New stapled super changes coming for employers
Employers get ready – there'll soon be an extra step involved when it comes to hiring new employees. From 1 November 2021, employers will need to determine if a new employee has a "stapled" super fund and request the details from the ATO where a new employee has not nominated a super fund.
A stapled super fund is essentially an existing super account that is linked – or "stapled" – to an individual and follows them throughout their job changes.
Currently, when a new employee starts a new job they are eligible to choose the super fund that their super guarantee contributions will go to. If they do not choose their own fund, the super contributions will be paid into the employer's default fund. The stapling change aims to reduce unnecessary account fees by avoiding having a new super account opened every time a person starts a new job.
To ensure you're ready for this change, check ATO online services to confirm that your business has the required access levels. You'll need to have the "Employee Commencement Form" permission in order to request a stapled fund.
After 1 November you'll still need to offer your eligible employees a choice of super fund and pay their super into the account they nominate – that part of your obligations doesn't change. However, if your employee doesn't choose a fund, you'll need to request the stapled fund details from the ATO. In most cases, a request can be made after you've submitted a TFN declaration or a Single Touch Payroll (STP) pay event linking the new employee to your business.
Responses will usually be received through the online portal in minutes. The ATO will also notify the associated employee of the stapled fund request and the fund details provided.
Remember, an employer cannot provide recommendations or advice about super to its employees, unless the business is licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to provide financial advice. Penalties may apply if your business fails to meet the "choice of super fund" obligations.