🇦🇺 Payroll in
Australia
Everything employers need to run compliant payroll in Australia — contributions, deductions, payslip rules, and filing obligations.
Running Payroll in Australia — Step by Step
Register for payroll
Before making any salary payment in Australia, you must register with the relevant tax authority and obtain an employer registration number.
Determine payroll frequency
Australia has statutory requirements around how often employees must be paid. Your employment contracts must state the agreed pay cycle.
Calculate gross pay and deductions
Gross pay must meet the statutory minimum wage. Deductions include income tax withheld at source and employee social security contributions.
Calculate employer contributions
Employers in Australia must pay employer-side social security contributions on top of gross salary.
Issue compliant payslips
Every employee must receive a payslip on or before each pay date showing gross pay, all deductions, employer contributions, and net pay.
File and remit on time
Payroll taxes and social security contributions must be filed and remitted to Australia authorities on time. Late payment penalties can be significant.
Payslip Requirements — Australia
Statutory payslip obligations for employers in Australia.
Format
Paper or Electronic
Delivery
Within 1 days
Retention
7 years
Digital Valid
Yes
Required Payslip Items
- ✓Employee full name
- ✓Employee address
- ✓Employer name and ABN
- ✓Pay period dates
- ✓Gross earnings
- ✓Ordinary hours worked
- ✓Overtime hours worked
- ✓Hourly rate
- ✓Each allowance paid
- ✓Deductions (type and amount)
- ✓Superannuation fund name
- ✓Superannuation contribution amount
- ✓Net pay
- ✓YTD gross earnings
- ✓YTD tax withheld
Employers must provide a payslip within 1 working day of pay day. Payslips must be in plain English and can be electronic (email/online portal) or paper. Superannuation details must be included. Fair Work Act 2009 s536.
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified local payroll specialist.
About This Guide
- ✓ Sourced from official government publications
- ✓ Updated monthly — always current rules
- ✓ For guidance only — not legal advice
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