The short story on super contributions limits (2017/2018 year)

You can make two types of superannuation contributions – concessional (before-tax) contributions and non-concessional (after-tax) contributions – and each type of contribution has a separate limit known as a contributions cap (see text and tables below).

Concessional (before-tax) contributions

Before-tax contributions, such as compulsory Superannuation Guarantee contributions, salary sacrificed contributions and personal tax-deductible contributions, are known as concessional contributions. The 2017/2018 (and 2016/2017 and 2015/2016) limits for this type of contribution are set out in the table below.

Note one: Once you reach the age of 75, you can no longer make personal (voluntary) super contributions. The one, strict exception to this age 75 rule is: if a super fund receives a super contribution on behalf of a fund member, the super contribution must be received (and read that as registered by the fund as received, by allocating the contribution to the fund member’s account) no later than 28 days after the end of the month in which the fund member turns 75. For example, Joseph turns 75 in December. Any super contribution he makes must be allocated to his account by the 28^th day of January.

Note two: Although you cannot make super contributions beyond the age of 75, your employer must continue to make Superannuation Guarantee contributions on your behalf (assuming you satisfy the eligibility rules). For more information on SG rules for older workers, see SuperGuide article Employer super (SG) contributions paid for over-70s.