Bookkeeping for Darwin businesses
Australian-based, Australian-qualified bookkeepers keeping your books current in Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, with BAS lodged by a Registered Tax Agent. We work with Darwin businesses online from our Melbourne office.
- Registered Tax Agent 25377345
- Registered ASIC Agent 38112
- CPA qualified
- Certified Xero, MYOB & QuickBooks Advisors
- 15+ years’ experience
The Northern Territory payroll calendar and obligations
The Northern Territory has May Day on the first Monday in May and Picnic Day on the first Monday in August, and Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are part-day public holidays from 7pm to midnight. We set public holidays in your payroll software for your state so penalty rates and leave are calculated correctly.
Annual workers compensation wage declarations go to an approved insurer (the scheme is regulated by NT WorkSafe), and building and construction employers report to NT Build for portable long service leave. We prepare the wage figures from your payroll records.
Payday Super since 1 July 2026
Super guarantee (12% of qualifying earnings) now has to reach employees’ funds within 7 business days of each payday, reported through STP. We set up pay runs so super goes out with wages.
Payroll tax for Darwin employers
NT payroll tax is 5.5% on taxable wages above a $2.5 million annual threshold. From 1 July 2026, a higher 6.5% rate applies to employers and groups with Australia-wide wages of $100 million or more.
Good bookkeeping keeps an eye on this for you: we track Australia-wide wages (including grouped businesses) so you know before you reach the the Northern Territory threshold. Annual reconciliations with Territory Revenue Office are due by 21 July.
Bookkeeping for Darwin industries
The Northern Territory’s economy is driven by mining and energy (including LNG), government and defence, construction, tourism, and pastoral (cattle) and agricultural businesses.
Northern Territory businesses often work on remote projects or stations, with freight, fuel and travel costs that need careful coding. Primary producers can also use ATO concessions such as farm management deposits and income averaging, which depend on clean, separated records.
How we work with Darwin clients
We don’t have an office in Darwin. Top Accountants is based in Docklands, Melbourne, and works with Darwin clients online, by phone and by video call. Documents come through our secure upload page, engagement letters are signed electronically, and lodgements are made electronically with the ATO.
Darwin doesn’t use daylight saving: it is 1.5 hours behind Melbourne from October to April and 30 minutes behind the rest of the year. We’re open 9am–5pm, Monday to Sunday (Melbourne time).
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a bookkeeping office in Darwin?
No. We are based in Docklands, Melbourne, and keep the books for Darwin businesses online through Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, which you can see in real time.
Can a bookkeeper lodge my BAS?
Only if they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board as a BAS agent or tax agent. Unregistered people can’t charge a fee for BAS services. Top Accountants is a Registered Tax Agent (25377345).
Which public holidays affect Darwin payroll?
The Northern Territory has May Day on the first Monday in May and Picnic Day on the first Monday in August, and Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are part-day public holidays from 7pm to midnight.
How much does bookkeeping cost?
From $495/month, or from $995/month for the medium package, with BAS included. You get a written quote first.
What should a Darwin bookkeeper watch for in my industry?
Northern Territory businesses often work on remote projects or stations, with freight, fuel and travel costs that need careful coding. Primary producers can also use ATO concessions such as farm management deposits and income averaging, which depend on clean, separated records.
Sources
Payroll tax rates and thresholds (payrolltax.gov.au) · Territory Revenue Office: payroll tax · ATO: about Payday Super · TPB: BAS agent registration · ATO: BAS due dates. General information only, checked 23 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the relevant agency or ask us about your situation.
Talk to a Registered Tax Agent
Free 15-minute call, then a written fixed-fee quote within 1 business day. Online, Australia-wide.