There is no need to stress! e-PayDay Go Award-centric payroll software ensures you effortlessly comply with the ATO Payday Super requirements and the Fair Work Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code.
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e-PayDay FREEPAY
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The Perpetual Free Cloud Payroll Tier for Australian Micro-Businesses
While many payroll providers offer limited free trials, e-PayDay FREEPAY® is genuinely free payroll software for up to 3 employees, with no subscription fees or trial expiry.
Built on decades of Australian payroll software development and trusted by thousands of Australian businesses using e-PayDay payroll software, FREEPAY® provides an established, compliance-focused solution for micro-businesses.
Designed specifically for employers with 3 or fewer employees, FREEPAY® combines STP Phase 2 reporting, Payday Super readiness, Fair Work Modern Award support, and built-in Time and Attendance timesheets in one cloud payroll platform.
Using Single Touch Payroll software allows employers to report payroll information directly to the ATO each pay run without ongoing subscription costs.
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100% Australian Owned and Developed: Built on Australian payroll software development dating back to 1986, e-PayDay is designed around Australian taxation, superannuation and Fair Work requirements. Thousands of businesses use e-PayDay payroll software to manage their payroll obligations.
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Real-Time Fair Work Modern Award Support: Access every Fair Work Modern Award and applicable classifications directly within the software. Award pay rate information is kept up to date, helping employers configure accurate wage calculations. Learn more about the Fair Work voluntary small business wage compliance code and its application to payroll.
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Built-in Time and Attendance with e-Time Timesheets: Record employee clock-in and clock-out times, working hours, pay rates and allowances directly in FREEPAY® using integrated e-Time™ timesheets. Once timesheets are reviewed and approved, automatically generate pay runs from approved employee timesheets, reducing manual calculations and supporting accurate Fair Work time and wage records.
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Automated Payroll Compliance Updates: Stay current with Australian payroll requirements, including Payday Super, STP Phase 2 reporting and updated PAYG withholding tax scales. e-PayDay maintains the software's compliance-related functionality to help employers meet their reporting and payment obligations.
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Suitable for Businesses Across Industries: Whether you operate in Retail, Hospitality, Trades or Professional Services, FREEPAY® provides configurable payroll functionality to accommodate different employee pay arrangements and business requirements.
Ready to Scale Your Business?
Start free, grow with confidence, and upgrade without migrating your payroll data.
As your business grows beyond 3 employees, e-PayDay FREEPAY® provides a seamless upgrade path to e-PayDay Go®, allowing you to retain your existing payroll information while accessing additional employee capacity and advanced functionality.
From a micro-business employing one person to a growing organisation with more complex payroll requirements, e-PayDay provides a scalable Australian cloud payroll platform backed by decades of payroll software experience.
Explore the e-PayDay Go® cloud payroll software or view our Single Touch Payroll plans to find the right solution as your business grows.
Learn how to choose the best payroll software for small business in Australia and why compliance, time and attendance functionality, and scalability matter.
ATO Small Business Super Clearing House Alternative
The ATO has confirmed the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will close permanently on 1 July 2026. Don't wait for the deadline to scramble—discover why e-PayDay FREEPAY® is the top-rated free alternative and get your 2026 migration checklist today.
Payroll Software that Integrates with Government Services
e-PayDay FREEPAY® is designed for small businesses by integrating directly with government systems to streamline your compliance obligations in real time. We provide seamless access to essential services from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Fair Work Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and Services Australia. By automating these connections, we help you maintain accuracy and meet your regulatory requirements with ease. This is powered by ATO-registered payroll software, ensuring full compliance.
Easy Payroll Software with Comprehensive Features
Powerful functionality designed to make your pay day easier. Our platform is built as dedicated Single Touch Payroll software, not an add-on.
Maintain Employees
Easily manage personal and employment information for Weekly, Fortnightly, and Monthly employees. Additionally, pay Full-Time, Part-Time, Casual, Closely Held and Salaried employees. Pay based on their location or department with ease.
