FormFinder logoFormFinder

Single Touch Payroll (STP) — Employer Enrolment

All employers in Australia must enrol in Single Touch Payroll (STP) by selecting and connecting an ATO-approved STP-enabled payroll or accounting software product, then reporting wages, PAYG withholding, and superannuation to the ATO automatically each pay event.

Issuing authority

Australian Taxation Office

Official source

ato.gov.au

Cost

Free (ATO obligation); software cost varies — free/low-cost options available for micro employers (1–4 employees)

Deadline

Must begin reporting from first pay event after hiring first employee; annual finalisation due 14 July each year

How to apply

  1. Determine your employee headcount as at 1 April each year to confirm STP obligations — all employers (including those with 1–4 employees) must report through STP.
  2. Choose an ATO-registered STP-enabled software product from the ATO's product register (payroll software, accounting software, or a low-cost or free option for micro employers with 1–4 employees).
  3. Set up your myGovID (Standard or Strong identity strength) and link it to your business ABN via Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) at ram.gov.au if not already done.
  4. If using a sending service provider or payroll service, notify the ATO of the software ID in Access Manager — go to the Access Manager welcome page, log in with myGovID, select 'My hosted SBR software services', and click 'Notify the ATO of your hosted service'.
  5. Configure your STP-enabled software with your business details, employee tax file numbers, and superannuation fund information.
  6. Review the ATO's STP start-reporting checklist (available at ato.gov.au) before sending your first STP report to ensure all data is correctly mapped.
  7. Send your first STP pay event report through your software on or before your first pay day — the ATO is notified automatically; no separate enrolment form is required.
  8. Check your software for a 'successful' status confirmation from the ATO after each submission, and complete an end-of-year STP finalisation by 14 July each year so employees can lodge their tax returns.

Related topics

Single Touch PayrollSTP enrolmentSTP employer setuppayroll reporting ATOSTP-enabled softwarePAYG withholding reportingsuperannuation reporting STPmyGovID payrollRAM ATO employerSTP Phase 2small employer payroll ATOSTP start reportingATO payroll obligationSTP finalisation

Related forms

FormFinder is not affiliated with any Australian government body. Always verify details on official websites. Not legal advice.

Get this form in FormFinder

Download the app to search, save, and get reminders for this form.

Get early access