The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is reminding employers that paying correct super entitlements on time is not optional, and it will take action to protect employees.
Latest data shows ATO actions have led to $932 million dollars of previously unpaid superannuation reaching the retirement accounts of 797,000 employees in the past year.
Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig said that the latest super guarantee employer compliance figures reflect the ATO’s work to ensure the unscrupulous minority do not benefit at the expense of their employees.
“More than 92 per cent of superannuation entitlements are paid without the need for ATO intervention,’ said Ms Rosenzweig.
“The ATO takes non-compliance with super guarantee obligations seriously, and ramped up the number of audits and reviews of employers.
“In the past year we proactively reached out to approximately 167,000 employers, with reminders and prompts to pay their employees super. This is an increase of approximately 24% on the previous year.
“The vast majority of Australian employers are doing the right thing by their employees.
“Sadly, we still receive referrals from employees reporting their super had not been paid.
“Our action against employers who aren’t complying with super guarantee obligations helps to protect employee’s superannuation and ensure a level playing field for all businesses,’ said Ms Rosenzweig.
‘Employers need to pay super in full, on time, and to the right fund, each quarter by the 28th day of October, January, April and July,’ said Ms Rosenzweig.
If you want to pay your super more regularly you can – just remember to do a reconciliation at the end of each quarter to check that you’re up to date.
‘From 1 July 2026, all employers will need to pay super at the same time as salary and wages,’ said Ms Rosenzweig.
The ATO now have better ways to detect and deal with non-compliance due to improved access to single touch payroll and superannuation fund data. Employees can check their super account via myGov to see what super payments have been paid to their funds.
The ATO has resources to help employers check they’re compliant with their super obligations, and advice on how to set up, calculate, and pay super at ato.gov.au/superforemployers
