loader image

Home > Blog > Not paying on time could be painful…

Not paying on time could be painful…

Date: 14 December 2023

If your accountant reminds you to pay your superannuation (super) obligations on time, there is good reason for that.

The introduction of single touch payroll (STP) has made it very easy for the ATO to monitor employer’s activities. There has been a lot of audit activity since its introduction with the potential for more to come.

If you pay your super late

  • You will need to lodge a superannuation guarantee charge (SGC) statement within one month of the due date. This is how the ATO calculates the SGC which comprises super guarantee on salary and wages (including any overtime – which normally wouldn’t attract SG), nominal interest of 10% per annum and an administration fee of $20 per employee per quarter. You will find the statement here.
  • Should you not lodge the above SGC statement by its due date (one month after the super was due), a penalty of up to 200% can apply!
  • None of these charges are tax deductible and if you use a late payment to offset your charges, they become non-deductible too.

We find that clients often require assistance from us to complete these steps so please don’t hesitate to contact us. The earlier this is rectified the better.

Mark these dates in your calendar!

Quarter Super Guarantee payment due date SGC statement due date (if late)
1 July – 30 September 28 October 28 November
1 October – 31 December 28 January 28 February
1 January – 31 March 28 April 28 May
1 April – 30 June 28 July 28 August


Other tips

  • Pay super first and don’t wait to prepare your quarterly BAS. The due date is the date the contributions must reach the fund, therefore allow up to ten days for processing by your clearing house.
  • If you’re a related party e.g., a sole director getting paid wages, the same rules apply.
  • Find out if your accounting software can streamline this process. Many software providers have this capability.
  • The current rate for superannuation guarantee for 2023/2024 is 11%. It is worth checking your software is calculating this correctly.

Start today

To get in touch with our team, start by emailing us at enquiries@rm.net.au

Know More

Property Subdivision Projects: The Tax Implications

Property Subdivision Projects: The Tax Implications

As the urban sprawl continues in most major Australian cities, we are often asked to advise on the tax treatment of subdivision projects. Before jumping in and committing to anything, it is important to understand the tax liabilities that might arise from these...

read more
Business Deductions

Business Deductions

Understand which business expenses can be claimed as tax deductions. What you can claim You can claim a tax deduction for most expenses you incur in carrying on your business if they are directly related to earning your assessable income. Types of business expenses...

read more
Year-End Tax Planning & What’s New from 1 July 2025

Year-End Tax Planning & What’s New from 1 July 2025

As we approach the end of the 2024–25 financial year, now is the final time to review your tax position and take advantage of strategies to legally minimise your tax liability. Below are key areas to consider before 30 June 2025, along with important changes taking...

read more