Making contributions
Making additional contributions to your super is a simple and effective way of growing your retirement savings. You have a choice between making before or after-tax contributions. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial when it comes to growing your super in the most tax-efficient way.
If you're looking to maximise your retirement savings, making additional contributions to your super account can be a great way to boost your balance and potentially reduce your tax.
Everyone's in a different boat when it comes to finances, but if you can afford to, contributing even a small amount each month to your super can make a big difference to your retirement savings.
There are two types of super contributions:
- Before-tax (known as concessional)
- After-tax (known as non-concessional).
They are taxed differently and different annual contribution caps apply.
Contribution caps
Annual caps apply to your super contributions. Any contributions received above the caps are taxed at a higher rate and will incur an interest charge.
Contribution limits for the 2021-22 financial year:
| Before-tax (Concessional) | After-tax (Non-concessional) | |
|---|---|---|
| Types of contributions included | Employer (including SG of 10%) Salary sacrifice Personal | Personal Spouse Government co-contribution1 |
| Contribution cap | $27,5002 per year | $110,000 per year Individuals with a total superannuation balance of $1.7 million or more will have a non-concessional contributions cap of nil. |
Recontribution of COVID-19 early release payments
If you accessed your super early in 2020, you may be considering ways to rebuild your balance. The recontribution of COVID-19 early release amounts into superannuation measure has been introduced to help you rebuild the balance you may have lost.
You will be able to recontribute the amount you withdrew to your super without this counting towards your annual after-tax contributions cap. You can make these recontributions between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2030.
You can choose to access the measure by completing and sending us the ATO’s approved form. If you aren’t approaching your annual after-tax contributions cap, it may not be necessary to complete the form. You should consider whether this is right for your situation and may want to consult a financial adviser or tax agent.
For more information, head to the Recontribution of COVID-19 early release payments page or call the Helpline on 1800 640 886.
1. Government co-contributions are not counted towards your non-concessional contributions cap.
2. Indexed annually in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings, in increments of $2,500 (rounded down).
What contribution strategy is best for you
If you're looking at making extra contributions to your super, we can help you figure out what type or mix of contributions is best for you. Use the Contributions Optimiser calculator to explore your options or let our team help you.