Tidy Books

26/09/2026

From 1 October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to add surcharges to debit, credit or prepaid card payments across major card networks.

For small businesses currently passing card processing costs on to customers, now is the time to review how payments are handled and what the change could mean for pricing and margins.
It’s also worth checking more than just the EFTPOS terminal, online payments, invoices, booking systems and other customer-facing payment processes may need updating before the change takes effect.

ICB has broken down what Bookkeepers and their clients need to know ahead of 1 October.
Read the full update: https://www.icb.org.au/s/news/card-surcharge-ban-from-1st-october-MCIB5C6NW72NBOZAYYHDAQ2NWU4Y?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=organic

18/04/2026

The Late Payment Offset for super is ending.

From 1 July 2026, late super means:
➡️ Lodge an SGC Statement
➡️ Pay the ATO
➡️ No offsets

Final window: March 2026 quarter (if paid by 30 June)
After that, there’s no buffer.
With Payday Super coming, it’s time to get payroll and cashflow tight — late payments will cost more.

Learn more: https://www.icb.org.au/s/news/payday-super-march-june-late-payments-must-go-to-the-ato-after-28th-july-2026-MCLZV23X4NUBGV7B4LHMWEJ6MMMU

30/01/2026

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It has come to this author’s attention a most unsavoury set of characters is making the rounds. A scammer armed with flattering words, suspicious links and promises far too dazzling to be true.

Guard your purse strings and your personal details with the utmost care. Any message urging haste, secrecy or exclusive opportunity is likely not a suitor of fortune, but a rogue of the highest order. A true gentleman or lady would never demand your details in such a vulgar fashion.

Be vigilant. Verify before you trust. And remember, if an offer sounds as scandalous as a midnight rendezvous in the garden (IYKYK), it is best declined.

Yours in watchful concern,
A friend to society

19/12/2025

Finally! To get a strong MyId Drivers Licences can be used instead of Passports

From November 2025, Western Australians can use biometric photo verification in the myID app, matching driver’s licence photos against government records. Other states and territories will roll out later.

This upgrade helps more Australians achieve a Strong myID, giving access to services like linking an ABN in RAM or applying for a TFN online. For bookkeepers and small businesses, it’s expected to reduce delays and make client onboarding smoother.

Using a passport remains the simplest option, but licence photo verification will be a practical alternative where available.

Learn more: https://www.icb.org.au/s/news/myid-photo-verification-using-driver-s-licence-MC4G5AVRMOBVBCPG5YSPBLR6BNJA

26/11/2025

In this series, we answer some of the frequently asked questions we get on long service leave.

Under the WA Long Service Leave Act, after 7 years of continuous employment, an employee may have an entitlement to payment of long service leave when their employment ends.

The term continuous employment has a specific meaning and some absences do not count towards an employee’s period of continuous employment.

For more information on long service leave when employment ends visit www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/lsl-employment-ending

06/11/2025

An employee’s entitlement to long service leave depends on the length of their continuous employment with the same employer.

There are some absences that do not count towards a period of continuous employment, meaning an employee’s length of continuous employment may not be the same as the total time they have worked for an employer.

Visit www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/lsl-continuous-employment for more information on absences that do and do not count towards long service leave.