STP finalisation for 2025-26: the employer checklist

Most employers must make their Single Touch Payroll finalisation declaration for 2025-26 by 14 July 2026, through STP-enabled payroll software, after checking that every employee’s year-to-date amounts are complete and correct. Finalising marks employees’ income statements “tax ready” in myGov; later deadlines apply for closely held payees, and employers who cannot finalise on time must apply to the ATO for a deferral.

Key points:
- The finalisation declaration for FY2025-26 is due by **14 July 2026** for most employers, per the [ATO due-dates calendar](https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/preparing-lodging-and-paying/reports-and-returns/due-dates-for-lodging-and-paying/due-dates-by-month/july) updated 29 June 2026.
- Finalising tells the ATO your reporting is complete: each employee’s income statement becomes “tax ready” in myGov, their return pre-fills, and you no longer issue payment summaries for STP-reported amounts.
- Closely held payees have later deadlines — 30 September 2026 where the employer has 20 or more employees or a mixed workforce; small employers with only closely held payees have until each payee’s own tax return due date.
- Before declaring, work through the ATO’s checks: year-to-date amounts correct, every employee included (casuals and departed staff too), the correct financial year selected, the right ABN used, and reportable fringe benefits amounts included where required.
- If you changed payroll software or employee Payroll IDs during the year, zero out year-to-date amounts in the old system or advise the previous BMS ID — otherwise employee income can be overstated.
- Mistakes found after finalising are fixed with an update event — within 14 days of detection — and employees who have already lodged may need to amend their returns.