What Is STP Phase 2? ATO Reporting Changes for Employers Explained
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STP Phase 2 (Single Touch Payroll Phase 2) is an expansion of Australia’s payroll reporting system that requires employers to provide more detailed information to the ATO every time they…
STP Phase 2 (Single Touch Payroll Phase 2) is an expansion of Australia’s payroll reporting system that requires employers to provide more detailed information to the ATO every time they pay employees.
It builds on the original STP system by breaking down income types, employee details, and payment components, helping government agencies better assess entitlements and obligations.
What Changed in STP Phase 2?
| Area Affected | STP Phase 1 | STP Phase 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Income reporting | Total gross only | Detailed income types (e.g. bonuses, overtime, allowances) |
| Employee data | Name, TFN, super | Adds employment basis, start date, tax scale |
| Termination reporting | Lumped into final pay | Split into codes (e.g. redundancy, ETP) |
| Child support | Not included | Option to report deductions via STP |
The goal is to streamline government processes while reducing duplication (e.g. for Services Australia).
Key Components of STP Phase 2
- Income types: Ordinary time, leave, overtime, bonuses, commissions, allowances
- Payment types: Salary, wages, paid leave, termination, ETPs
- Country codes: For employees working overseas
- Tax treatment codes: Replace old TFN declarations
- Disaggregation of gross: Breaks gross pay into components for transparency
Who Must Comply?
- All employers who report via STP — no exemptions for small businesses
- STP Phase 2 became mandatory from 1 January 2022, but transitional deferrals applied (depending on your payroll provider)
Check your payroll software is ATO-compliant and updated for Phase 2.
How to Get Compliant
- Update payroll software to Phase 2-certified version
- Map all pay codes correctly (e.g. bonuses, leave, allowances)
- Enter missing employee details (employment basis, tax scale, etc.)
- Test and lodge Phase 2 reports
- Monitor for ATO error messages or rejected submissions
How Ozobooks Helps
- Audits your STP setup for Phase 2 compliance
- Maps payroll categories to ATO income types
- Fixes errors with employee data or historical pay codes
- Works with your payroll provider (e.g. Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks)
- Ensures accurate reporting and reduced ATO risks
FAQ
Q1: Do I still need to issue payment summaries?
No — STP replaces them. Income is reported in real time and appears in the employee’s myGov account.
Q2: What if I use outdated payroll software?
You must upgrade or change systems. The ATO only accepts Phase 2-compliant reports.
Q3: Will my employees notice any changes?
Not directly — but they’ll see more detail in myGov income statements, which may affect services like Centrelink.
Q4: Can I get a deferral?
Yes — some software providers were granted extensions. Ozobooks can help check if you’re eligible.