Answer
If you notice a Failed message in your STP (Single Touch Payroll) mailbox, don't worry'it almost never signals a real problem. The mailbox can show four different statuses:
- Transmission Successful
- Transmission Unsuccessful
- Sent / Awaiting Response
- Failed
The colour of the STP button shows the status even before you open the mailbox. The colour by itself isn't an issue'if Lightning Payroll thinks something needs attention it will display a pop up alert. If no pop ups appear, you're fine.
Transmission Unsuccessful
This is the only status that normally requires action. Lightning Payroll will keep alerting you on the Pays screen until it's resolved.
Failed
'Failed' does not mean your file failed to reach the ATO. It simply means Lightning Payroll hasn't yet collected the ATO's response (successful or unsuccessful). The desktop app checks for responses when you close the program, while the online and mobile versions check overnight.
To fetch a response straight away, open Pays >> Single Touch >> Single Touch Mailbox about a minute after sending. Responses stay available for only a few days, so check promptly. If a later entry shows Transmission Successful for the same pay run, you can safely assume the earlier Failed entry was also successful.
For extra peace of mind, log in to the ATO's Online Services for Business and go to Employees >> STP reporting to view your submission history.
