Your Guide to the ATO Clearing House Closure – Part 2

In Part 1, we covered why the ATO's Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) is closing and what it means for your business.

Now let's get practical and look at your alternatives – because the good news is, you've got plenty of them.

Your Three Main Options

Option 1: Payroll software with built-in super payments

If you're already using payroll software for wages, this might be your easiest transition. Many popular accounting packages now include super payment features that let you pay contributions directly through the same system you use for payroll.

• Examples:

  • Xero: Activate Auto Super to pay employee super contributions automatically.

  • MYOB: Use the PaySuper functionality within its payroll module.

Benefits:

• Once you've run payroll, paying super can be as simple as clicking a button.

• No double-entry of data.

• No separate portals to log into – it all happens in one place.

Option 2: Super fund clearing houses

Most super funds offer free clearing house services to employers.

• Examples:

  • AustralianSuper’s QuickSuper: A free online portal where you can pay contributions to all employees’ funds (not just AustralianSuper).

  • Other major funds: Provide similar employer services.

Considerations:

• Typically require you to register as an employer with that fund.

• You can manage contributions to multiple funds in one place.

• Main trade-off: You’ll need to use a separate web portal and either upload payroll data or enter it manually.

Option 3: Commercial clearing house providers

Independent commercial providers offer additional features for businesses with higher transaction volumes.

• Examples: SuperChoice, ClickSuper, Beam.

Features & Trade-offs:

• Often charge fees (per transaction, per employee, or via subscription).

• Provide robust compliance features.

• Reliable processing for larger or more complex payrolls.

How to Choose the Right Option

When deciding, consider:

• Start with what you already have:
  If your payroll software supports super payments, this is often the simplest option.

• Consider the costs:

  • Super fund clearing houses = usually free.

  • Payroll software and commercial providers = may charge fees.

  • Factor in time savings from integration as well as direct costs.

• Think about your workflow:

  • Do you prefer one integrated system or don’t mind using separate portals?

  • How many employees do you have, and how frequently do you pay them?

• Check the support:

  • If something goes wrong, does the provider offer reliable customer service?

• Check the Product Register:

  • Ensure your chosen product is on the ATO’s Product Register.

  • This register lists products that have met security requirements and are authorised to use ATO digital services.

  • Note: The ATO does not endorse or recommend specific products.

Getting Started

The ATO recommends starting your transition well before 2026.

• This allows time to test new processes and resolve issues before the deadline.

• Speak with your accountant or bookkeeper about what works best for your business.

• Visit the ATO’s How to Pay Super webpage for the latest guidance.

Final Note

While losing the free SBSCH may feel inconvenient, many alternatives offer better integration and features that can improve payroll processes and reduce admin in the long run.