The latest episode of the BK Pod is out now—bringing you practical insights and updates to support your practice as we move into 2026.

Kelvin Deer (ABN Director) steps through a suite of new and upcoming tools for BAS agents, including the BAS Agent Readiness Checklist, AML/CTF Kit, Supervision & Review Playbook, Breach Reporting Guide, and the soon-to-be-released Payday Super Kit.

Then Peter Thorp and Kerrie Jarius unpack the ATO’s recent changes to the General Interest Charge (GIC) remission process. They explain what’s new, how to lodge remission requests using the new form, and what bookkeepers can expect when dealing with debts under—and over—$2,500.

In this episode:

• Your 2026 Toolkit for AML, Payday Super, QMS, plus staff/contractor supervision, and the updated breach reporting rules
• How to use the new ATO remission form and where to lodge it
• Why small debt cases under $2,500 may now be faster and easier to resolve
• What the new written outcomes mean for you and your clients
• Which remission claims still rely on individual case officer discretion

In this episode of the BK Pod, we cover three key developments impacting bookkeepers and their clients: the evolving legal tests distinguishing contractors from employees, the upcoming closure of the ATO’s Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH), and important reminders around cyber security heading into the new year.

The episode focuses on the recent Dickerson v Kagura Games case, which examined whether a remote Australian worker—contracted by a US gaming company—was an employee under the Fair Work Act. Despite the contract being labelled “independent contractor,” the Fair Work Commission applied the new section 15AA test, introduced in August 2024. This test looks beyond the contract to the true nature and substance of the working relationship. In this case, the Commission found that Ms Dickerson was, in fact, an employee, due to the control and direction imposed on her by the company.

We also discuss the closure of the SBSCH, which will be permanently decommissioned at 11.59 pm on 30 June 2026. Bookkeepers should begin preparing clients now for this transition. The ATO has confirmed that access to the system and its stored information will cease at that time, with no guarantee of post-closure access. However, SG payments can still be made using previously generated payment references until 28 July 2026—as long as the submission was made before the June deadline.

The final segment focuses on cyber security risks, particularly around ATO systems and client portals. While the ATO will usually cover fraudulent activity when a breach occurs without agent or client fault, the administrative burden and reputational risk remain significant. The key message here is that proactive cyber hygiene—including strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and client education—is essential heading into the new year.

Key Takeaways

• The section 15AA test under the Fair Work Act looks at the real working relationship, not just the contract terms.
• Even if someone is labelled a contractor, they may still be an employee for Fair Work purposes—bringing super, leave, and unfair dismissal rights into play.
• The ATO’s SBSCH will close permanently on 30 June 2026—ensure clients extract reports and transition to a new clearing house well before then.
• SG payments submitted before 30 June can still be paid up to 28 July 2026 using existing PRNs.
• Cyber attacks on tax and BAS agents are rising—now’s the time to review and reinforce your digital security systems.

In this episode, Kelvin Deer, Peter Thorp and Kerrie Jarius tackle two of the biggest upcoming changes impacting bookkeepers and BAS Agents — the expansion of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules and the introduction of Payday Super (PDS). These reforms are reshaping compliance and cash flow planning, and while both carry uncertainty, the message is clear: preparation and perspective are key.

Kelvin opens by cutting through the noise around the upcoming AML reforms. There’s been confusion online about whether BAS Agents will be captured from 1 July 2026. He notes it’s not about job titles, but rather the services that are provided. He notes that Table 6, Item 3 is intended for scenarios where a professional controls or manages client funds in connection with executing a transaction and poses the question whether routine bookkeeping activities — including payroll and standard AP workflows — , on their face value, fall into that category, but it depends on the facts.

Kelvin emphasises that the ABA are working with CPA Australia, to actively engage with AUSTRAC to clarify these boundaries for BAS Agents, particularly around payroll and accounts payable. The message to listeners is to treat sweeping claims with caution, stay calm, and look out for formal guidance when known.

