Getting ready for Single Touch Payroll

Single Touch Payroll is the tax office’s new initiative to streamline reporting on wages and super.

Most mainstream accounting software providers (such as Xero) have already done the leg work in integrating STP with their payroll functions. Instead of processing payroll and separately declaring this again in your monthly or quarterly instalment statements, the information is sent directly to the tax office after each pay cycle.

Employers will also not be required to provide a PAYG payment summary at year end. This removes the middleman so to speak and should result in less time spent on reporting wages.

For employees the major benefit is transparency. They will be able to check their wages and super are being paid in full and on time through their MyGov accounts, rather than checking payslips and super accounts.

From 1 July 2019, most businesses will need to report through Single Touch Payroll, although small employers with 4 or less employees will have additional options. The tax office has also provided a handy list of low-cost payroll providers for the latter companies, which includes cheaper plans by Xero & MYOB.

Here is a checklist to prepare for the changes:
1. Check you are using STP compliant accounting software (such as Xero or Quickbooks)
2. Enable STP by connecting the accounting platform with the ATO portal
3. Confirm the person responsible for payroll reporting and troubleshooting any issues.
4. File your payruns for STP moving forwards.

If you are still unsure or need more time you can apply for more time with the ATO to get ready. During FY2019, the ATO will not be issuing late fees in relation to this new system.