Easily Track Leave
Automatically tracks and accrues your Sick, Annual Leave, Long Service Leave, PFDVL, RDOs, and TOIL. You can choose from various accrual methods that suit your needs. In addition, we provide detailed reporting features to help you stay on top of leave management.
Fair Work Awards
All of the 122 Modern Awards and Employment Agreements can be easily accessed to suit your exact requirements. Includes comprehensive management of Fair Work Awards and Agreements helping you to easily remain compliant.
Payday Super
Managing your Superannuation Funds and payments has never been easier. With the Payday Super feature, you can easily transfer payments electronically. Everything you need for your Super management is located in one convenient place.
Powerful Pay Runs
We offer flexible options for pay runs, allowing you to choose from weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or any other period that suits your needs. Our electronic transfer system to any ABA member financial institution makes payments seamless and hassle-free.
Flexible Payee and Employment Management
Effortlessly manage your workforce regardless of how their income is taxed. e-PayDay FREEPAY® utilises the Payee Master File and intelligent automation to handle diverse STP employment classifications, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and full STP Phase 2 compliance across your entire team.
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Diverse Employment Types: Built-in support for Regular employees, Closely Held Payees (CHP), Seniors and Pensioners (SAPTO), Working Holiday Makers (WHM), Foreign Residents, and Seasonal Workers.
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Specialised Industry Support: Includes dedicated handling for Horticulturists, Shearers, and ATO-defined Death Beneficiaries, with future support in our paid plans for Voluntary Agreements (Contractors).
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Flexible Employment Basis: Seamlessly manage Full-Time, Part-Time, and Casual staff within a single, streamlined interface.
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Automated Compliance: Intelligent tax treatment selection based on payee status ensures your business stays compliant with ATO requirements at all times.
Closely Held Payees (CHP) and Director Reporting
Pay your family members and business associates with confidence while meeting all Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements. e-PayDay FREEPAY® simplifies reporting for individuals with a direct relationship to the payer, ensuring your family business or corporate structure remains fully compliant.
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Broad Payee Support: Easily manage and report family members, company directors, shareholders, and trust beneficiaries.
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Flexible Reporting Options: Meet your obligations with support for various reporting frequencies, allowing you to report for any required period, including Quarterly and Yearly.
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Family Business Ready: Designed specifically to handle the nuances of "Closely Held" arrangements within the STP Phase 2 framework.
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Seamless ATO Integration: Direct reporting from the Payee Master File ensures that director fees and family wages are accurately recorded and declared.
From Time and Attendance to Automated Payroll Processing
Simplify time and attendance management and automate payroll processing with e-PayDay FREEPAY®. Record employee working hours using built-in e-Time timesheets, apply configured pay rates and allowances, and automatically generate accurate pay runs once timesheets have been approved. Reduce manual data entry, minimise payroll calculation errors, and maintain reliable employee time and wage records to support Fair Work compliance.
Shift Profiles for Automated Pay Runs
Streamline payroll processing with configurable shift profiles that apply predefined pay rates and allowances to employee working hours. Define and assign shift profiles to suit your business requirements, helping to automate wage calculations, reduce repetitive data entry, and improve payroll accuracy.
e-Time™ Timesheets for Automated Payroll Processing
Simplify time and attendance recording with e-PayDay FREEPAY®'s built-in e-Time™ timesheets. Easily enter employee clock-in and clock-out times, record working hours, and assign the appropriate pay rates and allowances directly within the payroll software.
Once employee timesheets have been reviewed and approved, automatically generate accurate pay runs from the approved timesheets, eliminating the need to re-enter working hours or manually calculate wages.
This integrated timesheet-to-payroll workflow reduces administrative work, minimises payroll calculation errors, and helps businesses maintain accurate employee time and wage records to support Fair Work compliance obligations.
By integrating time and attendance records with payroll, businesses can reduce administrative work, streamline pay run preparation, and maintain accurate employee working-hour and wage records to support their Australian payroll and Fair Work obligations.
Automated ATO Tax Calculations
Utilise official Australian Taxation Office (ATO) formulas to perform payroll calculations automatically. By factoring in specific tax treatments and pay types, e-PayDay FREEPAY® ensures streamlined, accurate PAYG tax calculations that save time and eliminate manual errors.
