Providing an incorrect ESA is one of the top 5 mistakes of the SMSF returns.
If a self-managed superannuation fund is to receive contributions from external employers (i.e. those other than related party employers) it needs to be able to receive SuperStream data electronically.
Superstream is the national data standard through which superannuation contributions need to be paid into superannuation by all employers.
SMSFs are not exempt from this data standard, which was introduced in 2015 as part of a series of reforms to standardise the delivery of money and data.
Any fund receiving contributions via SuperStream needs an electronic service address or an ESA. An ESA is a series of alphanumeric characters with a combination of upper and lower case characters and is case sensitive.
If your SMSF doesn’t use a professional service provider you’ll need to register directly with an SMSF messaging provider.
Your SMSF messaging provider will:
give you an active electronic service address (alias), which you pass on to your employer
receive contributions messages your employer sends to your SMSF using the SuperStream standard
transfer the employer contributions messages to you
ensure you meet all technical requirements for interacting electronically across the super network without having to develop and certify an individual solution.
An Electronic Service Address, or ESA, functions as a mailbox for messages for your SuperStream. This generally takes the form of a URL or IP address, like the address used to access a website or computer. An email address is not a valid ESA.
Your SMSF message (ESA)provider will:
give you an active electronic service address (alias), which you pass on to your employer
receive contributions messages your employer sends to your SMSF using the SuperStream standard
transfer the employer contributions messages to you
ensure you meet all technical requirements for interacting electronically across the super network without having to develop and certify an individual solution.
This register lists self-managed super fund (SMSF) messaging service providers who can provide your SMSF with an electronic service address (alias).
If your SMSF’s electronic service address is not active, your super contributions may not reach your SMSF. They might be redirected to your employer’s default fund. Your employer may ask you to complete a superannuation standard choice form.