Summary: This article is intended for ZonePayroll customers in Australia who will be impacted by the July 1, 2026 Payday Super updates.
For a quick summary of Payday Super and the corresponding ZonePayroll updates, read this article.
Detailed information about each of the upcoming ZonePayroll updates in June, read this article.
Regulatory Overview – For Informational Purposes Only
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview of Australia's Payday Super regulations for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. While we strive to keep this information current as of May 5, 2026, regulations and timelines are subject to change by the Australian authorities.
Zone assumes no liability for the accuracy or completeness of this information or for any actions taken based upon it. For definitive legal requirements and the most up-to-date mandates, please consult the official Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website and your professional payroll advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Payday Super?
Q: What is Payday Super?
A: Payday Super is a new Australian government regulation requiring employers to calculate and pay superannuation contributions on every payday - one the same day as salary and wages are paid. It replaces the current requirement, which allows employers to pay super quarterly. To view the full details for the changes, please visit the ATO website.
Q: When does Payday Super take effect?
A: Payday Super takes effect on July 1, 2026. From that date, all employers must comply with the new payment frequency. It's worth noting that the ATO has committed to a one-year grace period for employers who can show they're actively working toward compliance.
Q: Who is affected?
A: All Australian employers who run payroll and pay superannuation for employees. If you are a ZonePayroll customer with Australian employees, this change applies to you.
Why Is It being Introduced?
Q: Why is the Australian government introducing Payday Super?
A: The legislation is designed to ensure employees receive their super contributions more consistently and promptly. By tying super payment to each pay cycle, the government aims to reduce the risk of employers missing or delaying contributions.
Q: Is this mandatory?
A: Yes. Payday Super is a legislative mandate from the Australian government. Non-compliance may result in penalties from the ATO.
How Does This Impact Customers?
Q: How does the payment timeline change?
A: Under Payday Super, super contributions must be received by the employee's fund within 7 business days of payday. Clearing houses typically take 1–3 business days to process transactions, so you must submit early enough to meet this window.
Q: What is Qualifying Earnings (QE) and how is it different from OTE?
A: Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE) — the previous earnings base — is being replaced by Qualifying Earnings (QE), which is a broader measure. The minimum 12% super guarantee must now be calculated based on QE. You are responsible for reviewing your pay component subtype codes to confirm they are correctly categorised for QE. See instructions and details here.
Q: What is happening to the ATO's Small Business Super Clearing House?
A: The ATO's Small Business Super Clearing House is being decommissioned on July 1, 2026. If you currently use this service, you must transition to an alternative clearing house before that date.
Q: What STP reporting changes are required?
A: From July 1, 2026, every STP submission must include year-to-date Qualifying Earnings (QE) and year-to-date Super Liability (SL) for each employee.
How Does ZonePayroll Support Payday Super?
Q: What role does ZonePayroll play in Payday Super compliance?
A: ZonePayroll acts as a reporting enabler. It generates the data and files needed for Single Touch Payroll (STP) submissions and clearing house uploads. However, ZonePayroll does not process payments — managing the actual contribution payment to the clearing house remains your responsibility.
Q: What platform updates are being made?
A: ZonePayroll is rolling out the following updates ahead of July 1, 2026. Detailed information and instructions for payroll teams available here.
- Renaming OTE to "OTE/QE” (Ordinary Time Earnings/Qualifying Earnings) throughout the platform
- Adding a new STP Super Entitlement Type field to the PCST records
- Adding visual Pay Run color-coded banners to track days since Pay Date
- Adding a Payday Super Remittance button as a shortcut to Super Payday that will save customers time by auto-populating some fields based information from prior steps in the payroll process
Q: What submission options are available for sending super data?
A: ZonePayroll supports three pathways: (1) Wrkr (ClickSuper) Direct API Integration — an automated sync that sends super data directly to Wrkr, reducing manual effort; (2) SAFF File Export — generates a SuperStream-compliant file for upload to any third-party clearing house; and (3) Manual Entry — for teams who prefer to enter data directly into their clearing house portal.
Q: How does the Wrkr (ClickSuper) integration work?
A: Navigate to Payroll Admin > Australia > Super: Payroll Remittance, click New Payroll Remittance, enter the Pay Day date range, and upload the file. Then log into the Wrkr portal to review and authorise the payment. Wrkr distributes the consolidated payment to individual super funds.
Q: How does the SAFF File Export work?
A: Navigate to Payroll Admin > Australia > Super: Payroll Remittance, click New Payroll Remittance, enter the Pay Day date range, click Submit, then click Upload SAFF. Save the generated file without opening, editing, or converting it, and upload it manually to your chosen clearing house.
What Actions Do Customers Need to Take?
Q: What do I need to do before July 1, 2026?
A: There are three key steps: (1) Choose and set up a clearing house if you currently use the ATO's Small Business Super Clearing House, which is closing. (2) Review your STP Super Entitlement Type field values for all PCST records to ensure they correctly reflect Qualifying Earnings (QE). (3) Adjust your internal payment schedule to account for clearing house processing time within the 7-business-day ATO window.
Q: Do I need to do anything to activate Payday Super features in ZonePayroll?
A: New field added to PCST - STP Super Entitlement Type field now appears under the Australia field group on the PCST record. A value must be recorded for all PCST that are considered Qualified Earnings (QE).
- Note that a PCST may incur super but not be Qualified Earnings.
- To facilitate the cutover process for our customers, Zone prepopulated the STP Super Entitlement Type field for all of our standard ZonePayroll PCST records. Customers are expected to review these updates prior to July 1: see the detailed expectations for customers here.
- Note that changes to STP Super Entitlement Type will not take affect until July 1. Payroll teams can make changes in ZonePayroll now, ahead of the July 1 cutover, with confidence that those changes will not take affect until July 1.
If you wish to set up the Wrkr (ClickSuper) direct integration, you will need to contact support to add this service to your contract.
Q: Who is responsible for making sure the super payment reaches the fund on time?
A: You — the employer — are responsible for managing the payment to your clearing house within the required timeframe. ZonePayroll provides the data and files; the payment action itself must be taken by your team.
What Resources Are Available?
Q: Where can I learn more about Payday Super from the ATO?
A: Visit ato.gov.au/payday-super for official guidance from the Australian Taxation Office.
Q: Are there video resources to help my team understand the changes?
A: Yes. Wrkr (ClickSuper) has published a 2-minute overview video. The Australian Association of Payroll Specialists (TAPS) has a three-part video series covering Payday Super, and deferral options — available on YouTube here.
Q: How do I get support from ZonePayroll?
A: Submit a support ticket at zoneandco.com/customer-support-form. Our team is available to assist with clearing house setup, platform questions, and anything else related to your Payday Super transition.