As year end nears, plan your pay cycles around public holidays and tell staff about any changed pay runs. Keep PAYG and BAS deadlines in mind: December monthly PAYG is generally due 21 January, and October to December BAS for small reporters is generally due 28 February. Process STP pay runs early as needed, and ensure employees’ super reaches funds by 28 January.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a government payment to help families with the cost of raising children. Despite its name, it’s not a tax refund or tax deduction – it’s a social security benefit to help with everyday costs like food, education, clothing and other child-rearing expenses. Importantly, FTB is paid by Services Australia (through Centrelink), not the ATO.