Super guarantee rate rise – rate based on when employee is paid

On 1 July 2021, the super guarantee rate will rise from 9.5 per cent to 10 per cent. Some pay periods will cross over between June and July when the rate changes. 

The ATO advises that the percentage employers are required to apply is determined based on when the employee is paid, not when the income is earnt.

The rate of 10 per cent will need to be applied for all salary and wages that are paid on and after 1 July 2021, even if some or all of the pay period it relates to is before 1 July 2021.

That means, if the pay period ends before 30 June, but the pay date falls on or after 1 July, the 10 per cent rate applies on those salary and wages which are ordinary time earnings. The date of salary and wage payment determines the rate of super guarantee payable, regardless of when the work was performed.