In this episode of BK Pod, the focus is on three key areas affecting BAS Agents and bookkeepers right now.

Kelvin Deer opens with an important update on ABN's recent engagement with AUSTRAC around the AML CTF Tranche 2 legislation — and why the outcome is a significant win for the profession. He unpacks why ordinary BAS, payroll and bookkeeping services should not be captured by obligations aimed at higher-risk professional gateway activities, and explains the technical clarification around Table 6, Item 3 that has removed a major source of stress and uncertainty for practitioners. He also takes a moment to talk honestly about what professional association membership really delivers — and why the greatest value is often the problem that never arrived.

Peter Thorp and Kerrie Jarius then work through the Federal Budget changes most likely to impact bookkeepers and their clients — covering the CGT changes and what they mean for business assets, the valuation challenge heading into 30 June 2027, trust taxation changes from 2028, dynamic PAYGI, and the permanent instant asset write-off.

Finally, Darren Hagarty previews the latest Getting Technical publication — Payday Super: When is Payday? — a practical look at the concept of Qualifying Earnings Day and why the timing of super contributions under Payday Super is more technical than many employers realise.

Key Takeaways

• ABA and ICB's engagement with AUSTRAC has delivered a significant win — ordinary BAS, payroll and bookkeeping services are not captured by AML CTF Tranche 2 obligations.
• AUSTRAC is now developing improved guidance and examples around Table 6, Item 3 to give the industry genuine certainty.
• Membership value isn't just what you download — it's the representation, advocacy and pushback happening on your behalf.
• The CGT changes affect all asset classes from 1 July 2027, with significant implications for business sales and a formal valuation requirement as at 30 June 2027.
• Small business CGT concessions were untouched by the budget — good news for bookkeeping practices.
• Trust taxation changes from 1 July 2028 will affect many clients and bookkeepers trading through discretionary trusts.
• Dynamic PAYGI and the permanent instant asset write-off both have practical implications for client management.
• Under Payday Super, Qualifying Earnings Day — not the pay period end date — is the critical timing anchor.

In this episode of BK Pod, the focus is on the practical realities of Payday Super and the growing operational pressure it places on BAS Agents and bookkeepers. Rather than discussing legislation in theory, the episode explores the real-world issues practitioners are already facing as the ATO Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) moves toward closure and super obligations shift into a much tighter payroll cycle.

The discussion highlights the key pain points BAS Agents need to prepare for, including managing multiple clients, rejected super payments, contractor super obligations, SMSFs, client approvals and the challenge of tracking super payments through to final receipt by the employee’s fund. The episode also examines why BAS Agent access to SGC accounts becomes increasingly important under Payday Super, particularly as the ATO is expected to issue more SGC assessments under the new framework.

The episode finishes by looking at the importance of stronger workflows, better visibility and improved record keeping, along with a discussion around Wrkr as one possible clearing house solution for clients transitioning away from the ATO SBSCH.

Key Takeaways

• The SBSCH closure means BAS Agents need to identify affected clients now.
• Payday Super creates significant workflow and timing pressure across payroll processes.
• Rejected payments, contractors and SMSFs remain major risk areas.
• BAS Agents need visibility over payment status, reporting and evidence trails.
• SGC account access will become increasingly important under Payday Super.
• Strong workflows and client processes will be critical to reducing compliance risk.

In this episode of the BK Pod, the focus is on turning two major compliance pressures facing bookkeepers and BAS agents into practical, operational frameworks. First, the discussion centres on the Code of Professional Conduct—not as a theoretical obligation, but as something that must be actively evidenced within a practice. The key message is clear: it’s no longer enough to believe you’re compliant; you need systems, controls, and measurable indicators that prove it. By translating code obligations into day-to-day processes and then into KPIs, practitioners can monitor performance, identify risks early, and confidently stand behind the declarations they make to the regulator.

Alongside this, the episode highlights the approaching reality of Payday Super (PDS) and the significant operational pressure it places on employers and their advisors. With super guarantee needing to be paid within tight timeframes—aligned with payroll and received by funds within seven business days—there is very little margin for delay or error. The conversation emphasises that while legislative delays have compressed preparation time, the expectations on employers remain high, with increased ATO visibility and enforcement, including automatic SGC assessments where obligations are not met.

Key Takeaways

• Code compliance should be measurable, not just understood
• Converting obligations → controls → KPIs creates real evidence of compliance
• Strong systems (QMS) are essential for consistent, defensible work practices
• BAS Agents must be able to support their TPB declarations with proof
• Payday Super introduces tight 7-day processing timeframes with minimal tolerance for delays
• The ATO will have increased visibility, leading to more automatic SGC assessments
• Bookkeepers play a critical role in educating clients and refining payroll processes
• Preparation before key deadlines is essential—last-minute fixes won’t work in this environment