2024-2025 | Super Due Dates

Understanding the Superannuation Due Date

Superannuation, or “super”, is essential for the financial security of Australians, ensuring they have money set aside for retirement. For employers, making sure super contributions are made on time is not only a legal duty but also a key part of taking care of their employees.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about super due dates for 2023, 2024, and 2025. We will cover why super due dates are important, how to make sure your payments are on time, and what happens if you miss a payment.

As we are in 2024 and moving towards 2025, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of your superannuation responsibilities. Whether you are running a small business or managing a large team, it is important to understand your obligations and make the super payment process smoother.

What are Super Due Dates?

Super due dates refer to the deadlines by which employers must make superannuation contributions to their employees’ super funds. Following these due dates is important to avoid the superannuation guarantee charge (SGC) and ensure that donations are received by the super fund on time.

Understanding and following to super due dates is crucial for employers to avoid penalties and maintain a good relationship with their employees. By making timely super contributions, employers demonstrate their commitment to their employees’ financial well-being and fulfill their legal obligations.

The super due dates remain consistent year after year, ensuring consistency for employers. For the fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025, the due dates are as follows:

Quarter	Payment Due Dates
First	28 October
Second	28 January
Third	28 April
Fourth	28 July

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1. Quarterly Super Payment Due Dates

It’s essential for employers to understand the specific due dates for making superannuation contributions each quarter. Below, we provide a detailed table outlining these quarterly super payment due dates for your convenience:

A. Explanation of what to do if the due date falls on a weekend or public holiday

If the Super due dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, it’s important to ensure that payments are made on or before the next business day. Timely pay ensures that contributions are paid on time, minimizing the risk of penalties or late fees.

By staying organized and following these quarterly due dates, employers can maintain compliance with superannuation regulations and fulfil their obligations to their employees.

2. What is the SGC and Why Does it Matter?

The Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) is a penalty imposed on employers who fail to make their superannuation contributions on time or for the correct amount. It serves as a barrier to ensure employers meet their obligations and protect employees’ retirement savings.

Breakdown of SGC Components

A. Shortfall Amount

Shortfall Amount refers to the unpaid or late super contributions that should have been made on behalf of employees. The calculation is determined by the outstanding amount owed to the super fund of each employee.

B. Administrative Fee

The ATO imposes an administrative fee to cover the costs associated with collecting late super contributions. This fee is added to the total SGC amount.

C. Interest

Employers are also required to pay interest on the overdue super contributions. The ATO sets the interest rate, and it accumulates until the outstanding amount is fully paid.

Super Guarantee Charge Form and SGC Forms

Employers who are liable for the SGC must lodge a Super Guarantee Charge Statement with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This form outlines the details of the unpaid or late super contributions, including the shortfall amount, administrative fee, and interest calculations.

Download – Super Guarantee Charge Form

Additionally, there are specific SGC forms provided by the ATO to assist employers in fulfilling their obligations. These forms simplify the process of calculating and reporting the SGC, ensuring compliance with superannuation laws.

Quarter	SGC Payment Due Dates
First	28 November
Second	28 February
Third	28 May
Fourth	28 August

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3. Who Needs to Pay Superannuation?

Superannuation payments are an essential part of employee benefits, ensuring financial security in retirement.

Here are the eligibility criteria for employees.

A. Employees Over 18 Years of Age

• All employees aged 18 years or older are entitled to super contributions from their employers, irrespective of their employment status (full-time, part-time, casual) or residency status (including temporary residents).
• Employers must make super contributions for these employees based on their earnings.

B. Employees Under 18 Years of Age

• While there is no general requirement to make super payments for employees under 18, there are exceptions.
• If an employee under 18 works more than 30 hours per week, their employer must make super contributions for them, regardless of their age or earnings.

Super Contribution Payments for Different Employee Categories

C. Full-Time Employees

Employers must make regular super contributions for full-time employees based on their earnings. These contributions are figured out based on a portion of what the employee typically earns during their regular working hours.

