Surf Payroll Retirement FAQs

Surf Payroll is set to retire on 31/12/2024. Post this date, access to the software, along with support, bug fixes, and updates will no longer be available.

We understand that this transition may bring about uncertainties and we’re here to support you every step of the way. For any inquiries regarding the reasons for this transition, the migration process, or any other related topics, you’ll find comprehensive answers in the following FAQs.

When will Surf Payroll no longer be supported?
Customer support will be available up until 31/12/2024. Until then, our customer support team will continue to provide you with assistance, address any queries and offer technical guidance.

For those who have recently renewed their Surf Payroll licence this year, you will continue to receive customer support through to the last day of your license term.

Can I still use Surf Payroll after it retires?
Surf Payroll will retire on 31/12/2024. From that point onwards, you will not be able to access your Surf Payroll account. To ensure a smooth transition for your business, it's important to start thinking about migrating your data and processes to an alternative application, such as BrightPay.

My licence for Surf Payroll has already been renewed this year. What does the transition mean for my license, which extends into next year?
We will be reaching out to any customers who have already renewed their licence which extends into next year. If you have a valid license, you will continue to have access to your software until the end of the licence period, at which point you will need to transition to an alternative product.

My licence is due for renewal in the next few months. What should I do?
Please get in touch with the Payment Services team on 041 214 0025  and they will assist you. Alternatively, the Payment Services team will also reach out closer to your renewal date, to discuss your options. 

What happens if I encounter issues with Surf Payroll after the end-of-life date?
If you hold a valid licence, you will maintain access to Surf Payroll until the end of the licence period or until 31 December 2024, whichever comes first. You can also avail of our dedicated Customer Support within that same window. After 31 December 2024 you will no longer be able to access your data on Surf Payroll and customer support will also cease at that date. We advise that all necessary reports are extracted in advance of this date so that you can meet all legislative requirements of maintaining records.

What are my options for payroll software after Surf Payroll retires?
As we approach the retirement of Surf Payroll, it’s important to start exploring other payroll solutions to ensure a seamless transition for your business.

We highly recommend considering BrightPay, a comprehensive and user-friendly payroll software. BrightPay has been crowned ‘Payroll Software of the Year’ at industry awards in multiple years. Its NPS (Customer Satisfaction) score is industry-leading, and thousands of customers use the software.

To learn about the advanced functionality offered by BrightPay, please click here and BrightPayConnect, please click here.

For further information, please get in touch with our sales team at [email protected]

How do I migrate from Surf Payroll to BrightPay?
Migrating to BrightPay is straightforward but may require some time.

You can import your employees from a CSV file or Revenue Payroll Notification (RPN). For more details on exactly how to migrate, view this step-by-step guide or watch the video below.

This Migration Checklist should assist with the migration process and set-up.

Will there be any costs associated with switching to BrightPay?
The costs associated with switching to BrightPay will vary depending on your specific requirements. To provide you with the most accurate information tailored to your needs, we recommend speaking with the sales team at [email protected] or your dedicated sales contact, who will determine the right plan that aligns with your needs.

Will there be any resources available to help me get started with BrightPay?
Yes, online video tutorials can be found on our website by clicking here.

These tutorials cover the main functions of BrightPay and provide step-by-step guidance in using the software.

Also, on our website, you will find comprehensive online documentation categorised into the software's various functions.

All BrightPay customers have free phone and email support.

View the features of BrightPay or book a demo of BrightPay.

What other options do I have if I choose not to transition to BrightPay?
We understand that transitioning to BrightPay may not be the right fit for everyone. In this scenario, we recommend considering alternative software options that align to your business needs. We encourage you to explore these options and choose the one that best suits your requirements. Please remember to give yourself enough time to migrate your data to your new software as you may not be able to import your Surf Payroll datasets to the software directly.

Why is Surf Payroll being discontinued?
Discontinuing Surf Payroll wasn’t an easy decision as we know many of you have been loyal users of the product. The rapid evolution of the tech industry over the past two decades has resulted in significant changes, and unfortunately, Surf Payroll is unable to keep up. Consequently, we have decided to retire the product and redirect our efforts towards enhancing BrightPay.

The decision allows us to allocate resources towards the development of more advanced and efficient tools that empower businesses and users to work with greater effectiveness. Ultimately, our goal is to provide software that enhances productivity and streamlines operations.

When will the sale of Surf Payroll cease?
Surf Payroll is no longer for sale. A licence can be renewed for use until the end of the tax year 2024.

Is BrightPay cloud-based?
BrightPay is a desktop-based product, but our BrightPay Cloud will be coming soon for 2025. The migration from BrightPay desktop to BrightPay Cloud will be a simple 3 step process.

If you would like more information on moving to BrightPay please click here.

Importing from Surf Payroll to BrightPay