The $411 Question: Why Small ASIC Delays are More Expensive in 2026

In business, we often hear that "time is money." When it comes to ASIC compliance, this is literally true. As of July 2025, the penalty for being just one month late with a lodgement or payment has hit a staggering $411.

It starts with a simple oversight: a changed residential address you forgot to report, or an annual statement that got buried in your inbox.

The Breakdown of the "Late Tax":

• Up to 1 month late: $98

• Over 1 month late: $411

These fees are indexed annually, meaning they only go up. For a proprietary company, a $329 annual review can suddenly become a $740 headache if it’s ignored.

Why ASIC Rarely Waives Fees: ASIC is notoriously strict. "I was busy," "I didn't receive the email," or "My accountant was supposed to do it" are generally not accepted as valid reasons for a fee waiver. The responsibility rests solely with the Director.

The Solution: Proactive management. At Moran Financial, our systems ensure you are notified well in advance, and changes are lodged within the strict 28-day window required by law.