Published: August 2025
For small and medium business owners in Sydney, mastering tax deadlines is vital to ensure compliance with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), avoid penalties, and maintain healthy cash flow. The 2025–26 financial year, spanning 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, includes critical dates for Business Activity Statements (BAS), superannuation contributions, payroll tax, and more.
Missing these can trigger ATO penalties, starting at $313 for small entities and potentially climbing higher, as outlined in ATO regulations.
This guide, crafted for Sydney-based businesses, offers a clear, month-by-month schedule to keep you ahead. For instance, quarterly BAS lodgers should note 28 October, 28 February, 28 April, and 28 July to avoid rushed submissions that disrupt operations.
Sourced from ATO guidelines and industry standards, this calendar provides practical insights to simplify compliance. Whether you’re a contractor managing GST or a retailer tracking super, these dates directly affect your finances - let’s get started.
July kicks off the financial year, making it a prime time to organise records and plan for upcoming obligations.
August focuses on finalising prior-year reports while continuing monthly obligations.
September is quieter, ideal for preparing for the first quarter’s end.
October brings significant quarterly and individual tax deadlines.
November continues routine monthly lodgements.
December deadlines precede the holiday season, so plan early.
January includes super payments during post-holiday recovery.
February wraps up the second quarter.
March is lighter but signals the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year-end approaching.
April includes R&D claims and third-quarter deadlines.
Note: The FBT year (1 April to 31 March) concludes, with returns typically due in May 2026.
Use our free GST calculator here!
Self-lodged individual tax returns are due by 31 October 2025. Engaging a registered agent may extend this deadline based on your situation.
Quarterly BAS deadlines are 28 October 2025 (Q1), 28 February 2026 (Q2), 28 April 2026 (Q3), and 28 July 2026 (Q4), applicable to most SMBs with GST turnover below $20 million.
Missing deadlines, like 28 October for Q1, triggers the super guarantee charge, including the shortfall, interest, and a non-deductible admin fee.
Businesses in industries like construction, cleaning, or IT paying contractors must lodge TPAR by 28 August 2025 to support ATO income matching.
The rate is 11.5% of ordinary time earnings, part of the legislated increase to 12% by July 2025, as confirmed by the ATO.
It ends on 30 June 2026, marking the start of preparations for the next year’s tax obligations.
For Sydney businesses searching for expert bookkeeping to navigate tax compliance, Sydney Bookkeeper (www.sydneybookkeeper.com.au) delivers. We specialise in BAS preparation, payroll processing, superannuation management, and year-end reconciliations. We offer cloud-based solutions with Xero, proactive deadline reminders, and custom advice to keep you penalty-free. Contact us to simplify your finances and drive growth.
sydney bookkeeper offers expert bookkeeping services sydney-wide for business owners, finance managers, and accounting firms to fuel local business growth.our sydney team delivers affordable packages, including professional bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and xero services.
from reconciliations to bas and xero setup, we ensure ato compliance, cut costs, and automate tasks, helping you scale confidently without long term contracts.perfect for businesses throughout sydney seeking reliable, local support.
ready to simplify bookkeeping and focus on growth?
our sydney bookkeeper experts will assess your needs and show how much time and money you can
save with our tailored services. no lock-in contracts.
pay only for what you use and pause anytime.
