How superannuation reporting works in Australia
For most employers, “how does superannuation reporting work” comes down to four repeating steps:
- Set up payroll correctly: enable STP Phase 2, map Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE), set the Super Guarantee (SG) rate and add valid fund details for each employee.
- Report each pay run via STP: your software sends super liabilities to the ATO with every pay event.
- Pay contributions via SuperStream: use a compliant clearing house to send money and data to each fund by the quarterly deadlines.
- Reconcile and finalise: match payroll, ledger and clearing house reports; finalise STP at year end and ensure RESC is accurate.
SG rate is 11.5% of OTE for 2024–25 and is legislated to increase to 12% from 1 July 2025. Super generally applies to OTE (not overtime); check awards and software mappings to avoid underpayments.
What you must report and when
- Each pay run (STP Phase 2): report SG amounts and salary sacrifice super (RESC) to the ATO.
- Paying super (SuperStream): send contributions and data to funds via a clearing house.
- Quarterly deadlines: contributions must be received by funds by 28 Oct, 28 Jan, 28 Apr, 28 Jul. Many employers pay monthly to stay on track.
- Late or short payment: lodge a Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) statement and pay SGC (non‑deductible, includes nominal interest and admin fee).
- Year end: finalise STP; employees see income statements in myGov including RESC.
Small employers can use the ATO Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (eligible if you have 19 or fewer employees or a turnover under $10m), or your payroll software’s integrated clearing house.
Setup checklist before your first pay run
Employees and funds
Collect each employee’s fund name, USI or ABN, member number and TFN. For SMSFs you’ll also need the fund ABN, bank details and an electronic service address (ESA).
Payroll configuration
Enable STP Phase 2, set SG rate to 11.5%, configure RESC for salary sacrifice, and map earnings correctly to OTE. Exclude true overtime where required.
Clearing house
Choose the ATO SBSCH or your software’s integrated clearing house. Set up contribution categories and approved users.
Controls and cadence
Decide payment frequency (monthly vs quarterly), assign review responsibilities, and create a reconciliation checklist tied to your pay cycles.
Common scenarios that change your reporting
- Contractors mainly paid for labour may be entitled to SG even with an ABN—assess and set them up in payroll if required.
- Directors’ fees are generally subject to SG. Ensure director payments are mapped to OTE where applicable.
- Salary sacrifice super must be reported as RESC via STP and paid through your clearing house.
- Allowances and loadings: some count towards OTE, some do not. Confirm award rules and software mappings.
- SMSF contributions require accurate fund identifiers and ESA; use SuperStream-compliant channels.
If you discover underpayments or setup errors, correct your payroll items, re-calculate affected periods, pay the shortfall, and lodge SGC if you missed a deadline.
Reconciliation steps that prevent ATO and fund mismatches
- After each pay run: confirm STP submissions are accepted and the super payable figure matches payroll reports.
- When paying super: export the clearing house batch report and match totals to your ledger and payroll.
- Quarterly: ensure contributions cleared to funds before the 28th; factor bank processing times.
- Year end: reconcile super payable ledger, clearing house totals and payroll; confirm RESC and finalise STP.
Clean reconciliations make audits faster and reduce employee queries when funds receive contributions.
Who should handle what
- Payroll specialist: day-to-day setup, STP lodgements, super batches, and corrections.
- BAS agent: STP submissions, payroll compliance, super processing and reconciliations.
- Tax accountant: advice on structures, contractors vs employees, SGC statements and reviews.
If you’re unsure where your need sits, start with Payroll Services or compare BAS Agent services and Tax accountants for complex cases.
Frequently asked questions
How does superannuation reporting work for employers?
You report super via STP Phase 2 with each pay run and pay contributions to funds using a SuperStream-compliant clearing house. Reporting shows what you owe; payment sends the money. Reconcile regularly and finalise STP at year end.
What are the super payment deadlines?
Contributions must reach funds by the 28th day after the end of each quarter (28 Oct, 28 Jan, 28 Apr, 28 Jul). Many employers pay monthly to stay compliant. Late payments require an SGC statement and SGC payment.
What SG rate do I apply?
11.5% of OTE for 2024–25, legislated to increase to 12% from 1 July 2025. Ensure payroll items are mapped to OTE correctly.
What is the difference between SG and RESC?
SG is the compulsory employer contribution. RESC is Reportable Employer Super Contributions, typically salary sacrifice amounts. Both are reported via STP; all contributions are paid via your clearing house.
Do I need to pay super to contractors?
Often, yes. If a contractor is engaged mainly for labour, you may owe SG even if they have an ABN. Assess each arrangement and set up payroll accordingly.
How do I fix a super underpayment or late payment?
Correct payroll settings, calculate the shortfall, pay it via your clearing house, and lodge an SGC statement if deadlines were missed. SGC is non‑deductible and includes interest and an admin fee.