Why paying superannuation for employees should always be an employer’s top priority 

You are currently viewing Why paying superannuation for employees should always be an employer’s top priority 

The ATO is now using Single Touch Payroll (STP) to cross-check if employers are paying Superannuation Guarantee (SG) into their employees’ superannuation funds on time. If you miss an SG payment, you are more at risk of an ATO audit, and it can be costly.  

Employers need to be extra vigilant going forward and prioritise making their SG contributions accurately and on time each quarter.

Definitions to know

  • Superannuation Guarantee (SG) is the amount you have to pay your employees each time they get paid. This amount is usually 11% of an employee’s earnings and goes into their superannuation fund.  
  • Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) is the fee you pay if you miss a super payment. 
  • Superannuation Guarantee Charge statement is a form that you complete and lodge before the quarterly deadline if you are going to miss a super payment. 

Superannuation Payment Due Dates 

The due dates are as follows: 

  • January to March quarter – 28 April 
  • April to June quarter – 28 July 
  • July to September quarter – 28 October 
  • October to December quarter – 28 January 

The due date is when the employee’s superannuation fund receives the payment, not the date you made it. We therefore recommend payments are made at least 2 business days prior to the due date. 

Note: From 1 July 2026, employers will have to pay their employee’s superannuation contributions on payday.

What happens if I can’t make payment by the due date? 

You will have to submit an SGC statement by the deadline, and pay an SGC fee that includes: 

  • The unpaid or late SG amounts, calculated on the employee’s salary, wages and overtime*; 
  • Nominal interest on those amounts (currently 10%); and 
  • An administration fee of $20 per employee per quarter. 

Do not pay the overdue superannuation to the employee’s fund. Your obligation for payment shifts from the employee’s fund to the ATO. The fund will receive the contribution once it is paid to the ATO.  

* Overtime is generally not included in the calculation of remuneration for SG purposes when SG is paid on time. However, if you do not pay your SG on time and remuneration for an employee includes overtime, it will be included in the calculation. 

Additionally, if you don’t submit an SGC Statement by the quarterly deadline, the ATO has discretion to apply a penalty of 200% on top of your existing contributions and fees. 

For more information, contact your Aintree Group advisor or click here! We are always happy to help with your payroll and superannuation needs.

To learn more about Single Touch Payroll, click here.

An interesting read on how the ATO are using AI to detect unpaid superannuation with a 90% accuracy rate.

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