Checklist for employers paying staff super.

Part of your obligations as an employer is to pay superannuation guarantee — a task that can be easier said than done. Use this checklist to ensure you're meeting your super obligations. 

1. Determining eligibility.

Determine which employees (including contractors) are eligible for super contributions. 

Determine what payments are considered ordinary time earnings. 

2. Selecting a fund. 

Offer your employees a choice of superfund. 

Provide your employees’ Tax File Number to their fund of choice. 

Ensure you understand how to pay super (e.g. ensure you’re paying super into a complying fund or retirement savings account). 

If your employee hasn't given you the details of their fund, select your default superfund on their behalf. 

3. Pay and report. 

Note the quarterly super payment due dates to avoid penalties and the super guarantee charge. 

Determine how much super you need to pay each staff member. 

Comply with SuperStream by making payments and providing data electronically in one of the following ways: 

• Through a SuperStream compliant system.
• Through a commercial clearing house or the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House. 
• Through the superfund (if it offers this service).

4. Pay on time. 

Check super payment due dates. 

Pay super contributions on or before these dates. 

Pay super contributions at least four times a year. 

If you haven’t paid on time, calculate the super guarantee charge, lodge the superannuation guarantee charge statement, and pay the superannuation guarantee charge. 

5. Keep records. 

Keep accurate records that are written in English, or can be easily converted into English by yourself or a translator if needed. 

Keep receipts and other documents issued by the fund that prove you’ve made the necessary employee contributions. 

Demonstrate how much super guarantee you paid for each employee, as well as how you calculated the amount. 

Demonstrate that you’ve offered eligible employees a choice of superfund. 

Keep these records for a minimum of five years. 

Want more superfund support?

The best way to ensure employee super contributions are handled correctly is to get an expert opinion. That’s where we come in — contact us today.