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Choice of fund & stapling

Choice of fund & stapling

Stapling and choice of fund

Do you have a new employee joining? Generally, they're encouraged to choose a super fund that suits them, but there are some exceptions.

You might already know that stapling came into effect on 1 November 2021. This means all Australian employees are linked, or ‘stapled’ to one super fund unless they choose otherwise. If you’re not aware of these changes, head to the ATO website for more information.

So, if you have a new employee join, make sure to give them a Standard Choice form within 28 days of their start date. If they don’t choose a super fund, you’ll have to request the details of their stapled fund from the ATO.

How does this affect your onboarding process?

Stapling adds a couple of steps to your onboarding process, and it varies depending on whether your new employee has an existing fund or not.

Just so you know, super stapling only applies to new employees, commencing on or after 1 November 2021. So, you don’t need to change anything for employees that have been working for you since before then.

If your new employee
This means you need to
Has one existing super fund and doesn’t choose a new fund when they start.
Use ATO online services to find the employee’s stapled fund and make contributions to it.
Has multiple existing super funds and doesn’t choose a new fund when they start.
Use ATO online services to find the employee’s stapled fund and make contributions to it. In this situation, the ATO determines which super fund is the stapled fund.
Has no existing super fund and doesn’t make a choice of fund when they start employment.
Provide a choice of fund form or use ATO online services to find the employee’s stapled fund. If no stapled fund exists, you should make contributions to your default fund.
Has an existing fund but chooses a new fund via the ATO Superannuation Standard Choice when they start employment.
Provide a choice of fund form and make contributions to the employee’s chosen fund.

If you need any help or more information about stapling, you can call our friendly team on 1300 361 477 or contact us. We’ll be happy to help. Or if you’re looking for specific advice, we recommend you speak to a lawyer or accountant that specialises in employment law / industrial awards.

Page last updated 1 December 2023