How To Set Up STP For Your Hospitality Business
April 10, 2019
Have you heard about STP and wondered what it is? Or maybe this is the first time you have heard of it. What you need to know is as of July 1, all businesses will need to comply with new legislation
The intention is to make reporting easier by sending tax and super information from your payroll or accounting software to the ATO as you run your payroll.
How To Ensure Your Small Cafes And Hospitality Businesses Is Ready
When you run your payroll and pay your employees your pay cycle does not need to change. You can continue to pay your employees weekly, fortnightly or monthly as per normal. What will change is that your STP-enabled payroll software will send a report to the ATO which includes the information, such as salaries and wages, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and super information. If you have questions you can check out the employer reporting guidelines for a full list of payments that must be reported through STP.
How To Ensure Your Bookkeeper Or Accountant Is Ready
For many small businesses in the hospitality industry you will already by using an accountant or bookkeeper. If you are not currently, this may be the right time to start thinking about the benefits of outsourcing your payroll and BAS reporting. If you are here are a few things to think about to ask prospective tax agents.
STP has been in effect for businesses with 20 more staff since July 2018, be sure to ask a prospective bookkeeper if they have set up a system for a client previously. There is also specialized training for accountants offered by many of the larger accounting systems such as MYOB or Xero. Ensure you ask if they have been accredited as STP ready.
We know that you are busy, and you don’t need another thing to worry about. Working with an accountant or bookkeeper does not have to time consuming or expensive. In fact, in the long run it can save you money by ensuring you are compliant and on top of your tax obligations.
How to Maximise Your Payroll For Greater Savings
It is important to start thinking now about your ongoing bookkeeping needs. Now might be the time to think about outsourcing your payroll.
Contact a registered tax or BAS agent to talk to them about your options. They will be able to report through STP for you, or outsource your payroll to a payroll service provider. It is your obligation as an employer to make sure that all reporting is through STP.
Payroll service providers must be registered as a tax or BAS agent when providing a tax agent service or BAS service for a fee. This would include Single Touch Payroll.
For a list of accounting systems that are STP compliant visits the ATO website here.
360 Is STP Ready
At 360 Accounting we are a STP ready supplier, and with over 10 years in managing payroll for clients. We know the best options for any business. We are a registered BAS agent, able to assist with accounting, payroll and BAS needs. With our full-service knowledge, we are always ready to assist. Book in now for a free consultation to explore your needs. We are always happy to help.
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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced a significant change affecting how small businesses process employee superannuation contributions through its Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH). Effective 30 June 2026, the ATO will cease providing the Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH) service. This change means that small businesses will need to transition to an alternative method for paying superannuation contributions to their employees' chosen funds before the deadline. What is the SBSCH? The Small Business Super Clearing House is a free, online service provided by the ATO that allows eligible small businesses (those with 19 or fewer employees, or with an annual aggregated turnover of less than $10 million) to make all their super guarantee contributions in a single transaction. The ATO then distributes the payments to the employees' respective super funds. The service has been a convenient tool for simplifying compliance and reducing the administrative burden on smaller enterprises. Why is the ATO making this change? The move is part of the broader push towards streamlining business processes and encouraging the adoption of more integrated, commercial solutions. With the proliferation of payroll and accounting software that incorporates Single Touch Payroll (STP) and superannuation payments, the ATO is transitioning out of directly providing this service. What are Your Alternative Options? The good news is that the market offers numerous robust and integrated alternatives that can handle your superannuation obligations seamlessly. Businesses must select and implement a new system before the 30 June 2026 cut-off date to ensure continuous compliance. Here are the most common alternative solutions: 1. Cloud-Based Accounting and Payroll Software Most modern cloud-based accounting platforms include integrated payroll functionality that allows you to calculate, process, and pay super contributions directly. These systems are often pre-configured to meet STP requirements and simplify compliance. Xero Integrated payroll with key features of direct super contribution payment and STP compliance. Suitable for Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs) seeking a comprehensive accounting and payroll solution. QuickBooks Online Payroll integration with key features of automated super calculation and payment (via partners like Employment Hero Payroll). Suitable for SMBs already using the QuickBooks ecosystem or needing strong project tracking. MYOB Offers various payroll solutions (e.g., MYOB Business) with key features of integrated super and STP reporting. Suitable for Businesses needing robust local reporting and compliance features. 2. Commercial Superannuation Clearing Houses If your business prefers to keep payroll and superannuation separate from your accounting software, or if you use a system without integrated super payments, a dedicated commercial clearing house may be the answer. These services specialise in handling the distribution of super payments to multiple funds. 3. Employee Super Fund's Clearing House Some large superannuation funds offer their own clearing house services, which may be available to employers who contribute to that fund. Check with your employees' primary super funds to see if this is an available, viable option for your business. Action Plan: Next Steps for Your Business To ensure a smooth transition, small businesses should begin planning immediately: Assess Your Current System: Review your existing accounting or payroll software. Does it offer integrated super payment functionality? Evaluate Alternatives: Research the options listed above (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB, commercial clearing houses) and determine which best fits your business size, budget, and existing processes. Plan the Transition: Allow ample time (well before June 2026) to select, set up, and test your new system. This includes migrating employee and fund details. Seek Professional Advice: Consult with your accountant or bookkeeper to ensure your chosen solution is compliant and correctly implemented.
