Business Blog No 22 – SuperStream

SuperStream is a government initiative which details the way businesses are to pay employee superannuation contributions to superannuation funds. Businesses with 20 or more employees are already required to use the system, with small businesses with 19 or fewer employees needing to put the system in place. The original deadline for small businesses to be ‘Superstreamed’ was June 30, 2016, but the ATO are showing flexibility by extending this deadline to October 28, 2016. From my perspective, I highly recommend you cross over to the new regime as soon as possible as there are productivity and efficiency improvements to be gained.

SuperStream transmits money and information in a consistent format across the super system between employers, funds, service providers and the ATO in a single transaction, even if you deal with multiple super funds. The data is linked to the payment by a unique payment reference number.

How your business becomes SuperStream compliant is your choice. Options include using a compliant payroll system, using a super fund’s online system, using a messaging portal or using a super clearing house like the ATO’s Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH). For your information, the ATO’s SBSCH is a free, optional service for small business with 19 or fewer employees.

You don’t need to use SuperStream for contributions to your own self-managed super fund (SMSF) if you are an employee of your family business, or if you are a sole trader and you make personal superannuation contributions to a super fund for yourself. For these types of contributions you just keep using your previous processes.

If you need help getting SuperStream compliant, don’t hesitate to contact us on (03) 9554-3128.

Ross – Virtual/Part-Time CFO

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