PaySauce automatically creates and submits a superannuation file to superannuation funds each time you process a pay run. This file, known as a SAFF (SuperStream Alternative File Format), ensures your employees' superannuation contributions are reported and paid correctly without additional work from you.
What is a SAFF file?
SAFF (SuperStream Alternative File Format) is the standard format for reporting superannuation contributions to superannuation funds in Australia. It's part of the SuperStream initiative, which digitises and standardises superannuation payments and reporting.
Why SAFF exists
The SAFF file system helps:
Ensure superannuation contributions are correctly attributed to employees
Reduce errors in superannuation reporting
Speed up processing of contributions by funds
Provide employees with faster access to their super contributions
Simplify compliance with superannuation obligations
Create a consistent standard across all superannuation funds
How PaySauce handles superannuation filing
PaySauce makes superannuation reporting automatic through your linked SuperChoice account:
You process a pay run in PaySauce
PaySauce automatically calculates superannuation contributions for each employee
A SAFF file is created with all required contribution information
The file is submitted to the employee's superannuation fund through SuperChoice
Superannuation payments are processed according to your payment setup
You can view the filing status and details in PaySauce
Note: You don't need to do anything extra—superannuation filing happens automatically with every pay run.
What information is included in a SAFF file
Each SAFF file contains the following information:
Employer details
Business name
Australian Business Number (ABN)
Contact information
Superannuation payment reference
Employee details
Full name
Date of birth
Tax File Number (if provided)
Employment details
Superannuation fund details
Fund name
Fund ABN
Unique Superannuation Identifier (USI)
Employee member number
Contribution information
Contribution period (the pay period dates)
Employer contribution amount (Superannuation Guarantee)
Salary sacrifice amounts (if applicable)
Ordinary time earnings (OTE) used to calculate contributions
Contribution type (mandatory vs. voluntary)
Payment information
Total contribution amount
Payment method
Payment date
Changing an employee's superannuation fund
If an employee wants to change which fund receives their contributions:
Update the employee's superannuation details in their employee record
Enter the new fund name, USI, and member number
From the next pay run onwards, contributions will go to the new fund
Previous contributions remain with the old fund unless the employee requests a rollover
Viewing your superannuation filings
To view the superannuation filings for a pay run:
Select Payroll from the navigation menu
Go to Previous pay runs
Select the pay run you want to review
Scroll to the Filings section
Locate Super_Submit
What you'll see
Status: Shows whether the filing was successful or if there were errors
Dates: Shows when the file was created and submitted
View file: You can view the exact SAFF file that was sent to the superannuation fund (primarily used for troubleshooting)
View response: You can view the exact response received from the fund or SuperChoice (primarily used for troubleshooting)
Superannuation filing statuses
Your superannuation filing will show one of the following statuses:
Successful
The SAFF file was accepted and processed successfully. Contributions have been sent to the superannuation fund. No action is required.
Pending
The file has been submitted and is waiting to be processed. This is usually resolved within a few minutes to a few hours.
Failed
The SAFF file was rejected. This requires attention.
Common reasons for superannuation filing failures:
Incomplete superannuation details (missing USI or member number)
Incorrect fund information (wrong USI or fund ABN)
Invalid member number for the employee at that fund
Missing employee Tax File Number
Superannuation fund not accepting electronic contributions
Errors in employer details
⚠️ If a superannuation filing fails, review the error message in the response details and correct the underlying issue. You'll typically need to update employee superannuation details, then contact PaySauce support to resubmit the filing.
SuperStream compliance
SuperStream is the Australian government's system for standardised superannuation contributions. It requires:
Electronic payment of contributions
Electronic transmission of contribution data
Use of specific data standards (like SAFF)
Matching of contributions to the correct employee member account
PaySauce ensures you're SuperStream compliant by:
Creating properly formatted SAFF files
Submitting files electronically through SuperChoice
Processing electronic payments to funds
Including all required employee and fund details
Using the correct USIs and member numbers
How superannuation payments work
When you process a pay run:
Contributions are calculated: PaySauce calculates the Superannuation Guarantee and any salary sacrifice amounts for each employee
SAFF file is created: All contribution information is compiled into a SAFF file for the employee's nominated superannuation fund
File is submitted: The SAFF file is sent to SuperChoice, who forwards it to the employee's superannuation fund
Payments are processed: Depending on your payment setup:
PayTo: Funds are automatically debited from your account and paid to the super fund
Internet banking: Funds are drawn from your virtual account and paid to the super fund
Fund receives contributions: The superannuation fund receives both the payment and the data file, allowing them to correctly allocate the contribution to the employee's account
Employees see contributions: Employees can view their contributions through their superannuation fund's member portal
One superannuation fund per employee
Currently, each employee can only have one superannuation fund nominated in PaySauce. All of their superannuation contributions (Superannuation Guarantee and salary sacrifice) are paid into this single fund.
