Member Verification Request

What is a Member Verification Request?

A Member Verification Request (MVR) is a process that employers must complete before making a superannuation guarantee (SG) contribution for a new employee for the first time. The MVR confirms two things: that the employee has an active account with their nominated superannuation fund, and that the fund is able to accept contributions on their behalf.

The MVR is being introduced as part of the payday super reforms, which take effect from 1 July 2026. Under the new rules, employers are required to submit an MVR through their clearing house before initiating a first-time SG contribution for any employee.

This step exists to reduce the volume of rejected contributions, one of the most common causes of compliance issues under the current system. By verifying fund details before a payment is made, employers can resolve any issues before the 7-business-day contribution deadline begins.

The Role of MVR in Employment

For both employers and employees, the MVR is an important step in the onboarding process and payroll compliance under payday super:

• For Employers: Completing an MVR before a new employee's first pay run helps ensure contributions reach the correct fund without rejection or delay. A failed contribution that is returned after payment still needs to reach the fund within the original deadline, so early verification reduces compliance risk significantly.
• For Employees: The MVR helps ensure their super contributions are allocated to the correct account from day one of employment. Employees should ensure their nominated fund details are accurate and up to date when starting a new role.

Employer obligations regarding MVRs

Under the payday super framework, employers have specific obligations relating to Member Verification Requests:

• Completing an MVR: Before making an SG contribution for a new employee for the first time, employers must submit an MVR to verify the employee's fund membership and the fund's ability to accept contributions.
• Timing: The MVR should be completed as early as possible during onboarding, ideally before the employee's first payday, to allow time to resolve any issues within the 20-business-day window that applies to a new employee's first contribution.
• Rejected Contributions: If a contribution cannot be allocated by the fund and is returned, the employer must resubmit within the original 7-business-day deadline. Completing an MVR upfront significantly reduces the likelihood of this occurring.

How Microkeeper Manages MVRs

Microkeeper's payroll and HR platform supports the MVR process through its integration with Beam, an ATO-compliant superannuation clearing house:

• Integrated Verification: MVR functionality is handled through the Microkeeper and Beam integration, allowing employers to verify employee fund details as part of the standard payroll workflow without needing to access separate portals or systems.
• Onboarding Integration: Because Microkeeper captures super fund details as part of employee onboarding, the information needed to complete an MVR is collected and confirmed early, before the first pay run is processed.
• Error Handling: If a fund cannot accept contributions, Microkeeper and Beam surface the issue promptly so it can be resolved before the contribution deadline.

Best Practices for MVR Management

1. Treat MVR as part of onboarding: Include the MVR as a standard step alongside collecting a TFN, bank details, and a completed Choice of Fund form.
2. Complete early: Don't wait until the day before the first pay run. Complete the MVR as soon as the employee's fund details are confirmed.
3. Use an integrated clearing house: A clearing house that handles MVRs within your existing payroll workflow, such as Beam integrated with Microkeeper, removes the need to manage verification through a separate system.
4. Document outcomes: Keep a record of MVR completion and outcomes for each new employee as part of your payroll compliance records.

FAQs about Member Verification Request

Is completing an MVR mandatory under payday super?

Yes. Under the payday super framework commencing 1 July 2026, employers must complete a Member Verification Request before making a first-time SG contribution for any new employee. Skipping this step risks making a contribution to a fund that cannot accept it, which may result in a rejected payment and a compliance breach if it cannot be resubmitted within the required timeframe.

When should I complete an MVR for a new employee?

As early as possible in the onboarding process, ideally before the employee's first payday. New employees have a 20-business-day window for their first SG contribution to reach the fund, but completing the MVR early gives you time to resolve any issues without pressure.

What happens if the MVR shows the fund cannot accept contributions?

If the MVR identifies that the employee's nominated fund cannot accept contributions, for example, because the account is closed or the details are incorrect, the employer will need to work with the employee to update their fund nomination before contributions can be made.

Does the MVR replace the Superannuation Standard Choice Form?

No. The Superannuation Standard Choice Form remains a separate requirement for new employees to nominate their preferred super fund. The MVR is a subsequent verification step that confirms the nominated fund can actually receive contributions.