Superannuation

As an employer you must pay superannuation for your eligible employees to a complying superannuation fund, at least 4 times per year.

From 1st July 2013, you to pay superannuation at the rate of 9.25% for all employees over the age of 18 to whom you pay $450 or more (gross) per month. You also have to pay superannuation for your contractors if the contract is wholly or principally for their labour, and for employees who are temporary residents of Australia.

If you don’t meet your obligations, you will have to pay the shortfall, plus interest, plus a fee – so you’ll end up paying a lot more.

The Federal Government has made a number of significant changes to Superannuation laws, and any business that employs staff needs to be aware of how this will impact them.

Superannuation Rate Change from 9% to 9.25% on 1st July 2013.

Over the next 7 years, superannuation will progressively increase from the current level of 9% to a rate of 12% by 2019/20. On 1st July 2013, you were required to start paying all employees’ superannuation at the rate of 9.25%.

Financial Year	Super Rate
2012 – 2013	9%
2013 – 2014	9.25%
2014 – 2015	9.5%
2015 – 2016	10%
2016 – 2017	10.5%
2017 – 2018	11%
2018 – 2019	11.5%
2019 – 2020	12%

Superannuation Guarantee for 70+ year old employees

It was not previously mandatory to pay Superannuation Guarantee to an employee who has reached the age of 70+. From 1st July 2013, this exception has been removed and all employees will be eligible for Superannuation at the prevailing rate, regardless of their age.

Further changes on 1st July 2014

There are further changes that will come into effect from 1st July 2014 including, significantly, the requirement to pay all superannuation electronically using BPay, Direct Credit, or Direct Debit (cheque payments will no longer be allowed).