Answer
Time in Lieu (TIL) and Superannuation Rules
Time in Lieu (TIL) has special treatment under the ATO's STP Phase 2 reporting requirements. These rules affect how superannuation is calculated and reported in Lightning Payroll.
What makes TIL different?
Unlike other custom leave types (such as RDOs), TIL has specific reporting rules. In Lightning Payroll, any custom leave type that is marked as "Time In Lieu?" will follow these rules regardless of other settings.
When is TIL considered OTE?
- TIL Taken: If TIL is taken as leave (not cashed out), it is treated as Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE), and superannuation is always
- TIL Cashed Out: If TIL is cashed out during employment, it is treated as Overtime, and super is not payable.
What happens to the "Treat as overtime?" setting?
If a leave type is marked as "Time In Lieu?", the "Treat as overtime?" checkbox is ignored. This is because the treatment of TIL for superannuation and STP reporting purposes is already determined by ATO rules:
- The cashing out of TIL is always treated as Overtime for STP reporting.
- TIL taken as leave is always treated as Other Paid Leave and included in OTE, regardless of the "Treat as overtime?" setting.
What should I do when paying out TIL?
If an employee is being paid out their TIL balance instead of taking it as leave, make sure to tick the "Cash Out?" option in the pay run. This ensures correct STP reporting and superannuation handling — super will not be paid on the cashed-out TIL.
Summary
- Only tick "Time In Lieu?" for true TOIL leave types.
- When "Time In Lieu?" is ticked, Lightning Payroll will automatically follow ATO rules and disregard the "Treat as overtime?" setting.
- Cashing out TIL = no super. Taking TIL = super owed.