Hey there, business owners! Today we’re diving into a topic that can be a real doozy if you don’t get it right – paying superannuation late for your employees. Now, we all know life gets busy, especially when you’re running a business. But letting those super payments slide? That’s a slippery slope that can lead to some pretty painful financial penalties. Let’s break it down.

Why Is On-Time Superannuation Important?

First things first, paying superannuation on time is not just a legal obligation; it’s a legal obligation that can have massive penalties if it’s not followed. Think about it.

What Happens If You’re Late?

So, you missed a payment. Maybe you forgot, or perhaps cash flow was a bit tight. Either way, the consequences start piling up faster than dishes in a shared flat’s sink. For starters:

Penalties and Fees

Let’s dive into the not-so-fun part: penalties and fees. As a business owner, you have specific responsibilities, and one of them is making timely super contributions for your employees. Fail to do so, and you could be looking at some stiff penalties.

First off, you’ll need to lodge a Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) statement.

The SGC is more than just an annoying form; it’s a critical document that calculates how much you owe in late superannuation payments plus interest and administrative fees. Yup, there’s interest involved, and it’s calculated from the date the super payment was due to the date you lodge the SGC statement.

Yes, you heard that right, even if you pay super 3 days late, but you lodge the SGC statement a year later, the interest will be charged on the full year, not the 3 days you paid the super late by – I know, WTF, please don’t shoot the messenger!

We’re not talking peanuts either; the interest is compounded quarterly, meaning it can add up pretty quickly.

Also, don’t forget the administrative fee of $20 per employee, per quarter you’re late. It’s not just a slap on the wrist; it’s an ongoing headache that you’ll want to avoid.

There’s also a requirements on the date the SGC should be lodged and potential penalties if it’s not lodged on time… trust us, it’s so much easier just to pay it on time!

You can find out more directly from the horses mouth here.

Loss of Tax Deductions

Normally, super payments are tax-deductible. But pay them late, and you can kiss those tax benefits goodbye. Now, you’re out of pocket and missing out on a tax break. Double whammy – seeing how an average Company tax rate is 25%, if you pay $10,000 of superannuation late, you lose $2,500 of cold hard cash (because you lose the tax deduction of $10,000).

Damage to Business Reputation

Your team talks. If their super isn’t hitting their accounts on time, it doesn’t just create financial strain; it can breed mistrust. And in today’s connected world, word gets around. Before you know it, you could be battling a rep as a late payer, which is not the kind of branding any business wants.

Can You Make It Right?

Good news! If you’ve made a late payment, all is not lost. You can use the ATO’s Super Guarantee Charge Statement to square things up. But, be warned, the longer you leave it, the more it’s gonna cost you. This is a statement that legally should be prepared and is something your accountant can prepare for you.

The True Meaning of “Paid On Time”

You might think you’re in the clear if you hit that ‘Pay’ button before the quarterly deadline, but hold on a sec. It’s not the date you make the super payment that counts—it’s the date the super fund actually receives it.

That’s right, your payment isn’t considered “on time” until the funds are in the account and cleared, not just when you’ve initiated the transfer from your business account.

Especially around deadlines, processing times can vary, and a slight delay might push you into the penalty zone. So, get ahead of the game; make your payments well before the due date to ensure they land on time. Trust us, your future self (and your employees’ future selves) will thank you.

Key Takeaways

Late super payments are a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. Your employees miss out on their rightfully-earned contributions and potential earnings, while you cop financial penalties that can really add up.

Don’t put your business and your employees in this predicament. Keep a calendar, set reminders, and make sure those super payments are done on time, every time.

Our recommendation is that you pay superannuation every single time you process the payrun (which should be on time!).

We hope you’re enjoying our blog, just a note though. The information provided here is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. While we aim for accuracy, we can’t guarantee that this content will apply to your specific situation—every business owner’s circumstances are unique.

This blog is not a substitute for personalized advice from a qualified accountant, tax advisor, or any other professional. If you have questions specific to your individual circumstances, we strongly recommend consulting a professional for tailored advice.