Navigating Volatility: Budgeting and Forecasting in the Face of Geopolitical Uncertainty The global economy is currently wrestling with complex challenges, and few are as immediate and impactful as the escalating fuel costs driven by geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. Recent events have led to the imposition of a fuel levy and a broad increase in operational costs across all industries. For Australian businesses, this volatility is a stark reminder of the need to move beyond static, annual planning and adopt a truly dynamic approach to budgeting and financial forecasting. The Immediate Impact: Fuel Levy and Rising Costs The instability in key oil-producing regions is filtering directly into our daily operational expenses. For any business relying on transport, logistics, or energy-intensive processes, the new fuel levy is an immediate margin pressure. This isn't just about the cost of filling up a vehicle; it’s about the ripple effect across the entire supply chain. Logistics: Increased freight charges are being passed down by carriers. Production: Energy costs for manufacturing are soaring. Overheads: Even utility bills reflect the higher cost of global energy. In this environment, a budget set six months ago based on old fuel price assumptions is now obsolete. Sticking rigidly to that outdated plan is a fast track to missed targets and strained cash flow. The Imperative for Dynamic Budgeting Dynamic budgeting, also known as rolling forecasts, is the necessary countermeasure to current market uncertainty. It replaces the traditional "set-it-and-forget-it" annual budget with a process of continuous revision and adaptation. This involves: 1. Shifting to Rolling Forecasts Instead of forecasting for the next calendar or financial year, we must maintain a continuous 12-month outlook. Every quarter, or even monthly, we should drop the month/quarter just passed and add a new one at the end. Activity Traditional Budgeting to Dynamic Forecasting Frequency Annually to Monthly or Quarterly Duration Fixed (e.g., FY 2026) to Rolling (e.g., next 12 months) Basis Past performance and static assumptions to Real-time market data and revised assumptions 2. Scenario Planning and Sensitivity Analysis To effectively manage the risk of geopolitical events, organisations must formalise scenario planning. This means building financial models that can quickly simulate the effects of various external shocks: Worst-Case Scenario: What if the fuel levy doubles and oil prices hit $150 per barrel? What cost reduction plans are immediately triggered? Moderate Volatility Scenario: What if costs stabilise at the current elevated level? What pricing adjustments are needed? This practice allows management to have pre-approved action plans for different eventualities, avoiding panic-driven decisions. 3. Integrating Real-Time Data Successful dynamic budgeting requires breaking down data silos. Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) must integrate real-time operational data from logistics, procurement, and sales: Fuel Consumption: Track actual consumption rates and costs weekly, not monthly. Supply Chain Costs: Link supplier invoices directly to forecast models to instantly see the impact of new surcharges. FX Exposure: For international trade, model the interaction between energy prices and currency fluctuations. Our Call to Action To manage the current climate, we recommend immediate action focused on flexibility and transparency: Conduct an Immediate Review: Schedule a meeting to review Q2 forecasts based on the current fuel levy and updated geopolitical outlook. Model Cost Pass-Through: Clearly determine which cost increases can be absorbed, and which must be passed onto customers, and at what timeline. Invest in Agility: Ensure your budgeting software/platform supports frequent, driver-based forecasting rather than rigid spreadsheet models. Assign Volatility Management: Appoint a person to head the new Geopolitical Risk Monitoring Group to provide monthly updates on external factors impacting your costs. By embracing dynamic budgeting and forecasting, we transform uncertainty from a crippling threat into a manageable variable. This is not just a financial exercise; it is essential to maintaining competitive advantage and long-term resilience in a volatile world.
