Understanding the Data Sent to the ATO

The ATO requires two sets of data from you - one Employer file and one Employee file.

The Employer file is referred to as the PAYEVNT file and it captures basic employer information, BAS values (W1 and W2) and tax agent information (if applicable).

The Employee file is referred to as the PAYEVNTEMP and it captures basic employee information, payroll information and employment details.

It is beneficial to understand the type of information required by ATO before you move onto data cleaning and reconciliation process.

We suggest you read the employee and employer PAYEVNT Message Structure Table (MST) which sets out what is required to be lodged to the ATO. When reviewing the document, please pay attention to what is being captured and for any validation rules.

Technical information / specs of the files sent to the ATO can be found at the bottom of this page.

Notes:

• An entity must have a valid ABN / WPN
• If your entity has a branch code please let us know
• The Employer file accepts negative values for W1 and W2
• The Employee file does not accept negative values
• Contractors (on ABN) will not have any of the information captured in the employment details / TFND section of the employee file

Original files from the ATO

Employer MST File: ATO PAYEVNT.0003 2018 Message Structure Table.xlsx

Employee MST File: ATO PAYEVNTEMP.0003 2018 Message Structure Table.xlsx

Datacom edited files (simplified to only hold necessary information)

Employer MST File: Employer PAYEVNT file.xlsx

Employee MST File: Employee PAYEVNTEMP file.xlsx