Single Touch Payroll (STP) is part of the government’s commitment to streamlining employer reporting obligations
Most employers are now reporting through STP. You will need to start reporting if you have not transitioned yet unless you have an exemption or a deferral.
In the 2019–20 Budget, the government announced that STP would be expanded to include additional information.
Including this additional information will:
- reduce the reporting burden for employers who need to report information about their employees to more than one government agency
- support the administration of the social security system.
The mandatory start date for STP Phase 2 reporting was 1 January 2022 however the ATO is working with Digital Service Providers (DSPs) that are updating their solutions to support Phase 2 reporting. Your DSP will confirm when your solution is ready:
- Xero users have until 31 December 2022 to start reporting the additional information required for ATO STP Phase 2 (See STP Phase 2: Steps for a successful transition)
- MYOB has obtained a deferral from the ATO which means users have until 1 January 2023 to move to STP Phase 2.
Some DSPs, despite their best efforts, will need more time to get ready and transition their customers. They will advise you if the ATO has approved a deferral for users to start reporting later than the mandatory start date.
If you can transition to STP Phase 2 reporting when your solution is ready, then you do not need to ask the ATO for more time.
If you need more time in addition to your DSP’s deferral, you must apply. See STP expansion (Phase 2) delayed transitions.