Navigating Payday Super and Cashflow: What You Need to Know The recent shift towards 'Payday Super' in Australia marks a significant change for businesses and employees alike. Understanding this new obligation—which mandates the payment of superannuation guarantee contributions on the same day as wages—is crucial for maintaining compliance and healthy cash flow. What is Payday Super? Currently, employers are generally required to pay superannuation contributions for eligible employees at least quarterly. 'Payday Super' is the proposed change where the superannuation guarantee payment would be due at the same time as the employee's salary or wages are paid, whether that's weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. This change is scheduled to take effect from 1st July, 2026. This is a fundamental shift designed to improve the retirement savings of Australians by ensuring superannuation is paid more frequently and reducing instances of unpaid super. The Impact on Business Cash Flow While the benefits for employees are clear, businesses must prepare for the implications this change will have on their cash flow management. 1. Increased Frequency of Payments The most immediate change is the move from a quarterly superannuation lump sum to frequent, smaller payments. This requires: Tighter Budgeting: Businesses will need to forecast their payroll and superannuation obligations with greater precision across shorter intervals. Reduced Quarterly Buffer: The current system allows businesses to hold onto super funds for up to three months, acting as a small, temporary cash flow buffer. This buffer will disappear. 2. Enhanced Compliance Requirements With superannuation payments tied directly to each pay run, the administrative burden and the risk of non-compliance increase. To manage this effectively, businesses should: Review Payroll Systems: Ensure your current payroll software can automatically calculate and process super payments concurrently with wages. Establish Clear Processes: Define a robust workflow that ensures superannuation is remitted to the fund on the same day the net pay is transferred to the employee. Strategies for Managing the Change Proactive planning is essential to smooth the transition to Payday Super. Consider the following strategies: Cash Flow Forecasting Develop detailed weekly or fortnightly cash flow projections that explicitly include the super obligation for that period. Use historical data and future projections to identify potential shortfalls. Separate Superannuation Funds Immediately transfer the calculated super liability into a dedicated, separate account on pay day. Isolate super funds from operating capital to avoid accidental spending. Negotiate Payment Terms Evaluate supplier payment terms to align cash outflows with increased payroll frequency. Extend credit terms where possible to balance the new frequent super outflows. Review Accounting Software Leverage modern accounting and payroll solutions that automate and integrate wages, PAYG withholding, and super. Consult with a financial advisor or bookkeeper, such as 360 Accounting Services, to confirm system readiness. Next Steps and Resources This new regulation will have a significant impact on financial operations. We recommend that all business owners and payroll managers review processes and seek guidance. Useful Documentation For detailed information on the new requirements, please refer to the following: Official ATO Guidance: ato.gov.au/paydaysuper The move to Payday Super is an inevitable change. By understanding the implications for cash flow and implementing strong financial management practices today, businesses can ensure a seamless transition and remain compliant when the new rules come into effect at Place.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced a significant change affecting how small businesses process employee superannuation contributions through its Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH). Effective 30 June 2026, the ATO will cease providing the Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH) service. This change means that small businesses will need to transition to an alternative method for paying superannuation contributions to their employees' chosen funds before the deadline. What is the SBSCH? The Small Business Super Clearing House is a free, online service provided by the ATO that allows eligible small businesses (those with 19 or fewer employees, or with an annual aggregated turnover of less than $10 million) to make all their super guarantee contributions in a single transaction. The ATO then distributes the payments to the employees' respective super funds. The service has been a convenient tool for simplifying compliance and reducing the administrative burden on smaller enterprises. Why is the ATO making this change? The move is part of the broader push towards streamlining business processes and encouraging the adoption of more integrated, commercial solutions. With the proliferation of payroll and accounting software that incorporates Single Touch Payroll (STP) and superannuation payments, the ATO is transitioning out of directly providing this service. What are Your Alternative Options? The good news is that the market offers numerous robust and integrated alternatives that can handle your