the financial year.
Superannuation compliance is a major priority for the ATO in 2026. Employers must ensure that contributions reach the employee's fund by the quarterly deadlines to avoid the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC).
- December Quarter Super - 28 January
- March Quarter Super - 28 April
- Final 2026 Super payment (for tax deduction) - 30 June
- June Quarter Super - 28 July
- September Quarter Super - 28 October
Failure to pay Super on time means the payment is no longer tax-deductible, effectively increasing the cost of your labour. Furthermore, the ATO uses data-matching through Single Touch Payroll (STP) to monitor these payments in real-time.
Lodging a Business Activity Statement (BAS) through a registered agent provides a significant time advantage. These concessions help businesses ensure their GST and PAYG withholding figures are reconciled accurately before submission.
December Quarter BAS (Oct–Dec)
March Quarter BAS (Jan–Mar)
June Quarter BAS (Apr–Jun)
September Quarter BAS (Jul–Sep)
While the February deadline remains the same for everyone due to the end-of-year break, the May, August, and November extensions provide four extra weeks to manage your cash flow and ensure your BAS is audit-proof.
Businesses with higher turnover or those required to report PAYG withholding monthly must adhere to the 21st of each month. Unlike quarterly statements, monthly IAS (Installment Activity Statements) rarely receive lodgment extensions, making them a high-priority task.
- December & January BAS/IAS - 21 February
- February BAS/IAS - 21 March
- March BAS/IAS - 21 April
- April BAS/IAS - 21 May
- May BAS/IAS - 21 June
- June BAS/IAS - 21 July
- July BAS/IAS - 21 August
- August BAS/IAS - 21 September
- September BAS/IAS - 21 October
- October BAS/IAS - 21 November
- November BAS/IAS - 21 December
Consistency in monthly reporting is essential for maintaining a positive "compliance profile" with the ATO, which can reduce the likelihood of future audits or reviews.
Navigating a tradie business through the end of the financial year involves more than just an income tax return. Compliance also extends to FBT returns for work vehicles and STP (Single Touch Payroll) finalization to ensure employees can access their tax information.
- 2026 FBT Return (Electronic via Agent) - 25 June
- 2026 STP Finalisation - 14 July
- 2026 TBAR Report (Trusts) - 28 August
- Payroll Tax (NSW Monthly) - 7th of each month
- Trust Distribution Resolutions - 30 June
Please note: The due dates above apply where lodgments are made electronically and a registered tax agent is used. If you do not lodge electronically or do not use a tax agent, your due dates may vary.
The deadline for your 2025 income tax return depends heavily on your business structure and total turnover. Large entities have much earlier deadlines than small sole trader or family-run tradie companies.
- 2025 Income Tax (Turnover >$20m) - 15 January
- 2025 Income Tax (Turnover >$2m) - 31 March
- All other entities (Tax Agent clients) - 15 May
While May 15th is the final date for many, the ATO often grants an automatic "no-penalty" concession until 5 June for those who lodge and pay electronically. At Hillier's, we aim to lodge much earlier to provide you with clarity on your tax position and cash flow requirements.
In 2026, the ATO utilizes sophisticated data-matching to identify late lodgments and underpayments in real-time. Failing to hit these dates can trigger Failure to Lodge (FTL) penalties, which currently sit at $313 per 28-day period for small entities.
Furthermore, the ATO has removed the tax-deductibility of interest charges on tax debts. This means that any interest accrued on a late BAS or PAYG liability is a direct hit to your bottom line that cannot be offset against your income.
A significant shift is approaching on 1 July 2026. The government's Payday Super initiative will require Super to be paid at the same time as salary and wages. For many businesses used to quarterly payments, this will be a major change to cash flow habits. By working with Hillier's now, you can transition your payroll systems early and avoid a last-minute scramble.
Managing the financial trajectory of a successful trade business requires specialized knowledge and timely action. For businesses operating in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions, staying ahead of these dates is the only way to protect your commercial reputation and financial standing.
At Hillier’s Advisors, we work with tradie owners to automate these deadlines. By using Xero and modern payroll systems, we ensure that your Super, PAYG, and GST are tracked throughout the month, leaving no room for "deadline surprises." Our team of Chartered Accountants is dedicated to ensuring your business meets every ATO requirement while you focus on on-site delivery.
Ensure your business is protected from late penalties.Book your free 15-minute "Compliance Check" call with our Belmont team today and let us streamline your 2026 tax calendar.
Since 1989 Hillier’s Advisors have been delivering financial services to individuals, businesses and business owners across Newcastle and the wider Hunter Region. A major focus for the Hillier’s Advisors team and the work we do is providing the right financial advice when our clients need it, not just when they ask for it.