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Diverse Tax Treatments: Supports Regular, Seniors and Pensioners (SAPTO), Working Holiday Makers, and Foreign Residents.
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Total Control: Manually adjust PAYG tax, Qualifying Earnings (QE/SG), and RESC calculations whenever required.
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X-Ray View: Gain detailed insights into exactly how different components are calculated for total transparency and audit purposes.
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Automatic Compliance: ATO Tax Tables are updated automatically, ensuring you always stay aligned with current legislation.
Fair Work-Compliant Pay Slip Generator
e-PayDay FREEPAY® includes a powerful, integrated pay slip generator. Effortlessly create professional, Fair Work legally compliant pay advice using built-in templates designed specifically for the Australian regulatory environment.
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Free & Professional: Includes multiple professional templates provided at no additional cost.
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Automated Workflow: Payslips are generated automatically as part of your standard payroll process.
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Fair Work Compliance: Access templates that meet all Fair Work Ombudsman requirements to protect your business.
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Secure Distribution: Email payslips directly as secure PDFs or provide access via the ClockMeIn® Employee Self Service (ESS) mobile app.
Simplified Single Touch Payroll (STP) Reporting
Say goodbye to complex reporting processes. e-PayDay FREEPAY® provides an intuitive Single Touch Payroll feature that allows you to effortlessly manage your submissions and stay compliant with the latest ATO regulations at no extra cost.
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ATO Registered Solution: Report with confidence using a software product fully compliant with the latest Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2 standards.
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Flexible Event Reporting: Maintain total control over your data by lodging Submit, Update and Final events whenever required to ensure records remain accurate.
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EOFY Made Easy: Streamline your End of Financial Year finalisation declarations, making it simple to get your employees' income statements "Tax Ready."
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Zero Cost Compliance: Gain full access to these essential STP reporting features as a standard, built-in part of the e-PayDay FREEPAY® experience.
Superannuation Guarantee (SG) Reporting and Payday Super Compliance
Streamline your superannuation obligations with a fast, accurate, and fully compliant reporting experience. e-PayDay FREEPAY® removes the complexity of managing Super Guarantee (SG) and Payday Super requirements with our Single Touch ePayDay Super® built-in functionality, ensuring your employees' retirement savings are handled with precision.
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Integrated Clearing House Support: We have partnered with SuperChoice, Australia’s premier clearing house service, to provide instant reporting and payments at no extra cost.
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Payday Super Ready: Stay ahead of government requirements with a system built to handle Payday Superannuation reporting automatically.
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The SBSCH Alternative: Eliminate reliance on the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) ahead of its closure on 1 July 2026.
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Flexible File Export: Easily create a SuperStream Alternative File Format (SAFF) or a Banking File (.aba) for efficient processing with other Clearing House Solutions.
Using Single Touch Payroll software helps ensure this information is automatically submitted to the ATO every pay period, with ATO-registered payroll software meeting full STP reporting compliance.
Our Proven STP Credentials:
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First payroll provider approved to lodge an STP report with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) (July 6, 2017)
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ATO registered and whitelisted since 2017
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Trusted by thousands of Australian businesses
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Recommended and used by hundreds of Accountants and Bookkeepers
Transparent, Fixed-Tier Pricing
Straightforward pricing for teams with more than three employees.
We offer simple monthly pricing for businesses with more than three employees and contractors. Our fixed-tier plans are easy to understand, providing the flexibility you need with no hidden extras. Whether you are scaling up or managing a steady team, our pricing remains predictable and transparent.
Compare options in our low-cost payroll software Australia guide to see how our payroll solutions stack up.
Or explore the cheapest payroll software options for small businesses.
No Activation Fees
No Monthly Service Fee
No Cost Per Pay Period
No Minimum Term
All fees and charges are included in your Monthly Subscription.
Real stories. Zero incentives.
We don’t pay for testimonials or third-party reviews, so you can trust that every comment is genuine and unbiased. Discover what our customers really think, unfiltered and unbought.
Begin today with 3 easy steps and complete your first pay run and STP report in just 15 minutes.
