October 2025 Business Calendar: Key Dates and Tips for Australian Small Business Owners
- Leonie Martin
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Spring is in full swing and it's the perfect time to shake off the winter slowdown and get your business moving with clarity and focus.
While the sunshine’s here to energise you, October also brings some big compliance checkpoints. Staying ahead now means less scramble later (and a clearer cash flow picture for the year ahead).
Here’s your guide to the key dates for October 2025, plus practical business tips to set you up for a strong finish to the calendar year.
Key Dates for October 2025:
📌 Stay organised and ahead of your deadlines.
📅 7 October 2025 📌 Payroll Tax – Monthly Lodgement (September wages)
If you’re registered for payroll tax in your state or territory, your return and payment for September 2025 wages are due.
📅 21 October 2025📌 Monthly BAS Due (September)
Submit your Business Activity Statement (BAS) and Instalment Activity Statement (IAS). Timely lodgment keeps the ATO happy and your cash flow predictable.
📅 28 October 2025📌 September Quarter Super Contributions
Get your employees’ September quarter super paid and cleared with their funds by this date. Paying early avoids missed cut-offs and protects your team’s retirement savings.
📅 28 October 2025📌 September Quarter BAS (Paper Lodger)
If you’re still lodging by paper, your BAS must be in and paid by today
📅 31 October 2025📌 2025 Income Tax Return (without a Tax Agent)
If you’re self-lodging, this is the hard deadline. Miss it and you risk penalties or interest charges. If you’d like more time to lodge and pay, 31 October is also the last day to get on a registered tax agent’s client list. Once your agent adds you, you can usually access later due dates but you must be on their books by today.
Real-World Tips for Staying Ahead of October Deadlines
With deadlines ticked off, take a moment to work on your business, not just in it. These quick October tips will help you stay compliant, focused, and ready for growth..
🌸 Marketing gone stale?
Problem: Customers tune out when your marketing feels dated or seasonal promotions are missed.
Tip: Use spring energy to refresh your branding, update your website, and run timely campaigns. A small visual refresh or new offer can re-engage your audience.
📊 Not sure if your setup still fits your business?
Problem: As your business grows or pivots, your current structure may no longer be the most tax-effective or protective.
Tip: Review your business structure with an advisor before year-end. The right setup can save tax, protect assets, and make future growth smoother.
💡 Super payments sneaking up on you?
Problem: Last-minute super contributions cause stress and can lead to missed deadlines and penalties.
Tip: Set up automatic super payments or schedule them early. Automation helps avoid cash flow surprises and protects your team’s retirement savings. Remember PayDay super is coming so a good time to kick this off is now.
🔍 Feeling unsure about your numbers?
Problem: Without up-to-date financials, you’re making decisions blind — which can cost profit and peace of mind..
Tip: Regularly reconcile bank feeds, track cash flow, and review your P&L each month. Consider using real-time dashboards (like those in the Xero and Syft Analytics) so you know exactly where you stand.
🚀 Big plans but no clear goals?
Problem: Without defined targets, it’s hard to measure success or know where to focus your energy in the last quarter of the year.
Tip: Set 90-day goals now. Pick 3 key outcomes (e.g., cash flow, sales, process improvements) and track them weekly. Clear targets turn busy work into meaningful progress.
Clear the Clutter, Focus on Growth
Spring is about fresh starts including your finances. Staying ahead of October’s deadlines means less stress and more headspace to grow.
HelloLedger helps you stay compliant, plan smarter and move forward with confidence.
🌟 Book a quick chat and let’s set your business up for a strong finish to 2025.
