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STP Phase 2 FAQs

When do I need to start reporting through STP Phase 2?

The 1st of January 2022. This is mandated in the ATP's new STP Phase 2 legislative instrument. Find out more on the ABSIA website.

What process do you suggest I take?

Firstly, read over the FAQs on this page. Then:

  1. Make the changes needed to your software
    You can find the changes required in the message implementation guide (MIG) and the business implementation guide (BIG)(see the link below).
  2. Get whitelisted for PAYEVNT.0004 and start testing against the External Vendor Testing Environment (EVTE)
    If you haven't already, add PAYEVNT.0004 as a new service for your existing product through DSP online. Make sure you use your test ProductID (not your production ProductID). Contact us if you need to confirm your MessageXchange testing details, such as endpoint and credentials.
  3. Request entry to Extended Conformance Testing (ECT) by submitting a ticket to the Digital Partnership Office (DPO)
    Once approved, you'll be provided with test cases to execute in the next step.
  4. Undertake ECT
    Ensure you successfully complete the test cases the ATO has provided you.
  5. Wait for ECT results to be reviewed
    The ATO will review them and let you know, via the ticket you raised in step 3, when it's been completed.
  6. Be notified of production whitelisting
    The DPO will confirm successful testing and let you know when your product has been whitelisted for production.

When will STP Phase 2 be ready for testing?

We're planning to have the MessageXchange beta environment and Colladium demo environment ready for customers to begin testing in the first half of February 2021.

Can I use the credentials I used for testing STP Phase 1?

Yes. If you're unsure what these are, please contact our support team.

What changes do I need to make for STP Phase 2?
Some fields will need updating to support new values. These can be found in the XML messaging implementation guide (MIG), the CSV MIG and the Business Implementation Guide (BIG).

  • If you submit the XML through API: Change the <action> within the <metadata> to reference "Submit.004.00" or "Update.004.00"
  • If you submit the XML through sFTP: If you're providing us with <metadata> in the STP XML, please change it to reference "Submit.004.00" or "Update.004.00"
  • If you submit the CSV through API: Change the <action> within the <metadata> to reference "Submit.004.00" or "Update.004.00", and change the "PayloadName" to "2020_STP_CSV"
  • If you submit the CSV through sFTP: Please add the prefix "2018_" or "2020_" to your filenames so we can differentiate the 2018 (Phase 1) version from the 2020 (Phase 2) version.

Can I start submitting STP Phase 2 files in production now?

You must have your Production ProductID whitelisted by the ATO before you can start reporting through STP Phase 2.

When will STP Phase 2 be mandatory?

The Commissioner of Taxation released a Legislative Instrument on Single Touch Payroll STP Phase 2 for public consultation. This asked for input on voluntary reporting to start from the 1st of January 2021 and for mandated reporting to begin on the 1st of July 2021. The consultation period closed on the 14th of January 2021 and we have not yet heard a confirmed date when employers must begin reporting through STP Phase 2. The most up-to-date information can be found on The ATO's website: https://softwaredevelopers.ato.gov.au/STP.

What if I need to adjust submissions that were made under Phase 1, after Phase 2 has been mandated?

Once STP Phase 2 is mandated, you will need to report using the STP2 service. STP Phase 1 will still be available for making adjustments to data submitted before STP Phase 2. Have a look at the STP Phase 2 Business Implementation Guide (BIG) for more information and the FAQs on the DSP Developer Portal: https://developer.sbr.gov.au/collaborate/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=174194723.

Where can I find more information?

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