Buyer's Guide · Australia
Best Payroll Software in Australia (2026)
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This guide ranks the 10 best Payroll Software options available in Australia as of 2026, ordered by SpotScore — a composite of ratings, verified reviews, and feature coverage. All tools listed support Australian compliance requirements and are evaluated for suitability in the Australia market.
How to Choose Payroll Software in Australia
In Australia, managing payroll is not just a matter of processing employee payments; it involves navigating a complex landscape of regulations and compliance obligations. Your business must adhere to the Fair Work Act 2009, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements, and the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. Each of these regulations imposes specific responsibilities on employers, including accurate tax reporting, timely superannuation contributions, and adherence to minimum wage standards. The core challenge for your business lies in selecting payroll software that not only streamlines these processes but also ensures compliance with all relevant laws to avoid costly penalties and legal repercussions.
As of 2025, approximately 70% of Australian businesses utilize payroll software to manage their payroll processes, driven largely by the implementation of Single Touch Payroll (STP) requirements by the ATO.
Top Payroll Software Available in Australia
Ranked by SpotScore — a composite of ratings, reviews, and feature coverage
Rippling is an all-in-one global workforce management platform that seamlessly integrates HR, IT, and finance into a unified system. Designed to streamline business operations, Rippling offers comprehensive tools for managing the entire employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding to payroll, benefits, and compliance. It simplifies IT management by automating device provisioning, software access, and security configurations. Additionally, Rippling provides robust financial tools, including automated expense tracking and seamless integrations with accounting software. With its centralized approach, businesses can efficiently handle global workforce needs, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. The platform's automation capabilities reduce administrative workload while providing real-time insights into workforce data. Ideal for businesses of all sizes, Rippling enhances productivity by eliminating redundant processes and offering a scalable solution for managing employees worldwide.
Remote.com is a remote work management platform that simplifies global payroll, compliance, and workforce administration for businesses of all sizes. It seamlessly integrates with HR systems, centralizing payroll data for security and accuracy. The platform enables effortless onboarding with legally compliant contracts and benefits administration across multiple jurisdictions. Its Remote IP Guard safeguards intellectual property, while automated payroll processing supports over 100 currencies with one-click payments and invoicing. Compliance automation ensures adherence to international labor laws, minimizing legal risks. Employers can manage full-time employees, contractors, and freelancers from a single dashboard, improving workforce visibility. Real-time data synchronization enhances payroll accuracy, while encryption protocols ensure data privacy and regulatory compliance. Multi-language support and built-in analytics provide workforce insights, aiding global expansion strategies. The scalable infrastructure makes it ideal for startups to large enterprises navigating international hiring. Remote.com removes barriers to global employment, allowing businesses to focus on growth, innovation, and operational efficiency.
Justworks is payroll software that offers international payroll, payroll tax filing and realtime benefits administration. The Justworks app is a simple way for teams to bill their hours directly from their iPhone or Android devices. This mobile solution provides employees with a transparent view of their pay and enables managers to track and analyze team productivity.
Papaya Global is a cloud-based payroll management software designed for multinational businesses. It offers a variety of essential features such as data security, cost breakdown analysis, records management, and benefits administration. This integrative platform allows businesses to streamline their recruiting process across different countries and manage payments for both foreign and domestic contract workers through a third-party employer of record. With Papaya Global, businesses can also automate payroll processes in different currencies and easily track workforce spending using a centralized dashboard. The software ensures compliance by storing all necessary documents and reports for each jurisdiction or country. Pricing options include subscription and quotation-based plans for payroll, global, employer of record, contractor management, and parallel intelligence suites.
Microkeeper is a user-friendly payroll software that connects you with the world of business payroll processing: delivering quick online setup, automated time keeping and more. Payroll processing has never been easier or more affordable. Microkeeper gives you simplicity and convenience in meeting your payroll requirements.
Deel is an all-in-one Global People platform that simplifies and streamlines every aspect of managing an international workforce—from culture and onboarding to local payroll and compliance. Deel is built to scale with organizations of all sizes, from small teams to enterprises of thousands. Whether an organization wants to hire worldwide without opening legal entities, streamline HR for its global team, or pay all types of workers anywhere with consolidated payroll—Deel does it all with full compliance. With Deel HR, organizations can bring all of their employee data from around the world into a single global HRIS. Deel compliantly localizes everything—from onboarding to holiday days—based on location and local labor laws.
HR3 Payroll is payroll software that allows HR professionals, accounting professionals and business owners to create and manage paychecks in a simple step-by-step process with the greatest level of accuracy. Users can prepare, run and print federal or state payroll for one employee or thousands in an easy to use, fully integrated solution that effectively works as your virtual HR department.
Payroo is a cloud based software to manage payrolls. The user can access their records from anywhere and at anytime. It is very simple to use, fast and accurate payroll tool that provides the functionality of professional solutions for a fraction of the cost. Payroo is the only payroll service that offers an easy to use and powerful online payroll software at an affordable price.
