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May 2026 Retirement planner newsletter

Retiring soon? Here are 6 questions you need to answer first
From planning your retirement income to where you will live and how you will spend your time, there’s a lot to think about in the run-up to retirement. Read more.
Retiring soon? Here are 6 questions you need to answer first
From planning your retirement income to where you will live and how you will spend your time, there’s a lot to think about in the run-up to retirement. Read more.
Retirement income rules of thumb: Do they measure up?
Working out how much income you will need in retirement is no easy task, but some simple short cuts may provide an estimate to start the planning process. Read more.
Retirement income rules of thumb: Do they measure up?
Working out how much income you will need in retirement is no easy task, but some simple short cuts may provide an estimate to start the planning process. Read more.
Using small business CGT exemptions to boost your super
Small business CGT concessions could allow you to make a substantial super contribution from the sale of your business. Read more.
Using small business CGT exemptions to boost your super
Small business CGT concessions could allow you to make a substantial super contribution from the sale of your business. Read more.
Small business 15-year exemption explained
If you’re 55+ or disabled and selling your small business, you could be eligible to avoid tax on the capital gain and make a large super contribution. Read more.
Small business 15-year exemption explained
If you’re 55+ or disabled and selling your small business, you could be eligible to avoid tax on the capital gain and make a large super contribution. Read more.
Small business retirement exemption explained
Small business owners have an opportunity to use some of the sale proceeds from their business to boost their super without breaching contribution caps. Read more.
Small business retirement exemption explained
Small business owners have an opportunity to use some of the sale proceeds from their business to boost their super without breaching contribution caps. Read more.
How do I apply for the Age Pension?
If you’re approaching your 67th birthday and planning to retire and apply for the Age Pension, this is what you need to do. Read more.
How do I apply for the Age Pension?
If you’re approaching your 67th birthday and planning to retire and apply for the Age Pension, this is what you need to do. Read more.

SuperGuide members Q&A: June 2026

Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 11:00 am AEST

In this webinar super expert Garth McNally answers recent questions from SuperGuide members.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Watch our previous webinar, 2026 year-end superannuation tips and traps

Q: I’ve seen examples online suggesting that making a concessional super contribution after a capital gain can reduce the tax payable. I don’t understand how this works. If a capital gain is already taxable, how does contributing the money to super reduce the tax? Does it change the tax rate on the gain, or is something else happening?

A: Making a tax-deductible (concessional) contribution to super can reduce tax on capital gains via the tax deduction.

For example, if taxable income (including taxable capital gain) would be $200,000 without action, making a tax deductible super contribution of $50,000 reduces taxable income to $150,000 and therefore reduces income tax (including tax on the capital gain that is included in taxable income). The $50,000 is then taxed at 15% on entry to super, instead of at the marginal income tax rate(s) that would otherwise apply.

The concessional contribution cap is $30,000 in 2025-26 but contributions above the cap are possible for those who are eligible to carry forward concessional cap space from prior years.

Importantly, if total income plus concessional super contributions exceeds $250,000 for the year, additional tax will apply to super contributions (Division 293 tax), and this reduces the benefit of the tax deduction.

The end of the financial year is almost here. If your super balance was under $500,000 last 30 June and you have unused concessional cap space from 2020–21, now is your last chance to use it. Find out more about carry forward for concessional contributions.

Important: All information on SuperGuide is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether any information on SuperGuide is appropriate to you before acting on it. If SuperGuide refers to a financial product you should obtain the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or seek personal financial advice before making any investment decisions.

Superguide Pty Ltd ATF Superguide Unit Trust as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Financial Advisers Australia, AFSL 464629.