The discussion then shifts to the Payday Super reforms and what they mean for small business cash flow. Pete and Kerrie highlight that from 1 July 2026, employers will need to pay super on payday instead of quarterly — a change that effectively brings forward about one-third of a business’s annual super liability. For many, especially in hospitality, construction, and seasonal industries, this could create a serious short-term cash strain. They walk through practical ways to prepare, such as progressively moving SG payments forward now, setting aside funds, or adjusting credit facilities. The ATO’s transitional guidance (PCG 2025/D5) introduces a “traffic light” system, offering leniency for employers making genuine efforts to comply. However, bookkeepers should help clients plan early to avoid penalties once the hands-off period ends.

Key Takeaways

• AML reform from 1 July 2026 focuses on what services you provide, not your job title.
• Routine bookkeeping, payroll, and admin appear incidental and not captured — but final AUSTRAC clarification is pending.
• ABA working with CPA Australia to actively engage AUSTRAC to confirm practical implications for BAS Agents.
• Payday Super will require employers to pay SG on payday — a permanent shift bringing forward ~⅓ of annual SG costs.
• Industries with tight or seasonal cash flow will need tailored planning to meet the change.
• ATO’s PCG 2025/D5 provides a one-year grace period with reduced compliance action for genuine attempts to comply.
• Bookkeepers should start conversations with clients now to manage both compliance uncertainty and cash flow impact.
• The overarching message: don’t panic — plan early, stay informed, and adapt proactively.

In this edition of BK Pod, Peter and Kerrie discuss Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE). The Payday Super (PDS) legislation also introduces an adjacent term, Qualifying Earnings (QE), that, together with OTE, will drive key elements of PDS. That means a very clear working knowledge of OTE becomes essential. Interpretive material on the ATO website has been enhanced to assist in this improved understanding, particularly in areas such as allowances, leave, and terminations.

The second half of the podcast previews the Build, Grow, Succeed Roadshow, taking place in five cities this October. The event delivers practical, non-software content for bookkeepers, including sessions on succession planning, compliance updates, and business growth strategies. Dale Dixon highlights MYOB’s support of the event, emphasising its educational focus. A live panel session, interactive learning, and CPD hours make the roadshow a valuable development opportunity, alongside networking with fellow professionals.

Key Takeaways

• OTE explanatory material now updated: better and clearer explanations and examples regarding ‘all things OTE’ now available on the ATO website.
• Bookkeepers must be well versed in OTE inclusions & exclusions in order to properly deal with the Pay Day Super regime.
• The Build, Grow, Succeed Roadshow runs across five cities in October, offering CPE and practical content tailored to bookkeepers.
• Sessions include succession planning, compliance updates, Scaling Sharp, and a live Q&A panel—with a focus on learning, not software demos.

In this edition of BK Pod, Peter and Kerrie provide an update on the confirmed closure of the SBSCH, which will occur at midnight on 30 June 2026, regardless of Payday Super legislation timing. With over 250,000 employers needing to transition to a new Clearing House, bookkeepers will play a crucial role in educating clients, offering advice, and in some cases, implementing new solutions. The focus now is communication, with the ATO expected to ramp up messaging in the lead-up to the shutdown.

The second half of the podcast previews the Build, Grow, Succeed Roadshow, taking place in five cities this October. The event delivers practical, non-software content for bookkeepers, including sessions on succession planning, compliance updates, and business growth strategies. Dale Dixon highlights MYOB’s support of the event, emphasising its educational focus. A live panel session, interactive learning, and CPD hours make the roadshow a valuable development opportunity, alongside networking with fellow professionals.

Key Takeaways

• SBSCH will shut down on 30 June 2026; bookkeepers should prepare clients now by identifying users and helping transition to a new Clearing House.
• Bookkeepers may be called on to advise on or implement CH solutions depending on client needs and engagement.
• The Build, Grow, Succeed Roadshow runs across five cities in October, offering CPE and practical content tailored to bookkeepers.
• Sessions include succession planning, compliance updates, Scaling Sharp, and a live Q&A panel—with a focus on learning, not software demos.

STP Finalisation & GIC Remission Reform: Two Critical Topics for Bookkeepers
In this edition of BK Pod, Pete, Kelvin, and Kellie cover two key issues that every BAS Agent and bookkeeper should have on their radar as EOFY wraps up and a new financial year begins.

First, Pete and Kellie discuss GIC remission reform, with an update on the ATO’s planned changes to how General Interest Charge remission requests are processed. From inconsistent outcomes to long wait times, the current system is causing real headaches for agents and clients alike—but help is on the horizon.

