Super choice rules will change from 1 November

September 30, 2021

Important update for employers

You’ll have an extra step to take if you have new employees who start from 1 November 2021 and they don’t choose a super fund.


You may now need to request their ‘stapled super fund’ details from the ATO.


A stapled super fund is an existing super account of an employee that follows them as they change jobs.


This change aims to stop your new employees paying extra account fees for unintended super accounts set up when they start a new job.


What you need to know

You may need to request stapled super fund details when:


  • your new employee starts on or after 1 November 2021
  • you need to make super guarantee payments for that employee, and
  • your employee is eligible to choose a super fund but doesn’t


You may still need to request stapled super fund details for some employees even though you don’t need to offer them a choice of super fund. This includes if your employees are temporary residents or they’re covered by an Enterprise Agreement or Workplace Determination made before 1 January 2021.


You can request stapled super fund details for your employees if you have full access to Online services for business. You need to review and update these accesses to protect the privacy and safety of your employees’ personal information.


You must meet your choice of super fund requirements and any stapled super fund obligations by the quarterly due date or you may face penalties.


What you need to do from 1 November 2021

Step 1: Offer your eligible employees a choice of super fund


You need to give your eligible new employees a Super standard choice form and pay their super into the account they tell you on the form. Most employees are eligible to choose what fund their super goes into.


There is no change to this step of your super obligations.


Step 2: Request stapled super fund details


If your employee doesn’t choose a super fund, you may need to log into ATO Online services and go to ‘Employee Super Accounts’ to request their stapled super fund details. If you don't have Online services set up, contact us to help you.


The ATO will provide your employee’s stapled super fund details after they have confirmed that you are the employer.


If they provide a stapled super fund result for your employee, you must pay your employee’s super using the stapled super fund details we provide you.


Step 3: Pay super into a default fund


You can pay into a default fund, or another fund that meets the choice of fund obligations if:


  • your employee doesn’t choose a super fund, and
  • we have advised you that they don’t have a stapled super fund.
5 things your balance sheet can tell you about your finances
February 25, 2026
Your balance sheet is a key financial statement to understand. So we’ve highlighted five ways your balance sheet can keep you informed about your financial health.
Interest rates go up: how could this affect your finances?
February 25, 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia has increased interest rates from 3.6% up to 3.85%. What does this rise mean for you, your business and your financial opportunities?
February 25, 2026
What Employers Need to Know Before 1 July 2026
What is a trade tariff and how could these customs taxes impact your small business?
February 6, 2026
We’ve heard a lot about trade tariffs in the news. But what is a trade tariff and how could these customs taxes impact your small business?
Do you know where to start when updating your systems to modern, digital tools?
February 6, 2026
Do you know where to start when updating your systems to modern, digital tools? We share five steps for getting the best from your new digital tools.
63% of Australian businesses say they are losing money to late payments.
February 6, 2026
63% of Australian businesses say they are losing money to late payments. Here’s what you can do to get your late payment issues under control.
54% of employees prefer a combination of in-office and remote work.
February 6, 2026
54% of employees prefer a combination of in-office and remote work. Are you making moves to switch to flexible working? We explain why it's is the way forward.
Are you drowning in business admin? Automation is the answer.
February 6, 2026
Are you drowning in business admin? Automation is the answer. We’ll help identify automation opportunities and choose the best apps to drive an efficient business.
The basics of strategic advice: why your business needs an evolving strategy
December 5, 2025
When did you last review your business strategy? We share four areas you should revisit and update to create the best possible strategic and growth outcomes.
Promoting your business in the digital age
December 5, 2025
Is your digital marketing strategy still fit for purpose? Here are 4 key elements your business should be using to advertise your brand + engage with new customers.