D. Part-Time Employees

Part-time workers receive super contributions equal to those of full-time employees, determined by their earnings for the hours they work.

E. Casual Employees

Casual employees also qualify for super contributions, calculated based on their earnings. These contributions are typically made alongside their wages.

Understanding the eligibility criteria and super contribution requirements for different employee categories is essential for employers to fulfil their obligations and support their employees’ long-term financial well-being.

4. Late Super Payments

Late super payments can result in significant effects for both employers and employees. Let’s explore the effects of late fees and the steps to avoid them.

A. Consequences of Late Super Payments

1. Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC)

Missing super payment deadlines can result in the imposition of the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The SGC includes unpaid super contributions, an administrative fee, and interest.

2. Penalties and Fines

Employers may face penalties and fines for failing to meet their superannuation obligations. These penalties can be substantial and impact the financial health of the business.

3. Employee Dissatisfaction

Late super payments can erode employee trust and satisfaction. Employees rely on timely super contributions to secure their financial future, and delays can undermine their confidence in their employer.

B. Steps to Avoid Late Payments

Step 1: Stay Organized

Maintain accurate records of employee earnings and super contributions to ensure timely payments each quarter.

Step 2: Set Reminders

Use calendars or digital reminders to alert you of upcoming super payment due dates. Reminders help prevent missed deadlines and ensure payments are made on time.

Step 3: Allocate Sufficient Funds

Allocate funds specifically for super contributions to avoid cash flow issues that may lead to late payments.

Step 4: Contact the ATO

If you anticipate difficulty making a super payment on time, promptly contact the ATO to discuss your options. They might provide help or arrange a payment schedule to prevent you from facing fines.

Step 5: Seek Professional Advice

Consider seeking advice from a financial advisor or accountant to manage your superannuation obligations better and avoid late payments in the future.

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5. Super Contribution Payments

Making super contribution payments accurately and on time is essential for employers to fulfil their duties and support their employees’ retirement savings. Let’s explore the methods, frequency of payments, and the role of super clearing houses in facilitating these contributions.

A. Methods and Frequency of Payments

1. Payment Methods

Employers have different options to make super contributions, such as electronic funds transfer (EFT), BPAY, or using a super clearing house.

2. Frequency

Employers usually make super contributions every three months, aligning with the scheduled quarterly super payment deadlines. However, employers have the option to make payments more frequently, such as fortnightly or monthly, as long as the total contribution for each quarter is paid by the due date.

B. Role of Super Clearing Houses

1. Simplified Payments

Super clearing houses offer an easy way for employers to pay super for all their workers at once, making the payment process simpler and cutting down on paperwork.

2. Multiple Funds

Clearing houses allow employers to distribute contributions to multiple super funds, accommodating employees who may have chosen different funds for their super.

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C. Using the ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House

1. Accessibility

The ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House is a no-cost service accessible to small businesses with 19 or fewer employees, or companies with an annual combined income of under $10 million.

2. Benefits

This clearinghouse simplifies the super contribution process by allowing employers to make payments for all their employees in one transaction. Payments made through the ATO’s clearing house are considered ‘paid’ on the date they are received, reducing the risk of late payments.

6. Superannuation Standard Choice Form

The Superannuation Standard Choice Form is an essential document that employers must provide to their employees. Let’s explore its importance, when to offer it, and its implications for complying with super funds and employee super funds.

Download – Superannuation Standard Choice Form

A. Importance of the Superannuation Standard Choice Form

1. Employee Choice

The form allows employees to nominate their preferred super fund for employer contributions. It ensures that employees have control over their superannuation savings and can choose a fund that best suits their needs.

2. Legal Requirement

Providing the Superannuation Standard Choice Form to employees is a legal requirement for employers. Failure to provide the form may result in penalties and non-compliance with superannuation regulations.

B. When to Provide the Form to Employees

1. New Employees

Employers must provide the Superannuation Standard Choice Form to new employees within 28 days of their start date and give employees the opportunity to nominate their chosen super fund early in their employment.

