Superannuation compliance

What Is Superannuation Compliance?

Superannuation compliance refers to the legal obligations and standards employers must meet when making superannuation contributions for their employees under Australian law. It ensures that businesses meet the requirements of the Superannuation Guarantee (SG), maintain proper records, pay super on time, and follow SuperStream protocols.

Failing to meet superannuation compliance requirements can result in financial penalties, interest charges, and damage to an employer’s reputation. For modern businesses, staying compliant is a core component of payroll integrity and employee trust.

Key Elements of Superannuation Compliance

To stay compliant with superannuation obligations, employers must follow several key requirements:

1. Superannuation Guarantee Contributions

Employers must contribute a minimum percentage of their employees’ ordinary time earnings (OTE) to a complying superannuation fund. As of FY2024–25, the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate is 11.5%, increasing to 12% from July 2025.

Superannuation Guarantee (SG)

2. Timely Payments

Super must be paid at least quarterly, with strict deadlines:

• Quarter 1: 1 July – 30 September → due by 28 October
• Quarter 2: 1 October – 31 December → due by 28 January
• Quarter 3: 1 January – 31 March → due by 28 April
• Quarter 4: 1 April – 30 June → due by 28 July

Note: From 1 July 2026, under the Payday Super reform, employers will be required to pay super at the same time as wages.

Read about Payday Super

3. Use of SuperStream

SuperStream is the government’s data and payment standard that requires all super contributions to be sent electronically in a consistent and secure format. Employers must use a SuperStream-compliant clearing house, such as Beam, to ensure payments are delivered correctly to employees’ super funds.

🔗 What is SuperStream? (ATO)

4. Stapled Super Funds

Since November 2021, if a new employee doesn’t choose a super fund, the employer must check with the ATO for their stapled super fund—an existing fund that follows them from job to job—to avoid creating multiple accounts.

Stapled Superannuation Explained

5. Record-Keeping

Employers are required to:

• Keep records of super contributions for 5 years
• Provide employees with payslips showing super amounts
• Submit Single Touch Payroll (STP) reports, which include superannuation data

STP Reporting

Common Superannuation Compliance Mistakes

Many employers fall out of compliance unintentionally. Some common pitfalls include:

• Missing quarterly deadlines
• Incorrect SG calculations, especially for bonuses, allowances, or part-time workers
• Failing to pay super for eligible contractors
• Not checking for stapled super funds
• Using non-compliant payment methods
• Not reconciling super data with payroll records

These errors can trigger audits, penalties, and unnecessary administrative work.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

When an employer fails to meet their super obligations, the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) applies. This charge includes:

• The unpaid super amounts
• Interest (currently 10%)
• An administration fee of $20 per employee per quarter

In addition to financial penalties, the ATO may also pursue directors personally for non-payment under the Director Penalty Notice (DPN) framework.

Best Practices for Superannuation Compliance

To maintain compliance and avoid penalties, employers should:

• Automate SG calculations and payments with a trusted payroll platform like Microkeeper
• Validate employee data for accuracy (e.g., TFN, fund details)
• Use an integrated clearing house to ensure timely, SuperStream-compliant transfers
• Set calendar reminders or implement payday-aligned payments ahead of legislative changes
• Reconcile payroll with superannuation ledgers regularly
• Provide timely payslips and update employees when contribution rates change

How Microkeeper Supports Superannuation Compliance

Microkeeper simplifies superannuation compliance through automation and integration. Our platform:

• Calculates super entitlements based on award interpretations
• Integrates with Beam Super Clearing House for seamless payments
• Supports One-Click Super Payments
• Ensures data is submitted via STP-compliant processes
• Alerts you about upcoming contribution deadlines
• Helps with payday super transition readiness

Explore Microkeeper's Payroll Tools

FAQs About Superannuation Compliance

Can I pay superannuation monthly instead of quarterly?

‍Yes, as long as the quarterly deadline is met. In fact, frequent payments are encouraged under upcoming reforms.

What if I make a late super payment?

‍You’ll need to lodge an SGC statement and may face interest and admin fees, even if you pay only a few days late.

Does super apply to casual and part-time workers?

‍Yes, if they earn over $450/month (for pre-2022), or under current SG rules regardless of threshold.

Can I be audited for superannuation compliance?

‍Yes, the ATO routinely audits businesses and reviews STP reports and super clearing house data.

Final Thoughts

Superannuation compliance is not just about ticking boxes—it’s a legal and financial responsibility that affects both your business and your employees’ futures. By staying on top of your SG obligations, payment deadlines, and data accuracy, you safeguard your business from penalties and contribute to long-term financial security for your team.

Modern platforms like Microkeeper make it easy to automate, manage, and report your super contributions with confidence and ease.

_{Disclaimer: This entry is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. For guidance tailored to your business, consult the ATO or a registered tax adviser.}