As an employer, it is important for you to know the necessary benefits that your employees are getting. Paying staff is more than just giving them an hourly rate for the hours they work.

Here are some considerations and obligations that you have as an employer:

• Paying staff on a regular schedule.
• Report every pay run to the ATO with Single Touch Payroll (STP) using appropriate software.
• Pay superannuation on time (at least every quarter).
• Register and pay for Workers Compensation insurance.
• Ensure you understand and pay workers according to the minimum conditions in the award relevant to your industry.
• Pay PAYG Withholding tax (wages tax)
• Report end of Year figures to the ATO by mid-July each year.
• Keep timesheets and pay records for 7 years.
• Keep good records of leave and allowances.

When starting to employ staff, it's a good idea to create a "welcome pack" of documents that help them understand what it is like working with you, which include forms for them so you can collect important information like Tax File Numbers, DOB, address and contact details for emergencies.

Systems and Procedures, and "how we do business" are also helpful, but you may not have this for your first employee.

Note that if your payroll exceeds the state limits, you may be required to pay State Payroll Taxes.