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A: Synergetic will only send the data the ATO has asked for inclusion within STP events. As there are some updated configuration options for Pay Codes and identifying what should be included, you should review your Pay Codes before your first STP run to confirm the STP content will be correct. There is a Discourse post listing the updated Pay Code types which will be available.
Q: With superannuation reporting, what happens when we have defined benefits? Is it reported differently via stp?
A: If you can't enter an SGC amount for employees, you can report their Ordinary Time Earnings instead. We have added a switch at the system level to allow you to report OTE in STP. It won't be on by default (so that clients who don't have complex super requirements don't have to worry about it) but you will be able to set up OTE calculations if you need to.
Q: If we have two ABNs and geberate two payrolls at the same time, how do we send it through STP?
A: As is currently the case, if you operate with two ABNs you would need two finance databases/schemas. Each one would have its own identity under STP and they would not block each other.
End of Year Processes
Q: Is there is need to continue doing the payment summary process?
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A: Once you are using STP then there is no need to generate EMPDUPE files for that year.
Q: If there is overpayment can we do a negative pay run to adjust the pay?
A: Short answer is yes... most of the time. It is a little complex if the reversal of the overpayment is in the next financial year and would take an employee's pay in to the negative. You can never report a negative YTD figure for an employee so if the overpayment occured in the prior year and they are going to pay it back, you will report 0 until they are back in the positives. If they will not pay it back then there is a manual rectification process with the ATO.
Upgrades and timeframe
Q: Will i need to contact synergetic for software upgrade?
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A: Synergetic will be responsible for the development of the transmission and for ensuring it complies with the gateway provider and ATO requirements; clients will need to ensure that the communication can get to the appropriate external destination eg configuring firewalls if required. More details on the client system requirements will be shared as part of the final release documentation.
Q: We have invested in a Synergetic Pre-Prod (test) system to help us with our change management. Is there an equivalent test environment provided by the ATO?
A: The ATO has a test system for developers to test and confirm STP communications, however it is not open to employers as they only allow specific test scenarios to be used, with specific data. At this stage there's no method for employers/your test system to do test communications with your own data.