Australian Super Letter of Compliance: How to Get One

Few things feel as bureaucratic as choosing a super fund — especially when an employer asks for a “letter of compliance,” a one-page PDF from AustralianSuper that confirms the fund is a complying fund under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993, and the key to directing your super contributions to the right place. Read on to learn exactly how to get the letter, what it contains, and why both employees and employers need to understand it.

Purpose of letter: confirms AustralianSuper is a complying super fund · Typical file format: PDF, approximately 135 KB · Common requestor: employer for super guarantee choice · Availability: free download from AustralianSuper website

Four key details that define the document:

The implication: this one PDF holds all the data an employer needs to verify that AustralianSuper can legally receive super guarantee contributions.

How do I get a superannuation compliance letter?

Getting the letter is a four‑step process. Each step is designed so that any employee can complete it within five minutes.

1. Step 1: Identify your super fund
   • If you already have an AustralianSuper account, locate your membership number. It’s on your statement, in the app, or by calling 1300 300 273.
   • If you are choosing a new fund, confirm that AustralianSuper accepts employer contributions – the letter itself confirms this.
2. Step 2: Visit the fund’s website
   • Go to australiansuper.com/forms-fact-sheets (the official forms page).
   • No login is required; the letter is in the public area.
3. Step 3: Locate the forms or compliance section
   • Look for “Choice of super fund” or “Letter of compliance” under the “Superannuation” forms category.
   • The PDF is titled “Letter of compliance” and is approximately 135 KB.
4. Step 4: Download or request the letter
   • Click the PDF link – it opens instantly.
   • If you need a physical copy or have trouble downloading, call 1300 300 273 to request one by mail (processing time is not stated but typically immediate).

The trade-off: instant download is free and fast, but if you don’t have your membership number ready you’ll need to call the fund first.

What is a compliance letter from AustralianSuper?

Understanding the document’s role helps both employees and employers avoid mistakes with super guarantee payments.

Purpose of the letter

• It formally verifies that AustralianSuper is a complying superannuation fund under Australian law.
• Employers use it to satisfy choice‑of‑fund requirements when an employee nominates AustralianSuper.

Legal status of a complying super fund

• Complying funds meet the standards of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993, which means they receive concessional tax treatment and can accept employer contributions.
• The letter itself is not a legal contract but a factual statement of compliance status.

Contents of the document

• Fund name: AustralianSuper
• ABN: 65 714 394 898
• USI: ST05194AB
• Phone: 1300 300 273
• A blank space for the employee’s name, membership number, and date (User‑ uploaded document on Scribd (third‑party)).

Why this matters: Without this letter, an employer cannot confirm that AustralianSuper is a valid fund to receive super payments, which may delay contributions or default the employee to the employer’s nominated fund.

Why do I need a letter of compliance?

The letter sits at the centre of Australia’s superannuation choice framework. Both sides – employer and employee – have clear obligations.

Employer obligations under super guarantee

• Employers must provide a Superannuation Standard Choice form to new employees within 28 days of their start date.
• The employee can then choose a fund and must provide a letter of compliance from that fund.

Employee choice of fund

• If the employee does not submit a choice form, the employer checks the ATO for a “stapled” super fund (the employee’s existing fund).
• Without a compliance letter, the employer may default the employee to the employer’s nominated fund.

Avoiding additional superannuation charges

• Employers who fail to pay super into the correct fund risk the Superannuation Guarantee Charge – a penalty that includes interest and administration fees.
• The letter helps ensure contributions are directed to the fund the employee actually wants.

“This letter confirms AustralianSuper is a complying super fund.”

– AustralianSuper official PDF description

“Step 1: Identify your super fund.”

– Workday AU HR guide

For Australian employees, the path is simple: download the letter, fill in your membership number, and hand it to your employer. The consequence of skipping this step is that your super may end up in a fund you didn’t choose – one that might charge higher fees or offer poorer insurance. For employers, the obligation is clear: provide the choice form within 28 days or risk the Superannuation Guarantee Charge. The choice is straightforward – take five minutes to get the letter, or accept the default.

Frequently asked questions