Superannuation guarantee amnesty – On 6 March 2020 the government introduced a superannuation guarantee (SG) amnesty (the amnesty). The amnesty allows employers to disclose and pay previously unpaid super guarantee charge (SGC), including nominal interest, that they owe their employees, for quarter(s) starting from 1 July 1992 to 31 March 2018, without incurring the administration component ($20 per employee per quarter) or Part 7 penalty. In addition, payments of SGC made to the ATO after 24 May 2018 and before 11:59 PM 7 September 2020 will be tax deductible. Employers who have already disclosed unpaid SGC to the ATO between 24 May 2018 and 6 March 2020 don’t need to apply or lodge again. Employers who come forward from 6 March 2020 need to apply for the amnesty. The ATO advise that they “will continue to conduct reviews and audits to identify employers not paying their employees SG. If we identify these employers before they come forward, they will not be eligible for the benefits of the amnesty. They will also be required to pay:

• SG shortfall
• nominal interest (10%)
• administration component ($20 per employee per quarter)
• Part 7 penalty (up to 200% of the SGC).

In addition, payments of the SGC won’t be tax deductible”.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss.