For years, many small employers paid their staff super through the ATO's free Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH). That service closed permanently on 1 July 2026 as part of the Payday Super reforms. If you were a regular user, it is worth confirming that your replacement method is working properly.

What has changed

The ATO says the SBSCH can no longer be used to make payments or download records. Any payment sent to it on or after 1 July 2026 is returned to the employer within 7 business days. The ATO also notes that if a payment arrived on time and was later refunded, you cannot claim a deduction for it in the 2025-26 year.

Payday Super is now in force, which means super is paid with each pay run rather than quarterly. The Fair Work Ombudsman says contributions must reach the employee's nominated fund within 7 business days of payday. Miss that window and you may face the super guarantee charge, which is not tax deductible and carries interest.

What the ATO suggests instead

The ATO lists several alternatives:

  • Payroll or accounting software with built-in super payment functions.
  • A commercial clearing house.
  • A super fund that offers its own clearing house service.
  • A messaging portal that sends compliant SuperStream data to funds.

The ATO also suggests checking your existing payroll software first, because it may already have super payment features you are not using.

What to do this week

  • Confirm how your last few pay runs were handled. Check that super left your account and landed in each fund, not just that it was recorded in your books.
  • Check the SuperStream Product Register if you are choosing a new provider, so you know the product is compliant.
  • Review your employee details. Correct fund details and tax file numbers prevent payments bouncing back.
  • Keep your own records. You can no longer download history from the SBSCH, so store payment confirmations and remittance reports yourself.
  • Plan the cash. With super leaving each pay cycle, build it into your weekly or fortnightly cash flow rather than waiting for a quarterly bill.

If you are not sure your current setup meets the 7 business day rule, ask your accountant or payroll provider to check it before the next pay run.