2. Existing Employees

If an existing employee requests the form or becomes eligible to choose a super fund (e.g., due to changes in their employment status), employers must provide the form promptly.

C. Implications for Complying Super Funds and Employee Super Funds

1. Complying Super Funds

Employers must contribute to complying with super funds chosen by their employees. Complying super funds meet specific regulatory requirements set by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).

2. Employee Super Funds

Employees have the freedom to select any complying super fund as their preferred choice. Employers must respect employees’ choices and direct their super contributions accordingly.

By providing employees with the Superannuation Standard Choice Form and respecting their chosen super funds, employers ensure compliance with superannuation laws and support their employees’ financial goals.

7. Special Considerations

In addition to the standard practices of superannuation management, there are several special considerations that employers should be aware of. Let’s explore these considerations, including. 

• Super on annual leave payout
• Super due dates when using Single Touch Payroll (STP)
• Centrelink payment dates:

A. Super on Annual Leave Payout

When employees receive payouts for annual leave, employers must ensure that superannuation contributions are also paid on these amounts. Super contributions on annual leave payouts are calculated based on the employee’s ordinary earnings for the period.

B. Super Due Dates when Using Single Touch Payroll (STP)

Employers using Single Touch Payroll (STP) for payroll reporting should note that the super due dates remain the same, regardless of the payroll reporting method. STP simplifies the reporting process but does not affect the timing or requirements for super contributions.

C. Centrelink Payments Dates and Centrelink Age Pension Pay Dates

Centrelink payments, including the age pension, are issued on specific dates each month. Employers should be aware of these dates to help employees plan their finances effectively. By understanding Centrelink payment dates, employers can support employees who rely on government assistance.

D. Additional Information

Employers need to stay informed about any changes or updates related to superannuation, payroll reporting, and government benefits. Regularly checking for updates from relevant authorities, such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Centrelink, can help ensure compliance and effective financial management for both employers and employees.

8. Technology and Super Payments

In today’s modern era, technology is vital in making many business tasks easier, such as managing super payments. Let’s explore how technology, such as QuickSuper and other super clearing houses, benefits the management of super payments:

A. Using QuickSuper and Other Super Clearing Houses

1. QuickSuper

QuickSuper is a secure and SuperStream-compliant solution for making super guarantee (SG) payments. It allows employers to pay all their employees’ super to multiple funds with a single transaction. QuickSuper simplifies the super payment process, saving time and reducing administrative burden.

2. Other Super Clearing Houses

In addition to QuickSuper, there are other super-clearing houses available that offer similar benefits. These clearing houses provide a centralized platform for employers to manage super contributions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

B. Benefits of Technological Solutions in Managing Super Payments

1. Efficiency

Technology simplifies the super payment process, reducing manual tasks and administrative overhead. Employers can make payments quickly and accurately, saving time and resources.

2. Accuracy

Digital platforms, such as QuickSuper, ensure accuracy in super payments by automating calculations and minimizing errors, resulting in reduced risk of compliance issues and penalties.

3. Convenience

Employers can conveniently manage their super contributions by accessing online super clearing houses at any time and from any location. This flexibility enables timely payments and improves overall efficiency.

4. Compliance

Technological solutions, such as QuickSuper, adhere to SuperStream requirements, ensuring compliance with superannuation regulations. Employers can rely on these platforms to fulfill their legal responsibilities and prevent penalties.

5. Integration

Many technological solutions for super payments integrate seamlessly with payroll systems, simplifying data management and reporting. This integration guarantees that super contributions are consistent and accurate.

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Final Thoughts

In summary, effectively managing super payments is important for employers to meet their duties and support employees’ financial security. By following to super due dates and utilizing technology like QuickSuper, employers can simplify the payment process and ensure compliance with regulations. 

Regular communication with employees, staying informed about changes in superannuation laws, and seeking professional advice when needed are essential practices to avoid penalties and maintain a compliant superannuation system. Prioritizing superannuation management not only benefits employees’ long-term financial well-being but also promotes a culture of trust and responsibility within the workplace.

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