Payday Super is coming — here's what Macedon Ranges employers need to do now

If you run a business and you have employees, this one's important.

From 1 July 2026, the way you pay super is changing — and it's a bigger shift than it might sound.

Right now, most employers pay superannuation quarterly.

Under the new Payday Super rules, contributions will need to hit your employees' super funds within seven business days of each payday.

Every. Single. Pay. Run.

Here's what you need to know and do before the deadline lands.

First, understand what's actually changing

The new rules mean super guarantee payments need to reach your employees' funds within seven business days of payday (with some exceptions, like new employees). Contributions are calculated at 12% of an employee's "qualifying earnings" — a new term that broadens the previous concept of ordinary time earnings.

Miss a payment, pay the wrong amount or send it to the wrong fund? The super guarantee charge (SGC) may apply. In other words, it pays to get this right.

Start planning now — not in June

The ATO is actively encouraging businesses to get their ducks in a row well ahead of 1 July 2026, and we'd echo that. Here's what that looks like in practice:

• Decide when your business will make the switch. Early adoption is completely fine, and for some businesses it'll make the transition smoother.

• Review your cashflow. Quarterly super payments give you breathing room. Payday Super doesn't. Make sure your business can handle the shift to real-time contributions without putting pressure on your day-to-day finances.

• Check your employee records. Super fund details for every eligible employee need to be current, complete and correct before you make the change.

Make sure your systems are ready

Once you've got your plan sorted, it's time to make sure your tools can keep up. Check that your payroll software is Payday Super-ready, and review any clearing houses or super fund portals you currently use.

One important heads-up for small businesses: the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) is closing permanently on 1 July 2026 as part of the reforms. If that's how you currently manage your super payments, you'll need an alternative in place before then.

It's also worth taking the time now to think through what happens if something goes wrong — because errors in super payments will need to be corrected quickly under the new rules. Having a process ready before you need it is a lot less stressful than scrambling after the fact.

Don't leave Payday Super too late

Businesses that stick with quarterly super payments after 1 July 2026 risk compliance action from the ATO. This isn't a soft deadline.

Whether you're based in Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend, Lancefield or anywhere else across the Macedon Ranges, our team can walk you through exactly what Payday Super means for your business, help you review your payroll systems and make sure you're set up well before the change hits.

Get in touch with our Gisborne team today — let's get you sorted well ahead of 1 July.

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