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ATO Approved vs ATO-Registered Payroll Software (STP Guide)

Myth vs Reality graphic showing that the ATO does not endorse payroll software and that products are only registered and listed on the ATO Product Register.

Key Point (ATO Guidance)

 

According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), payroll software products are not approved, certified, or endorsed by the ATO.

Payroll systems that meet the required standards are listed on the ATO Product Register and authorised to lodge Single Touch Payroll (STP) reports.

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Many employers search for:
 

  • ATO approved payroll software
     

  • ATO authorised payroll software
     

  • ATO certified payroll software
     

  • ATO endorsed payroll software

 

These terms all relate to payroll systems that can report to the ATO — but they do not all mean the same thing.

What does “ATO‑approved payroll software” really mean? 

ATO Approved Payroll Software Terminology Explained

ATO Approved Payroll Software

 

There is no such thing as ATO approved payroll software.

According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), payroll software is not approved, certified, or endorsed by the ATO. Instead, payroll systems that meet the required standards are listed on the ATO Product Register and authorised to lodge Single Touch Payroll (STP) reports.

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Employers often use this phrase when searching for payroll systems that can lodge STP reports, but the correct concept is ATO-registered payroll software.

ATO Approved vs ATO Registered Payroll Software

 

Many employers search for ATO approved payroll software, but the Australian Taxation Office does not approve payroll products.

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Instead:
 

  • Payroll providers integrate with ATO systems
     

  • Software must meet STP reporting requirements
     

  • Approved systems are listed (not approved)
     

For this reason, the correct term is:
 

👉 ATO-registered payroll software

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What is ATO-registered payroll software?

ATO-registered payroll software is payroll software listed on the ATO Product Register that can lodge Single Touch Payroll (STP) reports to the Australian Taxation Office.

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What Is the ATO Payroll Software List?

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The official ATO payroll software list is the ATO Product Register.

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It contains payroll systems that:
 

  • support STP reporting
     

  • meet ATO integration requirements
     

  • can securely lodge payroll data

Verify any STP vendor in 60 seconds

 

You can check if payroll software is registered by following these steps:

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Step 1 — Open the official ATO Product Register

 

Go to the ATO Product Register (it lists commercially available software that meets the ATO’s security requirements and is authorised to use ATO digital services). 

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Step 2 — Filter for Payroll (STP)

 

Use the table filters to limit Functionality to “Payroll (STP)”. (The register supports column filters and sorting.)

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Step 3 — Search the Product name

 

Type the vendor or product (e.g., e‑PayDay) in the product column filter to jump straight to the entry.

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Step 4 — Expand the row

 

Click the + to view the product’s description and authorised services. Look for Payroll (STP) and—if you use cloud—note whether a Cloud software ID is available for ATO authorisation.

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This ensures the product meets the government’s operational security framework and is authorised to lodge STP data

How to check payroll software on ATO Product Register STP verification steps.

What Is Single Touch Payroll (STP)?

 

Single Touch Payroll (STP) is the Australian Government’s payroll reporting system.

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Employers must report payroll data to the ATO each time employees are paid.

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This includes:
 

  • Wages and Salaries (Remuneration)
     

  • PAYG Withholding
     

  • Superannuation
     

  • Employment Details
     

Using Single Touch Payroll software ensures this information is submitted automatically to the ATO each pay run.

STP Phase 2 Reporting

 

STP Phase 2 expands payroll reporting requirements.

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It includes:
 

  • Income Types
     

  • Employment Classifications
     

  • Child Support Deductions
     

  • Detailed Tax Categories
     

Payroll software must support STP Phase 2 to remain compliant.

How Payroll Software Gets on the ATO Product Register

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Payroll providers must:
 

  1. Integrate with ATO systems
     

  2. Meet the ATO Operational Security Framework security requirements
     

  3. Pass ATO testing
     

  4. Maintain STP compatibility
     

Once complete, the software is listed on the ATO Product Register after being whitelisted to use ATO digital services.

ATO Guidance on Payroll Software Claims

 

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides clear guidance on how payroll software providers should describe their products in relation to STP reporting and the ATO Product Register.
 

Avoid misleading claims


Payroll software providers should not claim that their product is:
 

  • ATO approved payroll software
     

  • ATO accredited payroll software
     

  • ATO endorsed payroll software
     

The ATO does not approve, certify, or endorse payroll software products. Software is instead listed on the ATO Product Register once it meets the required integration and reporting standards.
 

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Do not misuse government branding


Payroll software providers must not use:
 

  • the Australian Government logo
     

  • the Commonwealth Coat of Arms
     

  • other government insignia


unless permitted under official guidelines.


This helps ensure that employers are not misled into believing that a product has official government endorsement.

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Refrain from overstating benefits

 

Being listed on the ATO Product Register does not:
 

  • provide a competitive advantage
     

  • guarantee performance
     

  • indicate product quality

 

It simply confirms that the software can submit Single Touch Payroll (STP) reports to the ATO.

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Avoid misrepresentation of the ATO’s role

 

Payroll software providers must not imply that the ATO:
 

  • developed the product
     

  • endorses its functionality
     

  • guarantees its performance

 

The ATO’s role is limited to enabling STP reporting through its systems.​​

Example of ATO-Registered Payroll Software

 

Payroll systems listed on the ATO Product Register can lodge STP reports directly.

 

For example, e-PayDay FREEPAY® payroll software supports:

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  • STP Phase 2 reporting
     

  • PAYG calculations
     

  • digital payslips
     

  • payroll record keeping
     

e‑PayDay FREEPAY® and e-PayDay Go® are ATO‑registered and whitelisted for STP Phase 2 reporting, and you can verify this directly on the ATO Product Register.

Why ATO-Registered Payroll Software Matters

 

Using compliant payroll software helps:
 

  • meet ATO reporting obligations
     

  • reduce errors
     

  • automate STP submissions
     

  • maintain accurate payroll records

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Small businesses may also compare free payroll software for small businesses when choosing an STP-enabled payroll solution.

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Digital Service Providers (DSPs) must comply with the ATO's usage conditions when promoting their products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Is there ATO approved payroll software?

 

No. The ATO does not approve payroll software. Systems are listed on the ATO Product Register if they support STP reporting.

 

 

What is ATO registered payroll software?

 

ATO-registered payroll software is software authorised to submit STP reports and listed on the ATO Product Register.

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Does the ATO certify payroll software?

 

No. The ATO does not certify payroll systems.

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What is the ATO payroll software list?

 

The ATO payroll software list is the ATO Product Register.

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Do employers need STP software?

 

Yes. Most employers must use STP-enabled payroll software to report payroll to the ATO.

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