Your guide to EOFY 2026

The end of the 2025-26 financial year is one of the busiest times on the payroll calendar, and this year there’s more to work through than usual. Payday Super, a minimum wage increase, and the usual STP finalisation requirements all land around the same time. 

This guide covers what’s changing, what it means for your business, and exactly what to do in Microkeeper before and after 30 June. 

What’s changing from 1 July 2026

Minimum wage increase, 4.75%

The Fair Work Commission has handed down its 2026 Annual Wage Review decision. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage and all modern award minimum wage rates will increase by 4.75%.

The new National Minimum Wage will be $26.44 per hour or $1004.90 per week. The changes apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

If you pay staff at award rates, you’ll need to update your pay configurations in Microkeeper ahead of your first July pay run. This isn’t applied automatically, if you need a hand, our support team can walk you through it.

‍Read our full minimum wage blog for more details

Payday super begins

From 1 July 2026, Super Guarantee contributions must reach your employees’ funds within 7 business days of each pay run, not at the end of the quarter.

This is the most significant change to superannuation obligations in years. In Microkeeper, you’ll see a new fourth step in your pay run called Payday Super, where contributions are initiated through Beam. A new super status column on processed pay runs gives your visibility across every pay run at a glance.

If you haven’t connected Beam yet, now is the time, do it before your first July pay run.

Super Guarantee rate, remains at 12%

The Super Guarantee rate holds at 12% for FY26. No change required on this front.

Paid parental leave expands to 26 weeks

From 1 July 2026, eligible parents will be able to access up to 26 weeks of government-funded Paid Parental Leave, up from 24 weeks in 2025 and 22 weeks in 2024. The amount of leave reserved for each parent in a couple on a use-it-or-lose-it basis also increases from three weeks to four weeks.

From July 2026, the ATO will also begin paying 12% superannuation contributions on Parental Leave Pay directly to super funds. This is handled by the ATO, employers don’t need to process it.

For employers, the practical impact is workforce planning. An employee taking 26 weeks of leave is a longer absence than before, and it’s worth reviewing your cover arrangements and leave policies ahead of time. If your business offers employer-funded parental leave on top of the government scheme, review how that interacts with the expanded entitlement.

There is no change to how Parental Leave is recorded or managed in Microkeeper, leave balances and records work as they do today.

What to do in Microkeeper before 30 June

1. Complete all pay runs for FY26

Make sure all pay runs with a payment date on or before 30 June 2026 are processed and locked before you lodge your final STP. Any pay runs still sitting as drafts will need to be finalised first. 

2. Process your final super contributions for the quarter

Under the current quarterly model, your Q4 super contributions (April-June) are due by 28 July 2026. Process these through Beam before then, this is the last quarterly contribution before payday super takes effect.

While you still have time, audit your employee super details. Check that all staff have a current fund nominated, a correct member number, and a TFN on file. Fixing errors now is far easier than resolving them under the 7-day payday super window.

3. Lodge your final STP submission

The ATO requires businesses to lodge a STP finalisation declaration by 14 July 2026. This allows employees to complete their tax returns.

Here’s how to do it in Microkeeper:

1. Ensure all pay runs with a payment date within FY26 are processed and locked.
2. Confirm that all payment data matches your accounting suite, start by matching tax values.
3. Navigate to Menu -> Payroll -> Pay runs -> Payslip -> Complete Pay Run ->STP Lodge on the locked pay run.
4. In the Prepare to Lodge STP settings, select Final Pay Run as the Lodgmenet Type and Submit as the Event Type.
5. Match total tax and total values to your accounting suite.
6. Confirm the lodgment.

The STP Log will confirm your submission is marked as Final. The ATO will confirm receipt, this typically takes 5-10 minutes but can take up to 72 hours.

Full STP finalisation guide

4. Update pay rates for the new financial year

Before processing your first pay run of FY27, update award rates to reflect the 4.75% minimum wage increase. If you’re unsure which employees are affected or how to make the changes, contact our support team before your first July pay run.

5. Connect Beamfor payday super

If you haven't set up Beam yet, do this before 1 July. The new Payday Super step in your pay run will prompt you to connect Beam if it hasn’t already linked, but setting it up in advance means your first payday super contribution goes through without any interruption to your pay run workflow.

Set up Beam

Key dates at a glance

Need help?

If you have questions about any of the above, STP finalisation, updating award rates, setting up Beam, or preparing for payday super, our support team is available by phone and ticket. Real people, no bots.

Contact support

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^{This blog is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or payroll advice. We recommend reviewing ATO and Fair Work guidance for your specific situation. Information about Beam is provided by Precision Administration Services Pty Ltd (ABN 47 098 977 667, AFSL 246 604), issuer of Beam. General information only, consider the PDS before making any decisions about Beam products.}