Then, Kelvin tackles a common year-end dilemma: can you finalise Single Touch Payroll (STP) when wages haven’t actually been paid yet? Drawing from a real-world helpline query, he unpacks how the rules differ depending on whether the worker is a director or a standard employee—and what to do in each case to stay compliant.

Key Takeaways:

• Unpaid director wages can still be finalised through STP if they’re redirected to a loan account—this counts as a “constructive payment” under tax law.
• Closely held payees (like directors) get extra time—you have until 30 September to finalise STP for them.
• Arms-length employees must be paid before 30 June for wages to be included in that year’s STP report—otherwise, it rolls into the new year.
• GIC and SIC are no longer tax-deductible from 1 July 2025, making late payments significantly more costly.
• The ATO is overhauling the GIC remission process, with interim improvements coming and full practitioner consultation expected later in 2025.
• BAS Agents are seeking clearer rules, faster turnaround, and fairer outcomes, especially for small remissions that shouldn’t be a burden to claim.

If you’re dealing with June and July payrolls—or preparing to lodge GIC remissions—this double-topic episode is packed with practical insight, legislative detail, and a look ahead at important reforms on the horizon.

Professional Conduct, GIC & PAYG: What Bookkeepers Need to Know

In this episode of BK Pod, Kellie, Pete, and Kelvin unpack two critical updates every BAS Agent and bookkeeper needs to know. First, Pete and Kellie discuss the big shift in how the ATO is treating General Interest Charges (GIC) and Shortfall Interest Charges (SIC). From 1 July 2025, GIC and SIC are no longer tax-deductible, making late payments a much more expensive risk—around credit card interest rates. The team shares why remission requests are now far less likely to succeed and outlines practical steps bookkeepers can take to help clients avoid unexpected GIC bills.

Key Takeaways:

• GIC and SIC are no longer tax-deductible as of 1 July 2025—late lodgments now carry serious cost risks.
• ATO remission practices have tightened: assume remissions are rare and build client processes accordingly.
• BAS Agents now have six new code obligations including record-keeping, QMS, and transparency with clients.
• Regular client education and internal planning are essential for both GIC risk management and code compliance.

Kelvin then runs through the six key changes to the Code of Professional Conduct for BAS Agents that also took effect from 1 July 2025. These changes cover everything from ethical standards and supervision requirements to quality management systems and client communication obligations. The team emphasizes why solo BAS agents and small practices need to update their processes now to stay compliant and protect their professional standing.

Darren talks about PAYG Instalment Variations in the latest episode of Getting Technical.

If you want clear, practical tips on staying ahead of these changes, this is an episode not to miss!

QMS – TPB Perspective

In this episode of BKPod, Peter Thorp sits down with Deb Anderson from the Tax Practitioners Board to unpack one of the newest compliance obligations facing bookkeepers—Quality Management Systems (QMS). Now a requirement under Section 40 of the 2024 Code of Professional Conduct Determination, QMS is more than a buzzword—it's a practical system every BAS agent needs to understand.

Deb explains how the TPB has consulted widely with the profession to develop realistic, proportionate guidance for practices of all sizes. She breaks down what a QMS is, why it matters, and what bookkeepers can do to get started.

The conversation also explores key considerations, including:

• What the QMS requirement actually covers - and why it goes way beyond client work
• How existing checklists, templates, and client onboarding processes can form part of your QMS
• Why risk management and consistency are the heart of quality assurance
• What sole practitioners can do to comply without overcomplicating things

End of Financial Year Tips
As EOFY approaches, Kerrie Jarius shares practical tips to help bookkeepers squeeze 2 month’s work into one around EOFY. Managing deadlines, understanding deferrals, managing teams and clients as well as managing stress are all important. Peter & Kerrie also look at ATO & TPB changes that will affect the New Financial Year. There are immediate ATO impacts of GIC and SG changes as well as the TPB’s Code of Conduct changes including the QMS kick in from 1 July.

Whether you’re a solo bookkeeper or part of a larger team, this episode offers some practical, jargon-free tips to negotiate the EOFY ‘workload crush’ and come out smiling. Use the EOFY as a springboard for stronger compliance and start FY 20026 on the right foot.