is every pay run covered?
If you employ staff, the way you pay super changed on 1 July 2026. Under Payday Super, you can no longer pay super quarterly. Super now travels with every pay run.
🤔 What changed?
Before 1 July 2026, employers could pay super quarterly, up to 28 days after each quarter ends. Now:
Super must be paid at the same time as wages, every pay run.
The contribution must reach the employee's fund within 7 business days of payday. Paying on day seven isn't enough; it has to arrive.
For a new employee, the first contribution has a longer window: 20 business days from payday.
The Superannuation Guarantee rate remains 12% of ordinary time earnings.
🏚️ The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House has closed.
Many small businesses used the ATO's free Small Business Superannuation Clearing House. It closed permanently on 1 July 2026. If you relied on it, you now need another way to pay, usually through your payroll software or a commercial clearing house.
🚨 Why it matters!
Late or short super payments can attract the Superannuation Guarantee charge. They may also breach the Fair Work Act or your award or enterprise agreement. With weekly or fortnightly pay runs, you now have far more deadlines in a year than the old four.
🏥 A quick health check:
Ask yourself these questions after your next few pay runs:
Is super being sent on the same day as wages?
Can you see that each contribution reached the fund within 7 business days?
Is your payroll software certified for Payday Super?
Do you collect new employees' fund details before their first pay?
Has your cash flow adjusted to pay super weekly or fortnightly instead of quarterly?
If any answer is "I'm not sure", it's worth a closer look now, before a payment is rejected or late.
📞 We can help
Exact BAS & Bookkeeping runs payroll for small businesses across Melbourne's eastern suburbs, including super under the new rules. If you'd like a second pair of eyes on your setup, call 03 9860 4480.
