The festive season is one of the best times of year, but for business owners it can also be one of the most financially stressful. Income often slows over December and January, while expenses, wages and tax obligations keep rolling on. The businesses that sail through the break are the ones that plan for it now, in early November, rather than scrambling in mid-December.

At FinTax Partners in Greenslopes, we help Brisbane businesses get their finances in order before the Christmas shutdown. Here is a practical checklist to work through over the next few weeks.

1. Plan Your Cash Flow for the Quiet Period

For many businesses, cash coming in slows over the holidays while rent, wages, super and supplier bills continue. Map out your expected income and expenses across December, January and into February, and make sure you have a buffer to cover the gap. If things look tight, it is far easier to arrange support now than at the last minute. Our business advisory team can help you build a simple cash flow forecast for the period.

2. Pay Staff and Super Correctly Over the Break

This is the one that trips businesses up, and it matters more than ever this year. With Payday Super in effect since 1 July 2026, super must be paid at the same time as wages, every payday, and received by the fund within the required timeframe. Public holidays and your own closure can disrupt pay runs and clearing house processing, so plan your December and January pay dates early and allow extra time for payments to land.

While you are at it, confirm how annual leave, leave loading and any shutdown or stand-down provisions apply to your team under their award or agreement, so there are no surprises.

3. Chase Outstanding Invoices Before You Close

Debtors are even slower to pay over the holidays, so now is the time to follow up outstanding invoices and get cash in the door before you close. Send reminders, offer easy payment options, and consider asking for deposits on January work. Every invoice settled before Christmas is one less cash flow worry in January.

4. Stay on Top of Your ATO Obligations

The shutdown does not pause your ATO deadlines. If you lodge monthly, your December activity statement is generally due in late January, and quarterly lodgers have their December quarter BAS due in February. Note the dates that fall during or just after your break and plan for them now, so nothing slips through. If paying on time will be difficult, talk to us early about options rather than missing a deadline. Our business tax and BAS team can keep you on track.

5. Set Up for a Strong New Year

The quiet period is a good chance to look back and plan ahead. Review how the year went, set a budget for 2027, and think about any decisions (equipment, staffing, structure) you want to make in the new year. A short planning session before the break means you start January with a clear plan rather than a blank page.