You are hiring your first employee. Let us get payroll right.
Your first hire turns you into an employer, with PAYG withholding, superannuation and Single Touch Payroll obligations to the ATO. We set up payroll properly so you pay people correctly and stay compliant.
Not sure this is your moment? Start here
What's happening
- The workload has grown beyond what you can handle alone.
- You are about to take on your first employee, or move a contractor onto your payroll.
- You are unsure about PAYG withholding, superannuation and what you must report to the ATO.
- You want to make sure you are paying the correct award rate and entitlements.
- You want payroll to run smoothly without it eating into your week.
What to sort out before the first pay run.
- 01
Register for PAYG withholding
As an employer you must withhold tax from your employee's wages and send it to the ATO. You need to register for PAYG withholding before you make the first payment, then report and pay it through your activity statements.
- 02
Get superannuation guarantee right
You must pay the superannuation guarantee on top of wages, currently 12 per cent of ordinary time earnings, into the employee's chosen fund. It is due at least quarterly, and missing the deadline triggers the superannuation guarantee charge, which is not tax deductible. We make sure it is paid on time.
- 03
Set up Single Touch Payroll
Single Touch Payroll, or STP, means your payroll software reports wages, tax and super to the ATO every time you pay staff. We connect your payroll system so this happens automatically and you meet the reporting rules without extra admin.
- 04
Confirm the correct award and rates
Most employees are covered by a modern award that sets minimum pay, penalty rates and entitlements. Getting classification and rates right protects you from underpayment claims. We help you check you are paying correctly from the start.
- 05
Decide: employee or contractor?
Whether someone is an employee or a genuine contractor affects PAYG, super and your obligations. The ATO looks at the substance of the arrangement, not just the label. We help you classify the role correctly so you are not caught out later.
- 06
Keep records and budget for the cost
Wages, super, leave accruals and workers compensation all add to the true cost of an employee. We help you budget for the full cost and keep the records the ATO and Fair Work expect.
How we help
Bookkeeping
Payroll set up and run for you, with PAYG, super and Single Touch Payroll handled so every pay run is correct and on time.
ExploreBusiness advisory
Practical guidance on growing your team, budgeting for staff costs and structuring your business as you take on people.
ExploreAccounting and taxation
Compliance across PAYG withholding, activity statements and employer obligations, keeping you on the right side of the ATO.
ExploreQuestions we hear most often.
Have a question that is not here? Call 07 3399 2300 or book a consultation and we will answer it directly.
How much superannuation do I have to pay?
The superannuation guarantee is currently 12 per cent of an employee's ordinary time earnings. It is paid on top of their wages into their chosen fund, and is due at least every quarter. Paying late means you may owe the superannuation guarantee charge, which is not tax deductible.
What is Single Touch Payroll and do I need it?
Single Touch Payroll, or STP, requires employers to report wages, tax withheld and super to the ATO each time they pay staff, directly from their payroll software. It applies to virtually all employers. We set up your software so reporting happens automatically with each pay run.
Is my worker an employee or a contractor?
It depends on the real nature of the working relationship, not just the contract wording. The ATO weighs factors such as control, whether they can delegate, and how they are paid. Getting it wrong can leave you liable for unpaid PAYG and super, so it is worth checking before you engage someone.
When do I have to pay PAYG withholding to the ATO?
You report and pay the tax you withhold through your activity statements, generally on the same cycle as your BAS. Larger employers report more frequently. We set the right cycle up for you and make sure the amounts are correct each period.
Make your first hire a smooth one.
Get payroll, super and reporting set up properly before the first pay run. Book a consultation and we will take the compliance off your plate.