1 July 2026 Regulatory Update: Key Changes for Your Business
A reminder that as we enter the new financial year, several significant regulatory, tax, and compliance changes take effect across Australia on 1 July 2026. Some of these changes include
SMS Sender ID Register
To protect brand reputation and prevent scam spoofing, businesses that send branded text messages must register their sender identity with the new national SMS Sender ID Register. A sender ID is the business or brand name that appears at the top of a text message instead of a phone number. If your business uses these branded IDs, you must apply to register them through your telecommunications or message provider. For more information see Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CTF) Reforms
From 1 July 2026, updated anti-money laundering laws will apply to a broader range of service providers and businesses. Depending on your industry, you may need to enrol or update details with AUSTRAC. New obligations include implementing processes to verify customer identities, maintaining strict record-keeping, and reporting specified transactions to help protect Australia's financial system.
To check if your business services are covered by these reforms, visit AUSTRAC website.
Seafood Country of Origin Labelling
Hospitality businesses serving seafood for immediate consumption—including restaurants, cafés, pubs, clubs, takeaways, and food trucks—must comply with a new information standard under Australian consumer protection frameworks. Menus, boards, and online listings must clearly identify whether the seafood in a dish is Australian (A), Imported (I), or Mixed origin (M). Businesses must review their supply chains and update their menus to ensure clear, accurate labelling.
For more information visit the business.gov.au portal.
ASIC Fee Increases
Start-up and corporate maintenance costs will rise from 1 July 2026. New company registration fees increase to $636, and the annual review fee for proprietary companies rises to $342. Business name registration or renewal fees will increase to $47 for one year and $108 for three years. For further details visit the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) website.
Patent Claim Reminders
IP Australia is introducing a three-month window to review and update excess patent claims after requesting an examination. This replaces the previous reminder system. For more information on managing your patent applications, visit IP Australia.
Instant Asset Write-Off
To support capital purchases and business growth, the $20,000 instant asset write-off becomes permanent from 1 July 2026 for small businesses with an annual turnover under $10 million. This allows eligible entities to immediately deduct assets costing less than $20,000.
To review eligibility criteria and asset guidelines, visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or the business.gov.au portal.
Loss Carry Back
To boost cash flow and business resilience, eligible companies making a loss can carry it back to claim a refund on income tax paid in the previous two financial years. For detailed guidance on claiming a loss carry back, refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.
Payday Superannuation
Under the new Payday Super framework, employers must pay superannuation contributions at the same time as wages on each pay run, rather than quarterly. Contributions must generally reach the employee's superannuation fund within seven days of payday. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will use payroll and reporting data to closely monitor compliance. Employers must review payroll systems, clearing house arrangements, and plan for the cash-flow impact of more frequent payments.
For compliance timelines and employer checklists, visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
National Minimum Wage Increase
The National Minimum Wage increases by 4.75% to $26.44 per hour ($1,005 per week). This change applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. For example, if your weekly pay period starts on Thursday, the new rates will apply to your business from Thursday, 2 July 2026.
To check updated modern award rates and pay calculators, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Parental Leave increases to 26 weeks, providing families with extended financial support. While these payments are government-funded, employers must manage these longer periods of employee leave. Businesses need to review and update internal parental leave policies, plan for operational coverage, and offer flexible return-to-work options.
For employer administration guidelines, visit Services Australia.
Clearing House Closure
The Small Business Super Clearing House closes permanently on 1 July 2026. Businesses must transition to an alternative Super Stream-compliant payroll or clearing house solution immediately. Ensure you download all historical reports before this date, as you will have no access to your records after the closure.
For transition steps and approved software alternatives, visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Activating These Changes
Whether you are establishing a new business, structuring for growth, protecting your intellectual property, or preparing for a business sale, purchase, or franchise expansion, ensuring your systems and documentation comply with these updated frameworks is essential.
Please contact our team to discuss how to activate these changes and protect your business.