Experience a seamless start with our comprehensive 30-day onboarding assistance, available from the moment you submit your initial support request. We're here to ensure your success every step of the way!
Still comparing options? See the best payroll software for small business in Australia.
Or explore our low-cost payroll software options.
Step 1
Fill out a simple form to sign up to begin your payroll journey, and keep your credit or debit card in your wallet.
Step 2
You will receive an email when your account is activated after verification, then you can sign in and start immediately.
Step 3
3 simple steps to begin, then add your employees, and you're ready to process your first pay run in just 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is e-PayDay FREEPAY® fully functional?
Yes, e-PayDay FREEPAY® is only limited by the number of employees you can enter (or terminate) before having to move to a paid plan.
Do you offer a free pay slip generator?
With our free pay slip generator, pay slips can be emailed or accessed from the free employee self service mobile app. You can also download a Pay Slip PDF template.
What is the difference between e-PayDay FREEPAY® and e-PayDay Go®?
There is very little difference between e-PayDay FREEPAY® and e-PayDay Go®. Both products share the same foundation and unified codebase. e-PayDay FREEPAY® is available to micro or small businesses looking to start with a free or low-cost Single Touch Payroll product.
The first three employees won't cost you anything, 100% free, including Single Touch Payroll (Phase 2) and Payday Super reporting!
When you want to add more employees, it's as simple as choosing the plan that best suits your needs. We have always provided tiered plans, allowing you to stay in total control of your payroll costs and making management easy.
Since 1987, we have continued to build comprehensive payroll solutions and do not want to provide you with a product that offers minimal features and functionality. After all, a standard is required to meet compliance requirements set by Fair Work and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). If specific functionality is missing, you must continually request features because you cannot meet your legal obligations.
What is the difference between e-PayDay FREEPAY® and e-PayDay Go®?
There isn't one! The first three (3) employees are always 100% free. You can use e-PayDay FREEPAY® and pay nothing, zero, zilch, nada, nix, naught.
We believe every employer should have access to comprehensive cloud Single Touch Payroll software, so we made it free to pay your first three (3) employees.
Customers who have chosen a paid Subscription Plan cannot downgrade to the FREEPAY Plan.
e-PayDay FREEPAY® allows a limited number of employee terminations. When you choose a paid plan, the number of terminated employees is unlimited. Since 1987, we have supported Australian Small Businesses by providing Australia's free payroll software; it's in our DNA. Helping you grow your Business helps us grow ours!
Is e-PayDay FREEPAY® complicated to set up?
While the process may feel overwhelming or daunting to some, many users find it easy to set up e-PayDay FREEPAY®, but others may require some assistance. Payroll involves complex requirements, so it's essential that we meet the standards set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the 122 Fair Work Modern Awards. We also provide the ability to set up Agreements.
We have real people available to help you set up. In many cases, this process takes less than ten minutes. The time required depends entirely on the complexity of your business needs and the applicable Fair Work Awards.
If your needs are straightforward, once we help you with your setup, you'll discover that e-PayDay FREEPAY® is user-friendly, as your payroll processes will become repetitive and easy.
Is support provided?
Yes! e-PayDay FREEPAY® includes 30 days of complimentary setup assistance and support. Rest assured, all our paid plans include ongoing support, and you can always count on speaking with a real person by phone.
When does my 30-day free support start?
Your 30-day free support starts from when you submit your first support request. You can request support directly within e-PayDay FREEPAY®.
What happens when my free support period ends?
Once the 30-day free support period ends, you can submit a Sales or Administration inquiry directly through e-PayDay FREEPAY in the Profile Menu. A team member will respond to your ticket.
If you need ongoing assistance with payroll procedures, you will need to choose a paid plan.
Does e-PayDay FREEPAY® include Payday Super?
The announcement of Payday Super by Treasury (18/09/2024) revealed that the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will be discontinued on 30 June 2026.
e-PayDay FREEPAY® supports Payday Super, including the Single Touch Payroll reporting of both the QE (OTE) and SG amounts. These amounts have been STP reported by e-PayDay payroll products since 2017.
