Payday Super is Coming: What Employers Actually Need to Prepare For

Payday Super is Coming: What Employers Actually Need to Prepare For

From 1 July 2026, the way employers pay superannuation is changing.

Under the new Payday Super rules:

• Super must be paid at the same time as wages.
• Contributions must be received by the employee’s super fund within 7 business days of payday.
• The long-standing quarterly payment buffer will no longer apply.

For many employers, this change won’t increase the total super contributions — but it will affect how and when payments need to be made.

Why Payday Super Catches Businesses Off Guard

Most compliance issues we see aren’t caused by miscalculations. They’re caused by process and timing issues.

Common risk areas include:

• Paying super manually or in batches
• Relying on quarterly cash flow buffers
• Clearing house processing delays
• Payroll software not set up for frequent super payments
• Inconsistent pay cycles or irregular wages

Under Payday Super, good intentions won’t be enough. Super must be received on time and not just scheduled or processed.

Why This Is a Payroll Issue Before It’s a Tax Issue

Payday Super firmly shifts superannuation responsibility into payroll and bookkeeping processes.

Businesses will need:

• Payroll systems capable of frequent super payments
• Correct configuration of earnings, allowances, and pay codes
• Reliable payment methods to ensure super reaches funds on time
• Disciplined, repeatable processes every pay run

Employers with strong bookkeeping and payroll systems will find this transition far smoother than those relying on manual or inconsistent processes.

How Green Wave Accountants Is Helping Employers

We’ve already reviewed and transitioned all of our bookkeeping clients to ensure full compliance with Payday Super.

For employers not yet using our bookkeeping services, we recommend early, proactive preparation, well before July 2026, to reduce stress and avoid operational disruptions.

A Simple Way to Get Clarity

For employers who want certainty, we’re offering a Paid Payday Super Readiness Consultation with Leanne Nixon, our senior bookkeeping lead.

During this 30-minute session, we’ll cover:

• Your current payroll and super process
• Whether your setup meets the new timing rules
• Any system or cash flow risks
• Clear, practical next steps to ensure compliance

This session is designed to give clarity and confidence, whether that confirms your business is on track or highlights areas to address early.

Preparation now is far easier than scrambling later. If you’re unsure how Payday Super applies to your business, this consultation is the simplest place to start.

Book your Payday Super Readiness Consultation today!