Restrictions
There are rules and restrictions that govern the super contributions you can receive and make in Australia. They are typically determined by your age and employment status. If you're feeling confused about what super contribution restrictions apply to your particular age bracket, check out our handy guide to the super system.
The below guide is intended to provide you a snapshot of some of the restrictions applicable to superannuation contributions. You can find out more on the ATO website or you can contact us.
| Contribution Type | Age Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Your super obligations, including contributions stipulated by Awards and Agreements | Accepted without restriction |
| Additional employer contributions, including salary sacrifice and self-employed | Accepted without restriction until age 75 |
| Personal contributions | Work test to be met after age 67 - 74. (Only applies to members who wish to make a tax deduction relating to their personal contribution) |
| Voluntary after-tax contributions | Accepted without restriction until age 75 |
| Spouse contributions (receiving spouse) | Accepted without restriction until age 75 |
| Government co-contribution | Accepted without restriction if you were under age 71 at the end of the financial year in which the contribution is made |
| Downsizer contributions | Accepted from age 55 |
| Low Income Super Tax Offset | Accepted without restriction |
| Transfer of super from another fund | Accepted without restriction |
Super-splitting transfers cannot be received by a spouse who has reached their preservation age and is retired.
Work test requirements
There are no age restrictions on receiving employer contributions (also known as Super Guarantee) if you are still working.
However, if you’re age 67 to 74, you need to meet the work test in order to claim a voluntary after-tax contribution as a tax deduction.
Once you turn 75, you can no longer make additional contributions to your super. Any additional super contributions made while you are aged 74 must be received by your super fund within 28 days of the end of the month in which you turn 75, or they won't be accepted.
It's important to note that further restrictions on receiving super contributions could also apply if you have not supplied your tax file number.
Transfer balance cap
Under superannuation law, a limit (called the transfer balance cap) applies on the total amount of super you can transfer to a retirement phase income stream (such as a pension account). The transfer balance cap for people starting a retirement phase income stream for the first time on or from 1 July 2023 is $1.9 million.
If you already have any retirement phase income streams and at any time between 1 July 2017 and 1 July 2023 then you will have a personal transfer balance cap somewhere between $1.6 - $1.9 million.
Your personal transfer balance cap is available on ATO Online.
More information about the transfer balance cap is available on the ATO website.
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