You can effortlessly pay your SG with e-PayDay FREEPAY® while processing your pay run. It's a seamless and convenient solution!
What happens after the first 12 months of using e-PayDay FREEPAY®?
e-PayDay FREEPAY® has been free since it's release and will continue to be provided at no cost.
Do I have to pay for terminated employees?
No, terminated employees are excluded from the total employee count when using a subscription plan. Paid plans allow for an unlimited number of terminated employees.
e-PayDay Go FREEPAY® allows up to three (3) employee terminations.
What does it cost to email Pay Slips?
Emailing Pay Slips is provided at no additional cost.
Do I have to pay for Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 reporting and Payday Super processing?
Your subscription includes Single Touch Payroll and Payday Super reporting to the Australian Taxation Office, and the number of reports you can send to the ATO is unlimited.
Is it possible to change my plan when the number of my employees varies?
You have the flexibility to adjust your plans whenever your needs change. All you need to do is choose the plan you want to switch to and select Change. It's a simple process that can be done at any time.
Can I go back to e-PayDay FREEPAY® if I choose a paid plan and my needs change?
There is no automated way to downgrade from a paid plan to e-PayDay FREEPAY. Submit a Sales or Administration Enquiry and a team member will contact you to discuss your particular situation.
If I have multiple ABNs, do I need a separate plan for each one?
To access multiple ABN/Branches, you need a separate plan for each one. However, you can use the same email address for all of them, and we offer a discount for additional subscriptions.
Can I use e-PayDay FREEPAY on any device, including Apple Mac and iPad?
e-PayDay FREEPAY® is compatible with any device that has an internet browser, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Can I use e-PayDay FREEPAY on my Mobile Phone?
e-PayDay FREEPAY® is compatible with any device that has an internet browser, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Can I pay my subscription yearly?
We only offer yearly subscriptions in limited situations, which require payment by Invoice. If you decide to cancel, you will not receive a refund for the unused portion. Opting to pay monthly allows you to switch between plans at any time during your subscription period.
To discuss a yearly subscription, please contact our Sales and Administration team.
Can I pause my subscription?
You can select an Archive plan for a nominal monthly cost. You have full access to your data, with the only restriction being the ability to process pay runs. An Archive plan also allows you to comply with the Fair Work Act 2009 record-keeping obligations when you're not using your regular plan.
Your Payroll Security is Our Priority
We believe your payroll data belongs in your hands—not someone else's. e-PayDay FREEPAY® Single Touch Payroll software is designed to address the unique concerns of cloud-based information by implementing stringent industry best practices to ensure the security and integrity of your records.
e-PayDay Pty Ltd is dedicated to mitigating risks through proactive security measures and continuous system monitoring within the e-PayDay FREEPAY® platform. However, effective protection is a shared responsibility. While we provide a secure infrastructure, your active participation in safeguarding your account is a vital part of keeping your payroll data protected.
ATO Operational Security Framework (OSF)
e-PayDay Go fulfils the requirements of the Australian Taxation Office Digital Service Provider (DSP) Operational Security Framework (OSF).
Your Privacy: We Do Not Sell Your Data
We are unwaveringly committed to protecting your privacy. e-PayDay Pty Ltd does not sell your personal information to third parties.
To provide the services within e-PayDay FREEPAY®, your data is only shared when necessary to fulfil legislative obligations—such as reporting to government agencies—or to meet essential commercial requirements, like STP lodgements and Superannuation processing. We ensure all data sharing strictly complies with the Australian Privacy Principles and relevant regulations.
We're proud to share that e-PayDay Go® is an independently audited and certified ISO 27001:2022 secure, cutting-edge Web Application boasting the latest Microsoft Azure, ASP.NET Core, and C# technology stack. For those with a technical inclination, rest assured that our platform has your needs covered now and in the future!
Payroll News and Compliance Insights
Discover how e-PayDay FREEPAY® streamlines complex Australian regulations. From Award updates to legislative changes, we provide the news you need to ensure your payroll remains 100% compliant and free with the help of e-PayDay Pty Ltd.
New to payroll? Start with:
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