Super contributions

There are essentially two types of super contributions you can make:

• concessional, and
• non-concessional

Concessional contributions are made from before-tax income and are taxed at 15% in your super fund. Common examples of concessional contributions include:

• compulsory employer superannuation guarantee contributions,
• salary sacrifice arrangements, and
• any personal super contributions that you claim as a tax deduction.

Non-concessional contributions are made from after-tax income and are not taxed in your super fund. Common examples of non-concessional contributions include:

• voluntary additional payments made from your take-home pay,
• any made on behalf of your spouse (married or de facto),
• a government co-contribution, and
• the Low Income Super Tax Offset (LISTO).

There are annual caps (limits) on the amount of concessional and non-concessional contributions you can make. If you exceed these limits, you’ll be liable to pay extra tax.

• The concessional contributions cap is currently $27,500 per year (unless you are eligible to use the carry-forward rule),
• The non-concessional cap is $110,000 per year (unless you are eligible to use the bring-forward rule).