Benefits of super tax deductions
If you add after-tax money to your super, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for it. Depending on how much you earn, it could be a great way to save on tax if you're not able to salary sacrifice.
Pay less tax
Claiming a tax deduction lowers your taxable income – so depending on your income, you could pay less tax.
Great long-term benefits
You generally pay less tax on investment earnings inside super compared to other investments.
How to claim tax on super contributions
We show you how to claim a tax deduction for personal super contributions.
How to claim super as a tax deduction
It's easy to claim a tax deduction on money you add to your super. Follow these steps:
Log in and add money to your super
Make an after-tax voluntary contribution (also called a personal super contribution) in Member Online or by BPAY. If you use BPAY, remember to make your payment at least 9 days before the end of the financial year. This'll make sure your payment goes through on time.
Give us your notice of intent to claim
Notify us of your intent to claim your tax deduction in Member Online or send us the ATO's form, leaving 7–10 business days for postage.
Wait to hear from us
We'll contact you when we've processed your request. Around the end of the financial year, it can take up to 8 weeks for your confirmation letter or email to arrive.
Add it to your tax return
Once we've let you know in writing that we've processed your request, you can claim the amount in your tax return after the end of the financial year.
Remember there are strict rules for claiming your super contributions as a deduction. Australian Retirement Trust is not a tax agent. We recommend you get professional advice.
When can I claim my super contributions as a tax deduction?
You'll need to notify us of your intent to claim a tax deduction within the required timeframes. Tell us you want to claim a deduction:
- before you lodge your tax return, or
- by 30 June the following year, whichever is earlier.
Tax deductions on super
When you claim a tax deduction on your contributions, they'll be counted towards your before-tax contributions cap. This means you pay the 15% super tax on your contribution1.
Contributions limit
There are limits on how much you can add to your super each year. These limits are called contribution caps. Going over your limit could mean paying extra tax.
See the difference in the 2024–25 tax rate based on income
The benefit of claiming a tax deduction on your super contributions depends on your normal tax rate and super tax rate.
| Your income | Income tax rate (ATO) | Super tax rate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $18,200 | 0% | 15% |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 16% on amount over $18,200 | 15% |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $4,288 plus 30% on amount over $45,000 | 15% |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $31,288 plus 37% on amount over $135,000 | 15% |
| $190,001 and over | $51,638 plus 45% on amount over $190,000 | 15% |
Good to know
- Your income tax rate is how much tax you pay on your income. It doesn't include the Medicare levy of 2%.
- Super gets taxed too. You'll pay the super tax rate on any before-tax super contributions, including salary sacrifice contributions, and personal contributions you claim a tax deduction on.
- If your income plus before-tax contributions are more than $250,000 per year, the ATO may apply an extra 15% tax to some or all of your contributions.
FAQs about super and tax deduction
Find answers to some common questions about claiming tax deductions on your superannuation.