superannuation obligations seamlessly. Businesses must select and implement a new system before the 30 June 2026 cut-off date to ensure continuous compliance. Here are the most common alternative solutions: 1. Cloud-Based Accounting and Payroll Software Most modern cloud-based accounting platforms include integrated payroll functionality that allows you to calculate, process, and pay super contributions directly. These systems are often pre-configured to meet STP requirements and simplify compliance. Xero Integrated payroll with key features of direct super contribution payment and STP compliance. Suitable for Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs) seeking a comprehensive accounting and payroll solution. QuickBooks Online Payroll integration with key features of automated super calculation and payment (via partners like Employment Hero Payroll). Suitable for SMBs already using the QuickBooks ecosystem or needing strong project tracking. MYOB Offers various payroll solutions (e.g., MYOB Business) with key features of integrated super and STP reporting. Suitable for Businesses needing robust local reporting and compliance features. 2. Commercial Superannuation Clearing Houses If your business prefers to keep payroll and superannuation separate from your accounting software, or if you use a system without integrated super payments, a dedicated commercial clearing house may be the answer. These services specialise in handling the distribution of super payments to multiple funds. 3. Employee Super Fund's Clearing House Some large superannuation funds offer their own clearing house services, which may be available to employers who contribute to that fund. Check with your employees' primary super funds to see if this is an available, viable option for your business. Action Plan: Next Steps for Your Business To ensure a smooth transition, small businesses should begin planning immediately: Assess Your Current System: Review your existing accounting or payroll software. Does it offer integrated super payment functionality? Evaluate Alternatives: Research the options listed above (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB, commercial clearing houses) and determine which best fits your business size, budget, and existing processes. Plan the Transition: Allow ample time (well before June 2026) to select, set up, and test your new system. This includes migrating employee and fund details. Seek Professional Advice: Consult with your accountant or bookkeeper to ensure your chosen solution is compliant and correctly implemented.
Navigating Volatility: Budgeting and Forecasting in the Face of Geopolitical Uncertainty The global economy is currently wrestling with complex challenges, and few are as immediate and impactful as the escalating fuel costs driven by geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. Recent events have led to the imposition of a fuel levy and a broad increase in operational costs across all industries. For Australian businesses, this volatility is a stark reminder of the need to move beyond static, annual planning and adopt a truly dynamic approach to budgeting and financial forecasting. The Immediate Impact: Fuel Levy and Rising Costs The instability in key oil-producing regions is filtering directly into our daily operational expenses. For any business relying on transport, logistics, or energy-intensive processes, the new fuel levy is an immediate margin pressure. This isn't just about the cost of filling up a vehicle; it’s about the ripple effect across the entire supply chain. Logistics: Increased freight charges are being passed down by carriers. Production: Energy costs for manufacturing are soaring. Overheads: Even utility bills reflect the higher cost of global energy. In this environment, a budget set six months ago based on old fuel price assumptions is now obsolete. Sticking rigidly to that outdated plan is a fast track to missed targets and strained cash flow. The Imperative for Dynamic Budgeting Dynamic budgeting, also known as rolling forecasts, is the necessary countermeasure to current market uncertainty. It replaces the traditional "set-it-and-forget-it" annual budget with a process of continuous revision and adaptation. This involves: 1. Shifting to Rolling Forecasts Instead of forecasting for the next calendar or financial year, we must maintain a continuous 12-month outlook. Every quarter, or even monthly, we should drop the month/quarter just passed and add a new one at the end. Activity Traditional Budgeting to Dynamic Forecasting Frequency Annually to Monthly or Quarterly Duration Fixed (e.g., FY 2026) to Rolling (e.g., next 12 months) Basis Past performance and static assumptions to Real-time market data and revised assumptions 2. Scenario Planning and Sensitivity Analysis To effectively manage the risk of geopolitical events, organisations must formalise scenario planning. This means building financial models that can quickly simulate the effects of various external shocks: Worst-Case Scenario: What if the fuel levy doubles and oil prices hit $150 per barrel? What cost reduction plans are immediately triggered? Moderate Volatility Scenario: What if costs stabilise at the current elevated level? What pricing adjustments are needed? This practice allows management to have pre-approved action plans for different eventualities, avoiding panic-driven decisions. 