Superannuation Changes Coming! Are You Ready?

What's changing?

The government announced changes to superannuation guarantee from 1 July 2026 - legislation and regulations.

From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay their employee' superannuation guarantee (SG) at the same time as their salary & wages.

"Payday Super"

Paid to an employees' super fund on payday & received by the super fund within 7 business days. No more "we'll get to it late" - super becomes a payday responsibility.

How "Payday Super" Works:

Payday Super is a change to how you calculate & when you pay your employees' super guarantee.

Super guarantee is:

• Calculated as 12% of an employee's qualifying earnings (QE), which is a new term that brings together ordinary time earnings (OTE) and other payments.

• Paid to an employee' super fund on payday and received by the super fund on payday and received by the super fund within 7 businesses days (unless an extended timeframe applies, such as for new employees).

👉🏻 You report both QE & super liability through Single Touch Payroll

👉🏻Late payments can trigger penalties & compliance issues

👉🏻Penalties are 25% or 50% of the unpaid SGC, depending on any prior penalties

👉🏻The ATO will be enforcing these new rules

What you should start doing now:

✅Plan ahead. Review your payroll systems & super processes. Get ready to pay super guarantee more frequently.

✅Stay informed. Speak to your tax professional for advice

✅Small Business Superannuation Clearing House users must transition to an alternative option to pay their employees' super

✅Discuss anticipated cashflow impacts with your accountant or finance team now

You don't need to wait until 1 July 2026 to start paying super at the same time as you pay salary & wages - you can start now.

The ATO and industry bodes recommend engaging your payroll software provider or adviser early so your business is ready for the changes.