Note: The ability to contribute to more than one fund is a planned feature to be released.
What this means
Each employee must nominate one primary superannuation fund
All super contributions for that employee go to their nominated fund
If an employee wants to contribute to multiple funds, they'll need to arrange additional contributions outside of PaySauce
Superannuation contribution timing
Current timing (before Payday Super)
Contributions are reported to superannuation funds when you process each pay run, typically. Superannuation payments are moved from your account via PaySauce to SuperChoice for processing each time you complete a pay run.
When contributions appear in employee accounts:
After payment:
Superannuation funds typically allocate contributions within 3-5 business days
Employees can see their contributions in their fund's member portal
Timing varies by fund, but most process contributions quickly
How PaySauce handles Payday Super (from 1 July 2026)
From 1 July 2026, the Australian government is introducing "Payday Super" which changes when superannuation contributions must be paid.
What changes with Payday Super
Current system: Superannuation contributions are due quarterly (every three months)
Payday Super: Superannuation contributions must be paid at the same time as wages—on or before payday
PaySauce already processes and pays superannuation contributions with each pay run, so if you're using PaySauce's automatic payment features, you're already aligned with the Payday Super requirements.
What you need to do
If you're processing regular pay runs (weekly or fortnightly) and using PaySauce's payment features nothing changes for you — you're already paying super with each pay run, which meets the Payday Super requirements.
Important Payday Super reminders
Start date: 1 July 2026
Grace period: The ATO may provide a transition period where minor delays are treated leniently as businesses adjust to the new system
Penalties: After the transition period, penalties may apply for late super payments, just as they do under the current quarterly system.
Check with your accountant: Discuss how Payday Super affects your cash flow and business operations
SuperChoice and SAFF filing
PaySauce uses SuperChoice as the clearing house for superannuation contributions. When you set up your SuperChoice account during PaySauce onboarding, you're creating the connection that allows:
SAFF files to be submitted to funds
Payments to be processed
Electronic compliance with SuperStream requirements
Note: Your SuperChoice account is linked to your PaySauce account, so you don't need to log in to SuperChoice separately. Everything is managed through PaySauce.
Common Questions
My superannuation filing failed—what should I do?
My superannuation filing failed—what should I do?
View the error message in the filing response
Identify the issue (usually incomplete employee super details)
Update the employee's superannuation information in their employee record
Ensure the fund USI and member number are correct
Contact PaySauce support to resubmit the filing
An employee says their super contribution hasn't appeared
An employee says their super contribution hasn't appeared
Check that the superannuation filing status shows "Successful"
Allow 3-5 business days for the fund to process and allocate the contribution
Verify that the employee's member number and fund details in PaySauce match their fund account
Ask the employee to check with their superannuation fund
I need to change an employee's superannuation fund
I need to change an employee's superannuation fund
Update the employee's superannuation details in their employee record with the new fund information. The next pay run will use the new fund details. Previous contributions remain with the old fund unless the employee requests a rollover through their superannuation funds.
The filing shows incomplete super details
The filing shows incomplete super details
This means you're missing required information for one or more employees:
Fund name, USI, or member number is missing
Update the employee's superannuation details in the Employees section
Can I see exactly what was sent to the superannuation fund?
Can I see exactly what was sent to the superannuation fund?
Yes. You can view the exact SAFF file sent to the fund in the Filings section of each pay run. This is typically only needed for troubleshooting or detailed reconciliation.
My employee wants contributions split between two funds
My employee wants contributions split between two funds
PaySauce currently supports one superannuation fund per employee. If your employee wants to contribute to multiple funds, they should:
Nominate their primary fund in PaySauce (where employer contributions will go)
Arrange additional personal contributions to other funds themselves
How will Payday Super affect my cash flow?
How will Payday Super affect my cash flow?
Payday Super means you'll need funds available for super contributions with each pay run rather than accumulating and paying quarterly. Using PaySauce, this is how you will be paying your super contributions anyway, so it should make little impact on you. However, it may still be wise to discuss with your accountant or financial advisor.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for Payday Super?
Do I need to do anything to prepare for Payday Super?
If you're already paying super with each pay run through PaySauce (using PayTo or regular internet banking transfers), you don't need to change anything. PaySauce will handle Payday Super compliance automatically.
Need help?
If you have questions about superannuation requirements, filing errors, specific fund issues, or Payday Super, contact PaySauce support. For questions about superannuation obligations, Superannuation Guarantee, or Payday Super requirements, visit the ATO's website at ato.gov.au.