How to SetUp Super Accounts in Australia: A Guide for Business Owners

If you’re employing staff in Australia, superannuation isn’t optional — it’s a legal and financial must.

Yet many small business owners leave the setup of super accounts until the last minute, risking missed deadlines, ATO penalties, and unhappy employees.

Setting up super accounts properly from day one protects your people, your reputation, and your tax deductions. This guide shows you how to do it step-by-step — and how to stay compliant as you grow.

This isn’t just a super setup guide — it’s your ATO-compliant superannuation checklist for growing teams.

What Is a Super Account and Why It Matters

A super account is the retirement savings account you — as an employer — must contribute to on behalf of your employees.

You’re legally required to:

• Contribute 11% of an employee’s ordinary time earnings (as of 2025)

• Pay quarterly into a complying super fund

• Use SuperStream (electronic payment system)

• Report contributions via STP (Single Touch Payroll)

The ATO mandates employers to pay super at least four times per year, using SuperStream-compliant methods. Check the rate (%) each year as this figure can change yearly.

Why Super Account Setup Matters for Business Owners

• Avoid ATO fines: Late or missed super payments trigger interest and loss of tax deductions.

• Build employee trust: Paying super on time signals you’re a professional, reliable employer.

• Stay audit-safe: Set it up once, and automate compliance with STP and payroll integration.

• Claim tax deductions: Super is tax-deductible, but only if paid by the quarterly due dates.

Real Talk: Superannuation is one of the most common audit triggers. A missed deadline costs you time, money, and trust. It’s important you don’t wing it.

What You Need Before You Start

• An active ABN and business bank account

• Your employee’s TFN and super fund details

• Access to a SuperStream-compliant payroll or clearing house

• A default super fund for employees who don’t choose one

• STP-enabled accounting or payroll software

Mentor Tip: Register with a free clearing house (like the ATO Small Business Super Clearing House) if you have fewer than 19 employees.

How to Set Up Super Accounts in Australia (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose a Default Super Fund

• Required by law if an employee doesn’t nominate their own fund

• Compare options: AustralianSuper, REST, Hostplus, Aware Super

• Ensure the fund is MySuper-authorised

You now have a legal default fund ready to onboard new employees.

Step 2: Register for the ATO Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH)

• Go to ATO online services via your myGovID

• Register your business and banking details

• Add your default super fund

• Learn how to use SuperStream via SBSCH

You can now submit payments to multiple funds in one transaction.

Step 3: Collect Employee Super Info

• Ask for super fund name, member number, and USI (Unique Super Identifier)

• Collect TFNs — legally required for reporting

• Provide a Standard Choice Form (ATO template)

You have employee super preferences on file and ready to load.

Step 4: Connect Super to Your Payroll System

• Use software like Xero, MYOB, Employment Hero

• Enter employee super details under their profile

• Link your software to your clearing house (SBSCH or private)

• Enable auto-super payments for each pay run

Super contributions are automatically processed and lodged with each payroll cycle.

Step 5: Pay and Report Super Quarterly

• Schedule payments before the ATO deadlines:

  • Q1: 28 Oct, Q2: 28 Jan, Q3: 28 Apr, Q4: 28 Jul

• Use your payroll software or SBSCH to submit

• Reconcile payments in your accounting software

You’ve lodged on time and protected your tax deduction.

Cost of Setting Up Super Accounts

Tool/Service	Cost Range
ATO SBSCH	Free
Payroll Software (Xero, MYOB, etc)	$25 – $85/month
Super Clearing House (Private)	$0 – $10/employee
Bookkeeper/Payroll Advisor	$80 – $150/hour

Money-Saving Tip: Use ATO’s free SBSCH if you’re just starting out — then scale to a paid clearing house if needed.

Common Mistakes Business Owners Make

Missing the quarterly payment deadline 

Lose your tax deduction and face ATO penalties.

Not offering a choice of super fund 

You’re legally required to give employees a choice.

Skipping SuperStream setup 

Paper-based payments aren’t compliant — use a clearing house.

Relying on manual spreadsheets 

No audit trail = big trouble. Use STP software from day one.

Forgetting casual and part-time staff 

If they earn over $450/month (or $350 from July 2025), super applies.

What to Do Right Now

✅ Book a consult: Get help from Noize to set up your payroll, STP, and super legally [noize.com.au]

✅ Get the full StartUp Deck

Everything you need to build a real business — from idea to execution. Over 30 years of hard-won lessons packed into one system so you don’t waste time, money, or momentum. [Includes 6 months of ProDesk access — StartUpDeck.com]

FAQs

Do I have to set up super for casual employees? 

Yes, if they earn over the monthly threshold (currently $450, soon $350). Check ATO rules.

What is the deadline for super payments? 

Quarterly — 28 Oct, 28 Jan, 28 Apr, 28 Jul. Early payments keep you compliant.

Can I use any clearing house? 

Yes — ATO’s SBSCH is free, or you can use one from your super fund or software.

Do I need to pay super if my employee doesn’t give me their fund details? 

Yes. You must pay into your default fund.

Can you automate super payments? 

Absolutely. Most payroll systems let you set and forget with auto-super features.