If you’re one of the thousands of small businesses using the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH), you need to act now. The service will permanently close on 1 July 2026. From that date, the SBSCH will no longer process payments or allow access to historical records. The closure is part of the government’s payday super reforms, which aim to modernise how employers pay superannuation.

The ATO recommends making the January to March 2026 quarter your last quarter using the SBSCH, giving you a buffer to establish your new process.

Your immediate priorities should be:

• Choosing your alternative payment method: Check if your existing payroll software already includes super payment functions. Many modern payroll systems offer integrated superannuation payments that meet SuperStream requirements. Alternatively, you can use commercial clearing houses or online payment services offered by some large super funds.
• Downloading your records before 1 July 2026: This is crucial, because once the service closes, your transaction history and employee details will be permanently inaccessible. You’ll need these records for future audits and employee queries.
  
• Switching early to avoid problems: By transitioning before the deadline, you’ll have an established process in place and reduce the risk of late payments for the April to June 2026 quarter.

The ATO’s SuperStream Product register lists certified payroll software and service providers that can handle your super payments. Many offer additional features like automated calculations, compliance reporting and integration with your existing accounting systems. Large super funds also often provide online payment portals, and commercial clearing houses offer similar services to the SBSCH but with enhanced features and ongoing support.

Choosing the right super payment solution depends on your business size, payroll complexity and existing systems. The transition also presents an opportunity to review your entire payroll and super compliance processes.