Payday Super: Changes for Employers

From 1 July 2026, employers will need to pay super at the same time as wages – not quarterly, as is currently the case.

This means super must be paid within 7 days of paying your staff.

Key things to note:

The term "qualifying earnings" (similar to ordinary time earnings) will be used to calculate super.
If super isn’t received by the fund within 7 days, you may face penalties – unless exceptions apply (like a short grace period for new employees).
The penalty system is changing:
- Interest on unpaid super will use the ATO’s general interest rate, not the fixed 10%.
- The admin fee will be based on the size of the shortfall, not a flat $20 per person.
- New penalties (25%–50%) will apply for late or repeated non-payment. These can’t be waived like before.
Both on-time and late super payments will still be tax deductible – but not penalties.
The Small Business Super Clearing House will be phased out. You’ll need to pay super directly to employee funds.

These changes are aimed at making sure workers get their super faster and improving compliance. We’ll help you prepare well before the start date.

Need payroll help?

We can help with that. Contact us about our bookkeeping services to help you focus on your business growth.

ENQUIRE ABOUT BOOKKEEPING ENQUIRE ABOUT BOOKKEEPING

Related News

13 May

What Happens to Your Wealth When You Die?

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for anyone who wants peace of mind that their hard-earned assets will be passed on the way they intend. Yet, it remains one of the most overlooked areas of financial management.

What Is a Management Letter?

At the end of each financial year, your accountant prepares essential documents like financial statements, tax returns, and compliance reports. But what brings it all together? That’s where the Management Letter comes in.

Federal Budget 2025/2026

The Government’s big moment in the 2025-26 Federal Budget was the personal income tax cuts. Income tax cuts are a dazzling headline but in reality they deliver a tax saving of up to $268 in the 2026-27 year, with a tax saving of up to $536 from the 2027-28 year.