Payroll, taxes and trading rules: What you need to know right now

A new tax year. Lots to think about. Lots to plan. What are the first items on your to-do list?

1. New income tax brackets are now in full effect

Last year’s income tax adjustments are now fully in place for the 2025–26 tax year.

That means employees may see slight changes to their take-home pay, impacting payroll calculations.

The consequential changes on fringe benefit tax brackets for attributed benefits such as company cars apply from the 2025-2026 year so now’s the time to double-check your payroll settings to ensure compliance and plan for any FBT adjustments.

2. Have you adjusted pay for the minimum wage increase?

From 1 April 2025, the adult minimum wage increased to $23.50 per hour. Make sure you review payroll settings and budget plans in line with this change.

3. Get your head around Easter trading rules

Easter Sunday falls on 20 April 2025. Trading laws vary by region, and employees have the right to refuse to work — make sure you’re across your local rules.