Company directors will be personally liable for super guarantee contributions (SGC) that do not reach the member's nominated super fund on time, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced.
The ATO said companies had until 28 November to ensure super guarantee obligations were up-to-date for the June quarter - or directors could risk having to front the charge themselves.
Tax commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo said the move was designed to ensnare employers who were trying to avoid their superannuation obligations.
"These new laws protect people's retirement incomes from employers who deliberately try to avoid their superannuation obligations.
"If you are a director whose company has not paid the super guarantee for the June quarter and your company does not lodge the overdue with the ATO by 28 November, the only way to avoid your personal liability will be to pay the outstanding SGC," he said.
D'Ascenzo advised employers experiencing difficulty in meeting their obligations to contact the tax office.
Super funds have extended their winning streak, with balanced options rising 1.3 per cent in October amid broad market optimism.
Introducing a cooling off period in the process of switching super funds or moving money out of the sector could mitigate the potential loss to fraudulent behaviour, the outgoing ASIC Chair said.
Widespread member disengagement is having a detrimental impact on retirement confidence, AMP research has found.
Economists have warned inflation risks remain elevated even as the RBA signals policy is sitting near neutral after its latest hold.