SBSCH Is Closing: How Small Businesses Can Prepare for Super Changes
Posted 3 Dec '25
Posted 3 Dec '25
For those who may not be aware, the ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will permanently close on 1 July 2026. From 1
October 2025, new registrations will no longer be accepted. This is a major change that affects small businesses
across all industries currently using the SBSCH to pay their employees’ super.
In this post, we’ll explain what the closure means, outline the key dates and upcoming changes, and show you how to prepare your business to
ensure a smooth transition to the new super payment system.
Here’s a quick look at the timeline for the SBSCH changes:
Essentially, the closure of the SBSCH is to align to the government’s Payday Super reforms, designed to ensure employees receive their
super contributions more promptly and transparently.
For those businesses who already use integrated system within their payroll, this announcement doesn’t matter to you (yes you are free to stop reading now!).
However, businesses that rely solely on the SBSCH should start reviewing their payroll and super processes now to ensure they’re ready before the 2026 deadline. Failing to act early could mean missed payments, compliance issues, or ATO penalties.
Most modern payroll programs (such as Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks) already include super clearing functionality. Check that your software is compatible with SuperStream standards, enable automated super payments, and conduct a test run before 1 July 2026.
Commercial clearing houses such as QuickSuper, Beam, or others, offer easy bulk uploads and automated processing for super contributions. These services can help simplify compliance and reduce manual data entry.
Many super funds offer free or low-cost clearing services to employers. If you prefer a simple, fund-based solution, reach out to your employees’ nominated super funds to see what’s available.
Since November 2021, employers must request stapled super fund details from the ATO if an employee doesn’t choose their own fund.
Make sure your HR and payroll team are familiar with this process to avoid compliance issues during the transition.
When Payday Super begins in July 2026, it will introduce several major enhancements:
These updates will make super payments faster, safer, and easier to track.
The SBSCH has been a valuable, free service for small businesses for many years but its closure marks the beginning of a more efficient and
transparent super system.
By preparing now, you can ensure:
Need help transitioning from the SBSCH or preparing for Payday Super?
📞 Get in touch with our team at Empire
Bookkeeping
today. We’ll help you review your payroll software, set up a compliant clearing house, and ensure your business is ready for the upcoming
super changes.
Many business owners think tax planning means meeting with their accountant in June and finding a few last-minute deductions before the end
of the financial year.The reality is that true tax planning starts much earlier in the year.
For established businesses, proactive tax planning isn’t about scrambling to reduce tax at the last minute. It’s about creating a strategy
throughout the year that supports business growth, improves cash flow, and helps owners make better financial decisions.
For many small business owners, the end of the financial year (EOFY) feels like the finish line. Once tax planning is complete, financial statements are prepared, and compliance obligations are lodged, it is tempting to return to business as usual.