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Problems with the New ATO Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH)

THE BUZZ IS OUT!

The transition of the SBSCH to ATO online services has experienced problems. The ATO has as a result been asked a number of questions by Tax and BAS agents about the recent transition. Below they provide the following responses to some key questions. Please note that these answers – and the all-clear given to employers – relate to Superannuation Guarantee obligations only. Employers should consider what, if any, super obligations they had under workplace agreements and/or with their default fund.

How many small businesses utilise the SBSCH?

The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) is a free and optional service currently used by around 300,000 small businesses to assist with processing super guarantee payments.

Can you tell me what exactly has gone wrong with the transition, how it happened, and when it might be fixed?

At the end of February the SBSCH moved from a platform administered by the Department of Human Services to become part of ATO online services, available via the Business Portal, Tax Agent Portal, BAS Agent Portal or Manage ABN Connections (through a MyGov account).

While the majority of payments were successfully made to employees’ accounts, a significant number of the payments were not able to be processed by superannuation funds and therefore the payments were delayed in reaching employees’ superannuation accounts. 

No incorrect payments have been made to employees.

The ATO has been working closely with the superannuation funds to rectify these matters.

We can now advise that outstanding payments are being progressively released by funds and we anticipate all the delayed payments will be placed in individual accounts by the end of next week.

It is important to note that employers are considered to have met their SG obligation upon receipt of payment by the ATO clearing house.

Of course we are also working closely with advisors and small business to assist with this transition to the ATO clearing house and to improve out service in this period of transition.

We are keen for small businesses who have not yet logged into the new system and accessed the new required authentication process to come in early, prior to any payments being due, to ensure they are familiar with the changes and able to interact with the ATO portals.