Superannuation Guide
Understanding Your Super Contributions
A plain-English overview of contribution types, caps, and strategies for Australians at every life stage.
General Information Only. This guide is intended as general information and does not constitute financial or superannuation advice. Super rules are complex and change regularly — please speak with our qualified advisers before making contribution decisions.
Types of Super Contributions
- Concessional contributions are made from pre-tax income and include employer SG, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible contributions
- Non-concessional contributions are made from after-tax income and do not attract a tax deduction
- Government co-contributions are available to low-to-middle income earners who make personal after-tax contributions
- Spouse contributions allow you to contribute to your partner's super and may attract a tax offset
- Downsizer contributions allow eligible people aged 55+ to contribute up to $300,000 from the sale of a home
Contribution Caps for 2025-26
- Concessional cap: $30,000 per financial year (includes all employer and personal deductible contributions)
- Non-concessional cap: $120,000 per financial year (subject to your total super balance)
- The bring-forward rule may allow up to $360,000 in non-concessional contributions over 3 years
- Exceeding the caps results in additional tax and should be avoided with careful planning
- Total super balance at 30 June of the prior year affects eligibility for certain cap strategies
Catch-Up Concessional Contributions
- If your total super balance is below $500,000, you may be able to carry forward unused concessional cap amounts
- Unused amounts from the past 5 financial years (from 2018-19 onwards) can be added to your current year cap
- This strategy is particularly useful following periods of lower income or career breaks
- It allows larger concessional contributions in high-income years to reduce your tax
Tax on Super Contributions
- Concessional contributions are generally taxed at 15% inside the super fund
- If your income plus concessional contributions exceeds $250,000, an additional 15% Division 293 tax applies
- Non-concessional contributions receive no deduction but are not taxed again inside the fund
- Earnings inside super are taxed at a maximum of 15% in accumulation phase
- Tax treatment of super in retirement phase varies — professional advice is recommended
Steps to Take Before 30 June
- Check your year-to-date concessional contributions via your MyGov account
- Consider a personal deductible contribution if you have capacity under the cap
- Review whether salary sacrifice can be arranged with your employer before year end
- If eligible, check whether the government co-contribution applies to your situation
- Confirm your fund has received contributions before 30 June for them to count in this financial year
Make the most of your super before 30 June
Our SMSF and financial planning team can review your contribution strategy and ensure you're making the most of the opportunities available to you.
Talk to a Super SpecialistLet's talk about your financial future
Whether you're an individual, a growing business or an established company, we'd love to chat about how we can help.