New Identity verification legislation for Accountants - 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, Trilogy Accountants Pty Ltd has a legal obligation to verify the identity of our clients before we can provide certain services. This applies to new and existing clients alike.

These requirements are administered by AUSTRAC, Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regulator. These measures are designed to safeguard accounting and advisory services from being exploited, whether deliberately or inadvertently, to facilitate money laundering, terrorism, and organised crime.

What we’ll ask for

Before certain services can begin, we are legally required to verify your identity.

What we need depends on the nature of the service. For individuals, this typically means proof of ID, such as driver's licence or passport.

For companies, trusts, and other entities, we may also need to identify directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners.

Verification requirements can evolve along with your service requirements. Occasionally, we may need to request extra details about where your transaction funds come from or how they will be used.

How we’ll do it

We conduct identity verification through Instant Compliance, a purpose-built AML platform used by other Accounting, legal and Financial service firms.

If digital verification doesn’t work for you, please contact us to discuss alternative options.

Your privacy

Any information you provide is collected securely, used only to meet our regulatory obligations and deliver the services you’ve requested, and handled in line with applicable privacy laws. It is not used for any other purpose.

What this means in practice

For most clients, this will mean a short verification step before an engagement begins – and occasionally during it. Our team will let you know when verification is needed, what to expect and how to complete it.

Due to updated professional regulations, accounting firms now follow the same thorough identity and compliance checks as banks and insurers. We will guide you smoothly through any updated requirements

Payday Super is Coming: What Trilogy Clients Need to Know Before 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, a major shift is coming to how superannuation is paid in Australia.

Known as “Payday Super,” this change will require employers to pay super at the same time as wages, rather than quarterly. While this might sound like a simple timing change, it will have real impacts on cash flow, payroll systems, and compliance risk — particularly for small and medium businesses.

At Trilogy Accountants, we’re already working with clients to get ahead of this. Here is what you need to know.

Currently, superannuation is paid quarterly. From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to:

  • Pay super on or before each payday

  • Ensure contributions are received by the fund within 7 business days

  • Apply this across all pay cycles (weekly, fortnightly, monthly)

This reform is aimed at reducing unpaid super and improving outcomes for employees, but for business owners it will mean:

  • Less flexibility with cash flow

  • More frequent compliance obligations

  • Greater reliance on accurate, efficient systems

Put simply — super becomes part of your regular payroll rhythm, not a quarterly task you can manage later.

Key issues your business might face:

Many businesses currently rely on the timing gap between payroll and quarterly super payments. That gap now disappears. You’ll now need to fund:

  • Wages

  • Super …at the same time, every pay cycle.

For some businesses, this will require a shift in how cash flow is managed and forecasted. This change puts pressure on your payroll setup. You’ll need to ensure:

  • Super is calculated correctly every pay run

  • Payments are processed immediately to avoid SGC statements, which attract interest and penalties

  • Clearing house delays are accounted for

  • Increased ATO attention are avoided.

There is far less room to fix issues after the fact. Also remember that super paid late is not an allowed deduction for tax purposes either.

We recommend starting preparation now — not in mid-2026. Make sure your software can handle:

  • Pay-cycle super processing

  • Fast, reliable clearing house integration

  • Minimal manual intervention

Incorrect super details are one of the biggest causes of payment delays. Now is the time to confirm your employees':

  • Super funds

  • USIs

  • TFNs

Consider Automating super payments where possible - Xero and most other accounting software offer this already. Aligning your payroll approvals with payment timing and reducing reliance on manual processes

How Trilogy Accountants Can Help

We’re already helping clients prepare for Payday Super by:

  • Reviewing payroll systems and setup

  • Identifying cash flow pressure points

  • Recommending process improvements

  • Ensuring compliance well before the deadline

Our goal is simple — no surprises, no penalties, and no last-minute stress.

If you’d like us to review your current setup and help you prepare, get in touch with the Trilogy team.

Disclaimer: This is general information only and does not constitute advice. Please contact us for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.