What is the low income super tax offset (LISTO)?
The LISTO is an initiative by the Australian Government designed to boost retirement savings for low-income earners.
When money is added to your super account before tax — like salary sacrifice and employer contributions — it’s taxed at 15%. If you earn $37,000 or less a year and you or your employer make before-tax contributions, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) refunds up to $500 of that tax back into your super.
Earn an extra super bonus
See if you can get even more back from the government with the co-contribution on personal super contributions.
How much LISTO could you get?
The LISTO is 15% of before-tax super contributions that you or your employer made for the year. The maximum you can get is $500 and the minimum is $10.
Here's how LISTO works if you're earning $37,000 a year or less:
| Before-tax contributions | Tax paid | LISTO refund |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $750 | $500 |
| $4,000 | $600 | $500 |
| $3,000 | $450 | $450 |
| $2,000 | $300 | $300 |
| $1,000 | $150 | $150 |
| $500 | $75 | $75 |
Source: ATO LISTO Calculator as of 9 January 2023.
How to claim the LISTO
Check if you're eligible
You must meet all the rules below to get the low income super tax offset:
Your super fund has your TFN
Your adjusted taxable income for the year is $37,000 or less
You or your employer make before-tax contributions to your super during the year, including your employer's SG contributions
At least 10% of your income is from a job, a business, or both
You didn't have a temporary resident visa during the year (except for New Zealand citizens in Australia).
Get your payment
Make sure your super account is set up before you lodge your tax return.
Check we have your tax file number. You can do this in Member Online. Without it, we can't receive the LISTO payment.
Lodge your tax return for the year.
If you're eligible, you'll get the refund directly into your super account.
You can look for your LISTO refund in Member Online or your annual statement.
FAQs about the LISTO
