Overview of the STP process

What should you do, if you encounter validation issues at Step 4?

The STP Portal validates the STP file generated by the Payroll Software against the ATO’s STP rules and highlights any issues to the user:

• If an Error validation is encountered, you will need to correct the issue in your Payroll Software and a new STP file created and uploaded.
• If a Warning validation is encountered, you may decide whether to correct. For clarity, you are permitted to submit a file with warnings.

How long will it take for the ATO to complete Steps 6?

• The ATO should send a Confirmation Receipt within around 5 minutes, although the duration can be longer if the ATO system is unavailable due to planned / unplanned outage.

How long will it take for the ATO to complete Steps 7?

• The ATO should fully process your submission and send the outcome within24 hours, although the duration can be up-to 72 hours particular for large Employer submissions and during periods when the ATO is processing high-volumes (i.e. end of financial year).

What outcomes will be presented in the Portal at Step 8, and what should you do?

• As the STP Portal completes validation before submission to the ATO at Step 4, the vast majority of the ATO responses will be a Success Submission, in which case no further action is required.
• In a small number of scenarios the ATO may return either an Error or Warning message, in which case you should review the ATO message and take the relevant corrective action in your Payroll Software.