3. Integrating Real-Time Data Successful dynamic budgeting requires breaking down data silos. Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) must integrate real-time operational data from logistics, procurement, and sales: Fuel Consumption: Track actual consumption rates and costs weekly, not monthly. Supply Chain Costs: Link supplier invoices directly to forecast models to instantly see the impact of new surcharges. FX Exposure: For international trade, model the interaction between energy prices and currency fluctuations. Our Call to Action To manage the current climate, we recommend immediate action focused on flexibility and transparency: Conduct an Immediate Review: Schedule a meeting to review Q2 forecasts based on the current fuel levy and updated geopolitical outlook. Model Cost Pass-Through: Clearly determine which cost increases can be absorbed, and which must be passed onto customers, and at what timeline. Invest in Agility: Ensure your budgeting software/platform supports frequent, driver-based forecasting rather than rigid spreadsheet models. Assign Volatility Management: Appoint a person to head the new Geopolitical Risk Monitoring Group to provide monthly updates on external factors impacting your costs. By embracing dynamic budgeting and forecasting, we transform uncertainty from a crippling threat into a manageable variable. This is not just a financial exercise; it is essential to maintaining competitive advantage and long-term resilience in a volatile world.
Navigating Payday Super and Cashflow: What You Need to Know The recent shift towards 'Payday Super' in Australia marks a significant change for businesses and employees alike. Understanding this new obligation—which mandates the payment of superannuation guarantee contributions on the same day as wages—is crucial for maintaining compliance and healthy cash flow. What is Payday Super? Currently, employers are generally required to pay superannuation contributions for eligible employees at least quarterly. 'Payday Super' is the proposed change where the superannuation guarantee payment would be due at the same time as the employee's salary or wages are paid, whether that's weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. This change is scheduled to take effect from 1st July, 2026. This is a fundamental shift designed to improve the retirement savings of Australians by ensuring superannuation is paid more frequently and reducing instances of unpaid super. The Impact on Business Cash Flow While the benefits for employees are clear, businesses must prepare for the implications this change will have on their cash flow management. 1. Increased Frequency of Payments The most immediate change is the move from a quarterly superannuation lump sum to frequent, smaller payments. This requires: Tighter Budgeting: Businesses will need to forecast their payroll and superannuation obligations with greater precision across shorter intervals. Reduced Quarterly Buffer: The current system allows businesses to hold onto super funds for up to three months, acting as a small, temporary cash flow buffer. This buffer will disappear. 2. Enhanced Compliance Requirements With superannuation payments tied directly to each pay run, the administrative burden and the risk of non-compliance increase. To manage this effectively, businesses should: Review Payroll Systems: Ensure your current payroll software can automatically calculate and process super payments concurrently with wages. Establish Clear Processes: Define a robust workflow that ensures superannuation is remitted to the fund on the same day the net pay is transferred to the employee. Strategies for Managing the Change Proactive planning is essential to smooth the transition to Payday Super. Consider the following strategies: Cash Flow Forecasting Develop detailed weekly or fortnightly cash flow projections that explicitly include the super obligation for that period. Use historical data and future projections to identify potential shortfalls. Separate Superannuation Funds Immediately transfer the calculated super liability into a dedicated, separate account on pay day. Isolate super funds from operating capital to avoid accidental spending. Negotiate Payment Terms Evaluate supplier payment terms to align cash outflows with increased payroll frequency. Extend credit terms where possible to balance the new frequent super outflows. Review Accounting Software Leverage modern accounting and payroll solutions that automate and integrate wages, PAYG withholding, and super. Consult with a financial advisor or bookkeeper, such as 360 Accounting Services, to confirm system readiness. Next Steps and Resources This new regulation will have a significant impact on financial operations. We recommend that all business owners and payroll managers review processes and seek guidance. Useful Documentation For detailed information on the new requirements, please refer to the following: Official ATO Guidance: ato.gov.au/paydaysuper The move to Payday Super is an inevitable change. By understanding the implications for cash flow and implementing strong financial management practices today, businesses can ensure a seamless transition and remain compliant when the new rules come into effect at Place.
