Payroll software · Australia
Xero Payroll (AU)
Payroll built into Xero's Australian plans: STP Phase 2 reporting and super payments, with payroll for 2, 5 or 10 people by plan
Market position
Xero Payroll is built into Xero's Australian accounting plans rather than sold as a separate add-on: Grow includes payroll for 2 people, Comprehensive for 5 and Ultimate 10 for 10, with larger Ultimate tiers. Xero, headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, says 5 million customers use its software worldwide. Its Australian head office is in Melbourne, with offices in Brisbane and Sydney.
Australia-specific note
Xero says its payroll handles Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 reporting to the ATO each payday and calculates and pays super in each pay run for Payday Super, which started on 1 July 2026, at no extra cost. For award obligations it points users to a payroll specialist or the Fair Work Ombudsman rather than automating award rules.
Pros
- + Payroll included in the plan price, with no separate payroll subscription
- + STP Phase 2 reporting to the ATO each payday
- + Super calculated and paid from each pay run for Payday Super
- + Xero Me app for payslips, leave requests and timesheets
- + Payroll and accounting in the same system
Cons
- − Payroll headcount is capped by plan: 2 on Grow, 5 on Comprehensive, 10 on Ultimate 10
- − Extra charges may apply above the included number of people, and they are not listed on the pricing page
- − No award-interpretation feature described; Xero points users to the Fair Work Ombudsman
- − Payroll requires a Xero accounting plan
Typical Australia pricing
Prices in AUD including GST, per month: Grow $78 (payroll for 2 people), Comprehensive $107 (5 people), Ultimate 10 $143 (10 people). Larger Ultimate tiers are listed without prices on the pricing page. Xero says additional charges may apply above a plan's included number of people.
Why this matters for Australia trades
Trade licensing is run by the states: Building Commission NSW issues NSW building and trade licences, QBCC licenses Queensland builders, plumbers and drainers (electrical work is licensed separately by the Electrical Safety Office), Victoria’s Building and Plumbing Commission registers and licenses plumbers, Building and Energy registers WA builders and licenses electricians, plumbers and gas fitters, and CBS licenses South Australian building and PGE contractors. Automatic Mutual Recognition lets licence holders from participating states work in NSW and, depending on the occupation, in WA, usually after notifying; Queensland does not take part. Employers report pay and super to the ATO through STP-enabled payroll software each payday, and from 1 July 2026 must pay the 12% super guarantee when they pay wages.
Australian trades vendor selection is shaped by state-based licensing, Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting to the ATO, super guarantee payments (due with each pay run under Payday Super from 1 July 2026), GST registration once turnover reaches $75,000 (per business.gov.au), and local lead services such as hipages, Localsearch and Yellow Pages.
Frequently asked
Is Xero Payroll (AU) a good fit for Australia trades?
Xero Payroll is built into Xero's Australian accounting plans rather than sold as a separate add-on: Grow includes payroll for 2 people, Comprehensive for 5 and Ultimate 10 for 10, with larger Ultimate tiers. Xero, headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, says 5 million customers use its software worldwide. Its Australian head office is in Melbourne, with offices in Brisbane and Sydney. Xero says its payroll handles Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 reporting to the ATO each payday and calculates and pays super in each pay run for Payday Super, which started on 1 July 2026, at no extra cost. For award obligations it points users to a payroll specialist or the Fair Work Ombudsman rather than automating award rules.
What does Xero Payroll (AU) cost in Australia?
Prices in AUD including GST, per month: Grow $78 (payroll for 2 people), Comprehensive $107 (5 people), Ultimate 10 $143 (10 people). Larger Ultimate tiers are listed without prices on the pricing page. Xero says additional charges may apply above a plan's included number of people. Pricing and availability can change by region; confirm current Australia pricing on the vendor's site before committing.
Does Xero Payroll (AU) publish its prices?
Yes. Xero Payroll (AU) is Tier S in our Australia directory, which means our check found its prices published on its own website (see the typical pricing above). The tier is not a quality ranking, so compare it against the alternatives for your trade and region.