Your Guide to the ATO Super Clearing House Closure

If you’re a small business owner using the ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) to pay your employees’ super, big changes are on the horizon. The free service that’s been a simple, reliable tool for over 200,000 small businesses is closing down, and you’ll need to make the switch to an alternative before July 2026.

The closure is part of the government’s new “payday super” reforms, which are designed to ensure employees receive their super contributions at the same time as their wages, rather than on a quarterly basis.

Key Dates You Need to Know

• 1 October 2025 – No new businesses can register for the SBSCH
• 30 June 2026 – Last day existing users can access the SBSCH
• 1 July 2026 – SBSCH closes permanently

Why the SBSCH is Closing

The SBSCH was designed for the old quarterly super system. Under the new payday super rules, employers must ensure super contributions reach employees’ funds within seven days of payday. Because the SBSCH doesn’t align with this faster payment cycle, it’s being phased out.

What This Means for Your Business

If you’re currently using the SBSCH, here’s how the closure could affect you:

• New solution required – You’ll need to move to another platform before 30 June 2026.
• Potential costs – The SBSCH is free, but many alternatives may charge fees.
• Tighter timeframes – From July 2026, super must be paid within seven days of payday.
• Process changes – Super payments will need to be integrated into every pay run.

Alternatives to the SBSCH

1. Payroll software with built-in super payments
   • Many popular accounting and payroll platforms include integrated superannuation features.
   • Once you run payroll, paying super is often as easy as clicking a button.
   • This option is seamless if you already use payroll software.
2. Super fund clearing houses
   • Most major super funds provide their own clearing house service for employers, often free of charge.
   • You can pay contributions to multiple funds in one place, though you’ll likely need to upload payroll data or enter it manually via a web portal.
3. Commercial clearing house providers
   • Independent providers offer advanced features and can handle high transaction volumes.
   • They usually charge fees but provide robust compliance tools and reliable processing.

The ATO’s Advice

The ATO strongly recommends starting your transition well before 2026. By making the switch early, you’ll have time to test your new system, train staff, and ensure your processes are running smoothly before the new payday super rules take effect.

FAQs

1. What is payday super?
   Payday super is a reform requiring employers to pay super contributions at the same time as wages. Contributions must reach employees’ super funds within seven days of each payday.
2. Why is the SBSCH closing?
   The SBSCH was built for the quarterly payment system. With super moving to payday payments, the SBSCH can’t meet the new requirements, so it’s being retired.
3. What happens if I don’t switch before July 2026?
   From 1 July 2026, you won’t be able to use the SBSCH, and you’ll risk being non-compliant with superannuation laws if you don’t have an alternative system in place.
4. Are there free alternatives?
   Yes. Many super funds offer free clearing house services to employers. However, you may need to manually upload or enter payroll information.
5. Which option is best for my business?

• If you already use payroll software, an integrated solution may be the easiest.
• If you want a no-cost option, consider your employees’ super fund clearing house.
• If you need advanced features, a commercial provider may be worth the investment.

6. Should I wait until 2026 to switch?
   No. The ATO recommends transitioning early to avoid last-minute issues and to give you time to test your new system.

Next Steps: Review your payroll process, compare clearing house options, and start your transition now to avoid stress in 2026.

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