Practice Updates - February 2026

Key dates for employers to remember in 2026 

When you employ workers, you need to manage several tax and super obligations across the year. The key dates below will help you stay on track and prepare for upcoming changes. 

Key dates 

• 28 February 2026 – Lodge and pay your super guarantee charge (SGC if you missed the 28 January 2026 super guarantee due date for the October–December 2025 quarter. You should also start preparing for Payday Super commencing on 1 July 2026. 

• 31 March 2026 – End of the fringe benefits tax (FBT) year. Review any fringe benefits provided between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. 

• 28 April 2026 – Super guarantee contributions for the January–March 2026 quarter are due. 

• 21 May 2026 – Lodge and pay your FBT return if lodging by paper (or 25 June 2026 if lodging through a tax agent). 

• 28 May 2026 – Lodge and pay SGC if you missed the 28 April SG due date. 

• 1 July 2026 – Small Business Super Clearing House closes and Payday Super begins. 

• 14 July 2026 – Finalise Single Touch Payroll data for 2025–26. 

• 28 July 2026 – SG contributions for the April–June 2026 quarter are due. 

Fuel tax credit rates have increased 

Fuel tax credit rates increased on 2 February, so applying the correct rate is important to ensure you receive your full entitlement and avoid errors. The easiest way to get it right is to use the fuel tax credit calculator, which automatically applies the correct rates, calculates your credits, and supports simplified claims under $10,000. 

When completing your BAS, remember to apportion fuel correctly by separating fuel used on public roads, off public roads, or to power auxiliary equipment, and keep clear records of fuel purchases and business use. 

Departure Prohibition Order (DPO) banned from leaving the country 

The Commissioner may issue a Departure Prohibition Order (DPO) where there are reasonable grounds to believe a taxpayer may leave Australia without paying their tax or entering a satisfactory arrangement. 

The ATO may issue a Departure Prohibition Order (DPO) if someone has significant unpaid tax and is considered at risk of leaving Australia without resolving the debt. If a DPO is issued, the taxpayer will receive written notice explaining why the order was made, what steps can be taken to have it lifted, and what review or appeal options are available. In some situations, a person subject to a DPO can apply for permission to travel temporarily while their tax matters are being addressed. 

Historic first tax treaty between Australia and Croatia signed 

Australia and Croatia have signed their first tax treaty, strengthened economic ties and supported cross-border trade and investment. 

Once in force, the treaty will lower certain withholding tax rates, simplify compliance, and provide greater tax certainty for businesses and investors. It also enhances cooperation between tax authorities and aligns with efforts led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Group of Twenty (G20) to address profit shifting. 

The treaty will enter into force after both countries complete their domestic implementation processes. 

Payday superannuation 

The Australian Government has announced changes to the superannuation guarantee (SG) that will apply from 1 July 2026, requiring employers to pay SG at the same time as employees’ salary and wages under Payday Super. 

The measure was announced on 2 May 2023 and is now law following the passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Act 2025 and the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amendment Act 2025. 

Further supporting changes are proposed in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025, which is currently before Parliament or expected to be progressed through regulations. 

Lynden Group has previously discussed these changes in detail, you can read more here 

Superannuation tax draft released 

The Federal Government released exposure draft legislation for the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions) Bill 2025. The proposal would introduce an additional tax on investment earnings for superannuation balances above $3 million, with higher tiers applying to balances over $10 million. This represents a significant policy change for high-balance super accounts. 

FBT Statutory Interest Rate Reduced to 6.29% 

The rate of interest that applies to low-interest employment-related loans for fringe benefit tax purposes is decreasing again, this time from 6.67% to 6.29%. The new rate applies from the quarter beginning of 1 October 2025, with the relevant regulations coming into force on 25 December 2025. 

Australia’s Pillar Two lodgment obligations and exemptions 

Large multinational enterprise (MNE) groups that fall within Australia’s new Pillar Two global minimum tax rules should review whether any filing exemptions may apply to them. This requires assessing each group of entity and joint venture against the relevant exemption conditions. 

Importantly, eligibility must be reviewed every year. Changes in group structure, tax residency, safe harbour elections, consolidation of membership, or how other countries apply their minimum tax rules can affect the outcome. 

Even if an exemption applies, supporting documentation should be retained in case the ATO requests evidence. In some cases, nil returns may still be required, and certain notifications and reporting obligations may continue to apply. 

For entities that remain in scope, the ATO is expected to release the final combined global and domestic minimum tax return format ahead of the first lodgment date of 30 June 2026. Data-collection processes and draft return templates should be prepared well in advance. 

If you’d like help navigating these latest updates and understanding what they mean for your business, reach out to Lynden Group. Our team can support you in assessing the impact, staying compliant, and planning with confidence. 

Email: info@lyndengroup.com