Payroll is easy with our powerful, yet simple-to-use desktop software. With options that help you manage taxes, reduce errors and cut labor costs, payroll can be an integral part of growing your business. Run payroll faster with pre-printed checks, imports of employee information, electronic deposit directly into bank accounts and more.
KeyPay is our payroll software which can produce and print your time sheets with just one click. It produces payroll checks fully integrated with our database. It is also user-friendly, intuitive, reliable, affordable and fast. KeyPay is so easy to use that it eliminates the need for expensive accounting help or support.
Key Regulations
Fair Work Act 2009
The Fair Work Act 2009 mandates that employers must pay their employees at least the national minimum wage and comply with the relevant Modern Awards. Payroll software must be capable of calculating wages according to these standards, including penalty rates and allowances. Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to AUD 63,000 for corporations and AUD 12,600 for individuals.
Single Touch Payroll (STP)
Single Touch Payroll (STP) requires employers to report payroll information to the ATO each time they pay their employees. Your payroll software must support STP reporting, including the ability to send tax and superannuation information directly to the ATO. Non-compliance can lead to penalties of AUD 1,050 for small employers and AUD 2,100 for larger employers.
Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992
The Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 mandates that employers contribute a minimum percentage of an employee's earnings into their superannuation fund. Your payroll software must automate these calculations and ensure timely contributions to avoid penalties. Failure to meet superannuation obligations can result in the Superannuation Guarantee Charge, which includes the unpaid contributions plus interest and an administration fee.
Taxation Administration Act 1953
Under the Taxation Administration Act 1953, employers are required to withhold income tax from employee wages and report this to the ATO. Payroll software must facilitate accurate tax calculations and timely reporting to ensure compliance. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, including interest on unpaid amounts and additional fines.
Work Health and Safety Act 2011
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires businesses to maintain a safe workplace, which includes proper record-keeping of employee hours and wages. Your payroll software should provide functionality to track hours worked and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to AUD 3 million for corporations.
What to Look For
ATO Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 certified
Your payroll software must be certified for ATO Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 to ensure compliance with the latest reporting requirements. This includes the ability to report additional employee information such as income types and employment conditions. Verify with vendors that their software is compliant to avoid penalties associated with incorrect reporting.
Automated superannuation calculations
The software must automatically calculate superannuation contributions based on employee earnings and ensure timely payments to super funds. This feature is crucial for compliance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. Confirm that the vendor's software can handle various superannuation fund types and contribution rates.
Real-time tax calculations
Your payroll software should provide real-time income tax calculations to ensure accurate withholding amounts for employees. This feature is essential for compliance with the Taxation Administration Act 1953. Check that the vendor updates tax rates regularly and that the software can accommodate changes in tax legislation.
Compliance reporting tools
Look for software that includes built-in compliance reporting tools to generate necessary reports for the ATO and Fair Work Ombudsman. This feature helps you maintain compliance with various regulations and simplifies the audit process. Ensure the vendor can demonstrate the reporting capabilities of their software.
Integration with accounting software
Your payroll software should integrate seamlessly with your accounting software to streamline financial reporting and reconciliation. This is important for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with tax obligations. Verify that the vendor supports integration with popular accounting platforms used in Australia.
Employee self-service portal
An employee self-service portal allows your employees to access their payslips, tax documents, and superannuation information. This feature enhances transparency and reduces administrative burden. Confirm that the vendor's software includes this capability and complies with privacy regulations.
Common mistake: A common mistake Australian businesses make when purchasing payroll software is overlooking compliance with Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2. Many vendors may claim STP capability but lack the necessary certification, leading to failed submissions and potential penalties. Verify the vendor's STP Phase 2 certification status with the ATO before signing any contract to avoid costly compliance issues.
Compliance Checklist
Does the software support ATO Single Touch Payroll Phase 2?
This question is critical because compliance with STP Phase 2 is mandatory for all employers. If the vendor answers no, you risk non-compliance and potential penalties.
Can the software automate superannuation calculations and payments?
Automating superannuation calculations is essential for compliance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. If the vendor cannot provide this functionality, your business may face penalties for late or incorrect contributions.
Does the software provide real-time tax calculations?
Real-time tax calculations ensure accurate withholding for employees, which is required under the Taxation Administration Act 1953. A negative response indicates a risk of incorrect tax reporting.
Are compliance reporting tools included in the software?
Compliance reporting tools are necessary for generating reports required by the ATO and Fair Work Ombudsman. If the vendor cannot confirm this feature, you may struggle with compliance audits.
Does the software integrate with major accounting platforms?
Integration with accounting software is crucial for accurate financial reporting. If the vendor cannot confirm compatibility, you may face challenges in maintaining accurate records.
Is there an employee self-service portal available?
An employee self-service portal enhances transparency and reduces administrative workload. If the vendor does not offer this feature, it may lead to increased administrative tasks for your HR team.
Questions to Ask Vendors
- Is your software certified for ATO Single Touch Payroll Phase 2?
- How does your software handle superannuation calculations and payments?
- What processes do you have in place for real-time tax rate updates?
- Can your software generate compliance reports for the ATO and Fair Work Ombudsman?
- What accounting software does your payroll solution integrate with?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].