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Manage superannuation for employees in Xero

By Sean Wyse Updated 12 January 2026 3 min read

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Disclaimer:
This guide is provided for general information purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice. Payroll and compliance requirements can vary, so you should always seek advice from a qualified professional for your specific circumstances. For further assistance, please contact Xero Support .

Frequently asked questions

1. Why should I add superannuation to the pay template in Xero?

Adding superannuation to the pay template ensures it is automatically included in every pay run. This saves time, reduces manual errors, and keeps your business compliant with superannuation obligations.

2. Do I need to update superannuation in Xero every pay run?

No. Once you set up superannuation in the employee’s pay template, Xero automatically applies it to every pay run. You only need to update it if the employee’s superannuation details change.

3. What happens if I don’t set superannuation in Xero?

If superannuation is not added to the employee’s pay template, you must enter it manually each pay run. This increases the risk of errors, missed payments, and compliance issues.

4. Can I edit or remove superannuation from an employee’s pay template in Xero?

Yes. You can return to the employee’s pay template at any time in Xero. From there, you can edit, update, or remove the superannuation details as needed.

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This article explains how to set a staff member’s superannuation in Xero. Adding superannuation directly to the employee’s pay template ensures it is included automatically in every pay run. This saves time, reduces manual errors, and helps you support your compliance efforts with superannuation obligations.

Once superannuation is set, you no longer need to adjust it each pay run. Xero applies it to the employee’s wages every time, creating consistency and accuracy in payroll. Following this guide will help you manage superannuation contributions correctly, so your staff are paid the right entitlements and your records stay accurate for reporting. class="mb-6 text-gray-700" > This section explains how to add superannuation directly into an employee’s pay template in Xero. By doing this, superannuation will apply automatically when generating pay runs. This removes the need for manual updates and supports compliance with superannuation obligations.

1.1 Open employee pay template in Xero

1.1.1 Log in to Xero.

Xero integration screen in RosterElf
1.1.2 Press Payroll > Employees.

Xero integration screen in RosterElf
1.1.3 Click on the employee you want to update.

Xero integration screen in RosterElf
1.1.4 Select Pay Template.

Xero integration screen in RosterElf

1.2 Add and save superannuation

1.2.1 Click Add superannuation line.

Xero integration screen in RosterElf
1.2.2 Enter the superannuation details.

Xero integration screen in RosterElf
1.2.3 Press Ok.

Xero integration screen in RosterElf

1.2.4 Press Save.

Xero integration screen in RosterElf Frequently asked questions about staff superannuation in Xero 1: How do I set up staff superannuation in Xero?

You can set up staff superannuation in Xero by adding it directly to the employee’s pay template. Go to Payroll > Employees, select the employee, open Pay Template, and click Add superannuation. Enter the details and press Save.

2: Why should I add superannuation to the pay template in Xero?

Adding superannuation to the pay template ensures it is automatically included in every pay run. This saves time, reduces manual errors, and keeps your business compliant with superannuation obligations.

3: Do I need to update superannuation in Xero every pay run?

No. Once you set up superannuation in the employee’s pay template, Xero automatically applies it to every pay run. You only need to update it if the employee’s superannuation details change.

4: What happens if I don’t set superannuation in Xero?

If superannuation is not added to the employee’s pay template, you must enter it manually each pay run. This increases the risk of errors, missed payments, and compliance issues.

5: Can I edit or remove superannuation from an employee’s pay template in Xero?

Yes. You can return to the employee’s pay template at any time in Xero. From there, you can edit, update, or remove the superannuation details as needed.