Small Business Super Clearing House: closure guide

Published Wednesday 22 April 2026

Table of contents

• The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House system
• When is the SBSCH closing?
• How can small businesses prepare?
• Benefits of integrated payroll software for your super
• Make your transition from SBSCH easier
• More guidance on paying super
• FAQs on the Small Business Super Clearing House closure

Key takeaways

• Transition away from the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) before 1 July 2026, as the service will permanently close on that date and missing the deadline can trigger Superannuation Guarantee Charges (SGC) for late or missed payments.
• Download your employee records, including payment transaction history and super fund details, from your SBSCH account before 30 June 2026, as you won't be able to access this information after the service closes.
• Switch to a SuperStream-compliant payment method, such as payroll software with built-in super, which automatically calculates contributions and processes payments from the same platform you use for payroll.
• Test your new super payment system before you stop using the SBSCH to confirm that contributions reach the correct funds, amounts calculate accurately, and reporting meets SuperStream requirements.

The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House system

The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) is a free online service from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that lets employers manage and pay employee super contributions in one place.

Your business can use the SBSCH if it meets these criteria:

• fewer than 20 employees, or
• annual turnover under $10 million

When is the SBSCH closing?

The SBSCH will close on 1 July 2026. Existing users can continue using the service until 11:59 pm AEST on 30 June 2026, but you'll need an alternative method to pay super contributions after that date.

New registrations closed on 1 October 2025. If you're not already registered, you'll need to use a different payment method straight away.

The closure is part of the Australian government's push towards simpler, automated super payments. For employers, this shift can reduce manual work, save time, and minimise admin errors.

For the latest updates, visit the ATO website.

How can small businesses prepare?

If you currently use the SBSCH, you'll need to switch to a SuperStream-compliant way of paying super before 1 July 2026.

Planning your transition now gives you time to choose the right alternative, download your records, and test your new system before the deadline. Here's how to prepare.

Look at alternative ways to manage your super

Your replacement system must meet SuperStream standards, which require you to pay and report super electronically. Here are your main options:

• Super fund clearing houses: Some super funds offer their own clearing house services, though these typically involve more manual data entry.
• Commercial clearing house providers: Third-party services can process contributions for you, but may require separate logins and manual uploads, and contributions are counted as paid on the date the super fund receives it.
• Payroll software with built-in super: Tools like Xero calculate and pay super from the same platform you use for payroll, through clearing house partners like SuperChoice.

Payroll software offers the most streamlined option if you want to reduce manual work and keep everything in one place.

Download your employee records before 30 June 2026

Before you stop using the SBSCH, download your employee records for compliance and historical reference. Once the service closes, you won't be able to log in to view records or access this information.

Download these records from your SBSCH account:

• Employee payment transaction history: Shows all super contributions made through the clearing house.
• Employee details: Contains super fund information, member numbers, and contribution rates.

Log in to Online services for business, select Employees, then Small Business Super Clearing House to access your download options. Complete this step well before 30 June 2026 to avoid last-minute issues.

Figure out your new payroll process

The 30 June 2026 deadline is firm. The April–June quarter payment cannot be made using the SBSCH after this date. Switching earlier gives you time to set up employee details, adjust to new workflows, and train your team on the new system.

Payday Super is another change on the horizon, expected to start 1 July 2026. If passed, employers will need to pay super at the same time as wages, with contributions reaching funds within seven days to ensure they reach accounts faster. This means more frequent payments and tighter deadlines to manage.

Learn more about the Payday Super reform.

Test your new payment method

Before you stop using the SBSCH entirely, run a test payment through your new system to confirm everything works correctly.

Check these elements during your test:

• Verify funds reach the correct super accounts: Confirm contributions arrive at each employee's nominated fund.
• Confirm amounts calculate correctly: Check the super guarantee percentage applies accurately to each employee's earnings.
• Check reporting meets SuperStream requirements: Verify that your payment data transmits in the correct format.
• Ensure timing works for your pay cycle: Confirm you can process payments within required deadlines.

Only stop using the SBSCH after your test payments complete successfully. This approach prevents compliance issues and protects your employees' super.

Prepare for a smooth transition

A smooth transition helps you avoid Superannuation Guarantee Charges (SGC), which apply when super isn't paid correctly or on time. These penalties can add up quickly.

Plan for these transition factors:

• Time: Allow several weeks to set up, test, and become comfortable with your new system.
• Costs: Budget for potential subscription fees or setup charges with your new provider.
• Training: Make sure you and your team understand the new process before the deadline.

Benefits of integrated payroll software for your super

Integrated payroll software handles super and wages in one system, reducing manual work and helping you stay compliant. Here's how it benefits your business.

Pay super from the same place you run payroll

Super calculates automatically when you run payroll, and payments process from the same platform. You pay the right amounts at the right times without switching between systems.

Keeping payroll and super together also gives you a clearer view of your cash flow in one place.

Accuracy and time-savings

Payroll software calculates super automatically for each employee and takes funds from your nominated bank account. You control who can approve payments while the software handles the calculations.

This reduces manual data entry and minimises errors in your super contributions.

See your cash flow in one view

One system for payroll and super means you see exactly what's coming in and going out of your accounts. You get reliable insights into payment amounts and timing without jumping between platforms.

A way to help future-proof your business

Xero updates automatically when government rules change, so you stay compliant without tracking every adjustment yourself.

Automatic updates cover:

• current Super Guarantee rates
• future rate changes
• new requirements like Payday Super

See more features of Xero payroll software.

Make your transition from SBSCH easier

The SBSCH closes on 1 July 2026. Before then, you need to choose an alternative, download your records, and test your new payment method.

Xero simplifies this transition by bringing payroll and super together in one platform. Super calculates automatically, payments process through SuperChoice, and the software updates when rules change.

Ready to simplify your super payments? Get one month free and see how Xero handles payroll and super in one place.

More guidance on paying super

Find more information from these sources:

• ATO clearing house updates:Visit the ATO website for the latest on SBSCH closure.
• Payday Super details:See the government's fact sheet for upcoming requirements.
• Professional advice:Talk to a bookkeeper or accountant for guidance specific to your business.
• Xero automated super setup:Learn how to register for automated super payments in Xero.

FAQs on the Small Business Super Clearing House closure

Here are answers to common questions about the SBSCH closure and transition.

Can I keep using the SBSCH after the closing date?

No. After 30 June 2026, the SBSCH won't accept super payments. Switch to a SuperStream-compliant alternative before the closing date to keep contributions on time.

Do I need to tell my employees or super funds about the change?

No notification is required if your employees' super fund details stay the same. However, letting your team know you're updating your payroll system is good practice.

How do I move from the SBSCH to Xero software?

All Xero plans include payroll and automated super payments. Here's how to set up:

1. Subscribe to your preferred Xero plan.
2. Register for automated super payments in your account settings.
3. Set up your bank account for direct debit payments.

See the full setup guide in Xero Central for detailed steps.

Do I have to pay super through a clearing house?

No, a clearing house isn't mandatory. You can pay super through a clearing house, payroll software, or directly to funds, as long as your method meets SuperStream requirements.

Payroll software like Xero offers an advantage: you pay wages and super from one platform, which simplifies compliance with current rules and upcoming changes like Payday Super.

What happens if I don't transition before 30 June 2026?

You won't be able to pay super through the SBSCH after the closure date. Missing super payments can trigger Superannuation Guarantee Charges (SGC), which include the unpaid super, interest, and an administration fee. Set up your alternative payment method before the deadline to avoid penalties.