My wife and I regularly watch Channel 7's Sunrise program as we eat breakfast.  A recent issue they have been covering (placed on the ROSwall for those that follow the show) is the non-payment of superannuation entitlements by employers.  News reports have suggested that the amount was $352.9 million dollars in the 2005-06 financial year.

If you are concerned that you may not be receiving your entitled contributions you should follow these quick steps:

• Confirm what your entitlements are:
• On what exact salary components is your employer required to make the 9% superannuation guarantee payments
• Does it include overtime payments, allowances, salary sacrifice and the like?
• Check your pay slips to see if the contributions have been recorded correctly.
• If you have access to your account online, check that the payments have been received by your superannuation fund.
• If you don't have that access, check your statements from your superannuation fund to see that the correct contributions have been made.
• If you think something is not quite right double check with the payroll department / manager / owner.
• If you still have concerns call the Australian Tax Office - Superannuation Enquiries - phone service on 13 10 20

The Australian tax Office hold the responsibility for chasing up non-payment of superannuation entitlements by employers.

I hope that this does not involve any readers of our blog.  However, even if you think everything is above board it is worth checking - every extra dollar contributed now will lead to a more comfortable experience in retirement.

Regards,

Scott Keefer