Payroll News April 2026 - Preparing for Payday Super

As we move closer to the introduction of Payday Super, now is the time to start preparing your processes and ensuring your data is accurate and up to date. While the official start date is 1 July 2026, getting set up early will make the transition smoother and help avoid last-minute issues.

What We’re Working On

We’ve been busy enhancing JobBag to support the upcoming Payday Super changes:

• Updating STP reporting to include Qualified Earnings (QE). Ensures compliant reporting aligned with ATO requirements. - Completed
• Improving our clearing house superannuation remittance file. Reduces errors and streamlines the super payment process. - Completed
• We successfully submitted our January–March superannuation payments to Australian Superannuation, with contributions processed and received into employees’ superannuation accounts within 48 hours.
• Updating how JobBag manages the Maximum Contribution Base - Completed
• Adding Qualified Earnings (QE) columns to reports and the STP window. Provides greater visibility and transparency when reviewing payroll data. - Completed
• Adding Fund Validation Service (FVS) and Member Verification Requests (MVR). Improves data accuracy by validating fund details and member information before submission.
• Removing the requirement to report contractor and non-performing artist super payments via STP (unless a voluntary PAYG agreement is in place) - Completed
• Preparing recommended Payday Superannuation Process Help articles

We’re aiming to release a new build very soon, which will include the new and improved superannuation remittance file.

What You Need to Do in JobBag

To ensure you're ready for Payday Super, we recommend completing the following tasks:

Employee, Talent and Freelancer Records

Review all employee, talent and freelancer records and ensure the following information is up to date:

• Gender
• Residential address
• Date of birth
• Email address
• Contact phone number

Phone numbers should include spaces for readability, for example:

• Mobile: 0423 333 111
• Landline: 02 8115 8090

Also confirm that all employees, talent and freelancers who are entitled to superannuation have valid superannuation member numbers recorded.

Superannuation Clearing House Set up

In JobBag

• Nominate your superannuation clearing house within JobBag.
• Enter your Employer ID supplied by your clearing house in JobBag

In your nominated clearing house site eg Australian Super

In Administration > Preferences

• Update file format QuickSuper csv2
• Updated contribution file date format to DD/MM/YYYY (26/02/2026)

In Administration > Payment method

• Set payment method to Direct Debit

Super Fund Review in JobBag

Review and clean up your superannuation fund data by:

• Adding USIs (Unique Superannuation Identifiers) to all active super funds.
• Making any unused or obsolete super funds inactive.

Superannuation Reconciliation in JobBag

Review the Superannuation Reconciliation window and ensure:

• All superannuation files have been reconciled.
• All superannuation payments have been processed and paid.
• There are no outstanding or unreported superannuation amounts.

Review Your Payment Processes

Payday Super may impact how and when superannuation is paid for employees, freelancers, talent and performing artists.

Review your current payroll and payment processes and consider:

• How frequently superannuation obligations will arise.
• When superannuation payments will need to be made.
• Who is responsible for processing and reconciling superannuation.
• Whether any internal procedures need to be updated.

Ensuring your processes are ready now will help make the transition to Payday Super as smooth as possible.

Clearing House Transition

Depending on your current setup, follow the steps below:

If using the Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH):

• Pay January - March super by 28/04/2026 using SBSCH
• Download your historical super records (instructions available separately)
• Register with Australian Superannuation as your new clearing house
• Upload employee details into the new system
• Process April - June 2026 super payments via Australian Superannuation

If using a Non-Quick Super Clearing House:

• Finalise January - March payments by 28/04/2026 using your current provider
• Register with Australian Superannuation as your new clearing house
• Upload employee details into the new system
• Process April - June 2026 super payments via Australian Superannuation

If using a Quick Super Clearing House:

• Ensure January - March payments are completed by 28/04/2026
• Further transition steps will align with your setup

Start Now, Not Later

Although Payday Super doesn’t officially begin until 1 July 2026, there’s no need to wait. Starting early allows you to:

• Test your new processes
• Identify and resolve any issues
• Build confidence in your payroll workflow

ATO Resources

• Payday Super: How to manage super during the changeover
• What payments are qualifying earnings

Final Thoughts

Preparing for Payday Super is all about getting your systems, data, and processes aligned ahead of time. By taking action now, you’ll ensure a seamless transition and stay compliant with upcoming requirements. If you need help with downloading records or setting up your new clearing house, feel free to reach out.