Centric Accountants Warns July 2026 Super Deadline Brings 60% Penalty as ATO Debt Hits $105 Billion
Updated
Updated · lincolnjournal.com · Jun 28
Centric Accountants Warns July 2026 Super Deadline Brings 60% Penalty as ATO Debt Hits $105 Billion
1 articles · Updated · lincolnjournal.com · Jun 28
Summary
July 1, 2026 will require super contributions to reach employee funds within seven business days of each payday, replacing quarterly payments and sharply tightening payroll compliance for small businesses.
A one-day miss can trigger the Superannuation Guarantee Charge — a 60% uplift on the unpaid amount, plus interest and a non-deductible administration fee — while labour-only ABN contractors may still attract super obligations.
ATO enforcement is already intensifying: Director Penalty Notices in 2024-25 jumped 136% to more than 84,000 as collectable tax debt reached a record $105 billion, increasing the risk that directors become personally liable for PAYG, super and GST debts.
TPAR has become another active pressure point, with more than 16,000 non-lodgment penalties already issued at an average of about $1,110, especially affecting construction and other contractor-heavy sectors.
Centric urged Melbourne trades and construction operators to review contractor classifications, payroll timing and lodgment processes now, arguing the three regimes can combine into backdated liabilities and personal exposure.