Running a business or employing people is likely to involve superannuation obligations. Most of your employees, whether full-time, part-time or casual, will be covered by the superannuation guarantee legislation.

As an employer you are required to make superannuation guarantee contributions on behalf of your eligible employees at least once each quarter.

You need to pay super contributions at least four times a year, by the cut off dates each quarter: 28 October, 28 January, 28 April and 28 July.

You now need to:

• Pay super contributions for your eligible employees by the cut off dates each quarter.
• Pay at least the minimum 9% contribution amount of the earnings base (generally ordinary time earnings). From 1 July 2008 ordinary time earnings should always be used for each eligible employee.
• Check if any of your employees are eligible for a choice of super fund.
• Provide your eligible employees with a Standard choice form.
• Pass on your employees' tax file numbers to their super fund within 14 days of receiving it (if you don't make contributions during that period, you can provide the tax file numbers when you make the contributions).
• Pay super contributions for any eligible contractors.
• Keep records of your super contribution payments and that you have offered your eligible employers choice of super fund.

If you don't make your superannuation contributions by the cut off dates you will face penalties.