Why new payday super rules increase the need for integrated payroll solutions
The government has released new details about payday super – and the need for a simple, integrated payroll solution is clear. With the proposed introduction of payday super less than two years away, the federal government has released new details about the implementation of the scheme. From July 1, 2026, employers will need to pay […]
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Payment due dates for super contributions Q1 2024
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Getting started with Beam: Refunds
Refunds happen because of mismatched data or incorrect super details in the submission. Watch our video to learn more! Providing your bank details During registration, you’ll have to provide some bank details for your chosen business. These details are used for super contributions and any refunds we may have to send you. Beam sends refunds […]
We’re making stapling easier for you
Streamline your stapling obligations with Stapled Fund Request (SFR), the newest feature now available through Super Fund Onboarding (SFO).
Paying super just got easier for Reckon
From 29 July 2024, Reckon’s users can register to use Beam’s super payments, directly from their software, making super payments a breeze.
Getting started with Beam: Paying Contributions
Beam allows you to submit super contributions to the ATO. Payment types are subject to what’s available on your payroll software.
Getting started with Beam: Self-managed Super Funds (SMSF)
You can pay super towards a Self-managed Super Funds (SMSF) using Beam. Read our guide to find out how easy it can be.
Getting started with Beam: Errors and warnings
Beam validates your contributions up front, and warns you of any errors before processing payment, here are some common warnings.
Can I pay super contributions with a Credit Card?
Unfortunately we’re unable to accept Credit Card payments for super contributions. To remain compliant with Superstream, contribution payments must be made using approve payment methods.
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You should contact your payroll software to learn more about payment methods available to you.
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To learn more information about Superstream payment methods, click here.
Why am I getting errors or warnings when paying super?
When Beam validates a super contribution payment, the details provided for each employee’s contribution are checked and validated against SuperStream requirements and the super fund validation service and it’s at this point you may see error or warning messages.
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You can find a complete list of errors and warnings, and how to fix them here.
Paying self managed super funds (SMSF) with Beam.
Yes, Beam can pay contributions to SMSFs. You will need to setup an SMSF in your software provider’s payroll platform before a contribution can be made to it.
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Learn more about SMSFs here.
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Need help with other super funds and their USI’s? Learn more here.
What is a Unique Superannuation Identifier (USI)?
A Unique Superannuation Identifier, or USI, is a number used to identify super funds and individual super fund products for electronic rollovers and contributions.
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Find out more about USIs, SMSFs and Super Fund lookup here
Choosing a default super fund.
During registration you will be asked to set-up a default super fund. The default super fund/s you choose must be a compliant fund (one that meets specific requirements and obligations under super law) and be be registered by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and offer a MySuper product (these are cost-effective superannuation products with a basic set of features).
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Read more about using the correct fund detail here.
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Need more help registering to pay super with Beam? Get help here.
I’m using Beam and need help. What do I do?
If you’re having issues with making payments within your software, you need technical assistance, have a feature requests or wish to provide customer feedback, the first step is to get in touch with your software provider. They’ll be able to provide support on Beam, and if required escalate any issues directly to Beam for our support.
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If you’re having issues with statements, direct refunds or your software are unable to assist you, please use the Beam Contact Us page and we can direct your enquiry to the right team.
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Alternatively, find your software on our For Employers Page to learn more about your softwares integration with Beam.
How do I register to pay super with Beam?
It’s a quick and easy process. Navigate to your integrations section on your payroll software and select the “Register with Beam” option on your software provider’s payroll platform.
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What if I don’t know the member number for an employee, can I still include them in my super contribution?
The treatment of an employee without a member number will vary depending on your software provider. Please contact your software provider’s payroll support team who will be able to assist.
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Head to our For Employers section to find your software’s page.
When do I need to pay Superannuation Guarentee (SG)
There are a few important dates you’ll need to be across, including due dates and payment due dates.
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Check out our Superannuation Guarantee guide here.
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Why do I need to supply bank details?
Beam is an integrated solution within your software provider’s payroll platform. So, you simply login to your software provider’s payroll platform to register with Beam. From there, you can easily add or update your bank details.
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If you choose to pay using Bpay® or EFT, Beam still needs your bank account details to refund any contributions your chosen default fund/s may return. We will notify you of the return, including the reason for the return, via your software provider and refund the amount back to your chosen bank account.
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Read our guide here to learn more about bank details in Beam
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Need more help with registering? Get help here.
What if I have made a mistake on my registration?
You can easily go back to the Beam registration screen from your software provider’s platform and update your information at any time.
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If there’s anything you’re not able to update, please contact your software provider’s support team. They will be able to advise if the mistake can be fixed within your payroll platform or if it needs to be escalated on your behalf.
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Updating your details in Beam is easy, Learn more here.
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Need more help with registration? Get help here.
Can I choose more than one default fund?
Yes, you can select multiple default funds during Beam’s registration process.
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Learn more about updating super fund details in Beam here.
What does a status for a payment mean?
