Payday Super is coming
Payday Super is coming – which means employers will have to make Super payments within seven days of each payday. The new rules comes into effect from 1 July 2026.
Things you need to know:
- From 1 July 2026, you will be required to pay superanuation to employees’ superannuation accounts at the same time you pay salaries or wages. It is a good idea to start preparing for this change now.
- An employer will be liable for the new Super Guarantee charge unless superannuation contributions are received by their employees’ superannuation fund within 7 calendar days of payday.
- Contributions will need to arrive in employees’ super funds within 7 calendar days of payments with an ordinary time earnings (OTE) component.
- The seven days will take into account the time for funds to move through clearing house.
- If funds are not received in an employee’s superannuation account within 7 days, the employer will be liable to pay the SG charge (assessed by the ATO), even ahead of the ATO issuing an assessment.
- The ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SMSCH) will be retired from 1 July 2026. The ATO will engage with small businesses ahead of time to support them in transitioning to an alternative that is fit-for-purpose for payday super.
- The SG charge will be tax-deductible. Any penalties and interest after assessment of a SG charge by the ATO will not be deductible.
- The deadline for superannuation funds to allocate or return contributions will be reduced to three business days, down from 20.
If you are a Chamber member, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Workplace Relations experts with any questions. Give our Employer Assist Advice Line on 1300 277 881 or send us an email. If you’re not a member yet, you can learn more about what the Chamber can do for your business here.
