Claiming super contributions as a tax deduction

Updated on 11 September 2024 | 3 minute read

Before you do your tax return this year, here's a question worth asking: Can you claim super contributions on your tax return? And should you? Let's see what you can claim and how to check if it's right for you..

Are super contributions tax-deductible?

You may be able to claim a tax deduction for personal super contributions you've made to your superannuation fund from your after-tax income.

We also call these voluntary after-tax super contributions or non-concessional contributions.

An example is when you've sent money from your bank account directly to your super fund using BPAY®

What are the benefits?

Claiming a tax deduction for your after-tax contributions might mean paying less income tax.

But it depends on your situation.

Before you claim

There are strict rules for claiming super tax deductions on your contributions. So, it's a good idea to talk to an accountant or tax agent before you go ahead.

Who can claim a super contribution tax deduction?

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) sets the eligibility rules for claiming on personal super contributions. Here's your checklist:

You've made the contributions to an eligible super fund.
You meet the restrictions if you're under age 18 or over 67.
You've told your fund that you want to claim (called a 'notice of intent').
Your fund has let you know in writing that they've processed your request.

If you’re over 67

You'll need to meet the ATO's work test to claim a tax deduction on personal super contributions.

Work at least 40 hours over 30 consecutive days during the income year that you made the contributions.

But there's a one-off exemption if: your total super balance is under $300,000 at the end of the previous income year; and you've met the work test for that year.

If you're 75 or older

You can only claim for contributions you made within 28 days after the end of the month you turned 75.

Visit the ATO website for more details.

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Before you claim a super tax deduction, check your limits

Knowing how super contribution caps work is important because if you go over these limits it may mean extra tax.

Personal super contributions that you claim as a tax deduction will count towards your concessional contributions cap. And they'll be subject to 15%¹ contributions tax.

So, you'll need to think about how this affects you before going ahead with the claim.

If you go over your cap, you'll have to pay extra tax.

Is claiming a tax deduction for personal super contributions right for you?

It's a good idea to get professional advice before you go ahead. You can check in with:

Your accountant
A financial adviser
The ATO

How to claim super contributions on tax

Tell your super fund

You'll need to tell your super fund you want to claim a deduction before you lodge your tax return, or by 30 June the following year, whichever is earlier.

If you're a member with us, you can do this in Member Online or send us the ATO's paper form.

Wait to hear back from your fund

Like all Australian super funds, we'll write to let you know when we've processed your request.

Sometimes this can take a while, particularly if it's around the end of the financial year, so factor in some extra time.

Add it to your tax return

Put in how much you're claiming as personal super contributions in the Individual tax return supplement.

FAQs about tax deductions for super contributions

Ready to claim a super tax deduction?

Let us know before you lodge your return – it's easy through Member Online.

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