Below is a list of different payment status and what they mean:
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Status |
Meaning |
Awaiting payment |
Initial status for a contribution batch and means the client is yet to send payment to Beam. |
Awaiting clearance |
Applies to direct debit users only and signifies the direct debit has been received by our bank and the 3 days clearance period has commenced. |
Sent to fund |
Occurs once all outbound transactions have been successfully sent to the destination funds. |
Sent to fund with refund |
Occurs after the outbound transactions have successfully been sent out to the destination funds. But one or more of those funds have rejected and refunded one or more contributions. |
Cancelled |
Indicates Beam has cancelled the contribution batch, typically due to one of the following reasons:
o Client request
o Payment has not been received by Beam within the required timeframe, 10 business days after contribution batch is submitted. |
Refunded |
All contributions submitted in the batch have been refunded. |
What is a direct to fund payment and how does it work?
A direct to fund payment means that Beam handles the messaging, but you pay the contributions directly to each super fund. This means that contributions are received faster. This is also called ‘pay fund directly’.
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You submit your super contributions, and we provide you with the EFT and payment reference details for each fund. You then make individual EFT payments to each fund via your financial institution’s banking facility either manually or using the banking file you can download once your contribution is submitted. Beam distributes your contribution data to each fund in the SuperStream standard within 24 hours of the file being submitting.
What’s the benefit of using Beam to pay super?
Lighten your workload and save time and endless amounts of paperwork with Beam’s supertech.
Designed with you in mind – Automated, compliant, and easy. Our supertech has been designed to make super payments super easy with just a couple of clicks. Spend more time on tasks you enjoy, knowing paying super is now one less thing to worry about.
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Fast payment process – with Beam, it’s an all-in-one experience. Forget about third party portals and file uploads. Super is automatically tracked when an employee is paid, so you can pay super in a single transaction all from within your software.
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Super in minutes – Beam saves time. There’s no limit on employees, super providers, or transactions you’re making, or how often. If there’s an error, the platform can hold that single error back automatically while the rest of the batch is still processed. Spend less time on your super, and more on your business.
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Learn more about our supertech here.
When paying by EFT, do I need to use the correct Payment Reference Number (PRN?)
Yes, once your batch has been submitted, Beam will provide you with a unique PRN. Please note this PRN consists of 18 digits. If you don’t use the correct PRN it may prevent Beam from processing your contribution.
Where can I find the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Privacy Policy?
We have a seperate PDS available for each of our software partners. You’ll find these as part of the registration process and within the Terms and Conditions. You can also ask the software provider of your payroll for a copy.
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You can also find your PDS on your payroll partners page, found in our For Employers section
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Our Privacy Policy can be found here
What is a Beam Transaction Statement?
Beam Transaction Statements confirm that all your superannuation payments for the prior month have been submitted with your payroll software provider and have been processed by Beam. They’re emailed on the second Tuesday of each month. The information in the transaction statement is from your payroll software.
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You can continue to access your Beam Transaction Statement for up to 12 months. You can continue to use the link provided in your original statement email. If you require the statement for a longer period, you can download it.
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Need to update the email address to receive your transaction statements? Click here to learn more.
Who is Precision and why does this name appear on my bank statement?
Precision is the issuer of Beam and its suite of products including Beam Super Payments (clearing house), Beam Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting service, and Beam Super Fund Onboarding (SFO).
Precision Administration Services Pty Ltd is wholly owned by Australian Retirement Trust Pty Ltd (via its custodian) as Trustee for the Australian Retirement Trust.
If you pay by direct debit, the debit will display as ‘Precision CH’ and include the payment reference number in your transaction statement. You can learn more about Beam, Precision and Australian Retirement Trust in our About us section.
How long does it take for superannuation to be paid to the superannuation fund/s?
Direct debit – Funds debited from the nominated account will be sent to nominated superannuation fund/s within five business days, which includes the time it will take for the funds to clear.
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EFT – Funds paid by EFT will be sent to your nominated superannuation fund/s within three business days of us receiving both your contribution details and correct payment.
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BPay – Funds paid by BPay will be sent to your nominated superannuation fund/s within three business days of us receiving both your contribution details and correct payment.
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Learn more about SG here
How do I change my Direct Debit bank account?
Updating your payment method is done within the registration screens in your payroll software.
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See our four step process here.
I am having trouble registering with Beam?
To register to use Beam, you will need to select at least one super fund as your default fund. Your details will be pre-filled from the information in your payroll system. It is important you check all your details are correct including your business details, registered business address and contact details.
How do I update my business and payment details with Beam?
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If you need to update your payment details, like Direct Debit accounts, you can learn more here.
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By ensuring your companies contact details are up to date in your payroll software, Beam will have the most up to date records for your batch payments and reporting.
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Need help changing your details? learn more here.
How do I know if the superannuation fund/s has received the money or has cancelled a submission?
Once the batch you submitted has reconciled the status will display as ‘Sent to fund.’
If you would like to cancel a submission and your batch is in awaiting payment status, you will need to contact your payroll provider to request the batch be cancelled.
How do I find my refund information or update my refund bank account details?
If an automated refund occurs, your payroll software will notify you. The notification includes who the refund is for (employee/s), the amount and the reason/s for the refund.
If a manual refund is required, you will receive a notification from your payroll provider. These notifications also include who the refund is for (employee/s), the amount and the reason/s for the refund.
If you need to update your refund bank account details, please contact your payroll software for support.