Salary and Superannuation after the death of an employee

Although hopefully a very uncommon occurrence, there will be questions for the pay office of most employers after the death of an employee.

What are the PAYG and superannuation obligations?

Accrued salary and accrued leave is payable in the normal way, but would be typically paid to the executor.

A recent interpretation by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) indicates that superannuation obligations must be met.  Failure to do so will result in a superannuation guarantee shortfall.  

The ATO view is that superannuation must be paid in the normal way because the salary has been paid to a “former” employee.

Minimum superannuation obligations apply to current and former employees.  Hence, ATO conclude that payment to the legal personal representative (i.e. executor) of the former employee, triggers a normal superannuation obligation.