Why super top-ups are the highest-ROI EOFY move
For most salaried Australians, voluntarily contributing extra to super before 30 June is the single highest-leverage tax move available — it reduces your taxable income by the contribution amount and the money stays invested for compound growth.
If you're earning $80,000 and contribute an extra $5,000 to concessional super before 30 June 2026:
- Your taxable income drops by $5,000
- Your marginal rate is 30% (Stage 3 bracket) + 2% Medicare = 32% saved
- That's $1,600 in tax saved instantly
- The $5,000 stays in super, earning compound returns
- Net cost of the $5,000 in super: $3,400
This guide explains exactly how much you can contribute, the rules, the timing traps, and when it's worth using carry-forward.
The FY2025–26 concessional cap
The cap for FY2025–26 is AU$30,000 (raised from $27,500 in FY2024–25). This is the combined total of:
- Your employer's Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions (currently 12% of OTE)
- Salary sacrifice arrangements through your employer
- Personal deductible contributions you make directly (then submit a Notice of Intent to claim)
The cap is per person, not per fund. If you have multiple super accounts, total all contributions across them.
Quick check: how much room do you have?
For a salaried employee earning $100,000 with no salary sacrifice:
- Employer SG: $100,000 × 12% = $12,000
- Cap remaining: $30,000 − $12,000 = $18,000
That's how much you can voluntarily contribute before hitting the cap. Going over triggers excess concessional contributions — the excess is taxed at your marginal rate plus an interest-style charge.
Carry-forward concessional contributions (use 5 years of unused cap)
This is the rule most people don't realise applies to them.
If your total super balance was under AU$500,000 on 30 June 2025, you can use unused concessional cap from the previous 5 financial years (back to FY2020–21).
Example:
- Your cap usage history:
- FY2021–22: $13k used (room: $14.5k unused)
- FY2022–23: $14k used (room: $13.5k unused)
- FY2023–24: $19k used (room: $8.5k unused)
- FY2024–25: $25k used (room: $2.5k unused)
- Total unused from past 5 years: $52,000 (rough)
- Your FY2025–26 cap including carry-forward: $30,000 + $52,000 = $82,000
This is why high-bracket professionals coming back from a low-income year (e.g. parental leave, sabbatical, business loss year) can make very large catch-up contributions and save significant tax.
Where to check your actual carry-forward available:
- myGov → ATO (ATO guidelines) → Super → Information → Carry forward concessional contributions
Always check this figure before contributing — the calculation includes adjustments for first-time contributors and prior excess.
Timing — the 30 June trap that catches everyone
The hardest deadline in Australian tax: contributions must be received by your fund before midnight 30 June, not just initiated.
Recommended timing buffer
| Contribution method | Buffer to allow |
|---|---|
| BPAY | 3–5 business days |
| Direct deposit / EFT to fund's bank | 1–2 business days |
| Salary sacrifice (via employer payroll) | Tell payroll 2+ weeks before EOFY |
| Personal contribution via fund's online portal | 1 business day (best) |
After about 20 June it gets risky. After 25 June, only direct-to-fund online portal contributions are realistically safe.
Notice of Intent to claim
For personal contributions (not salary sacrifice), you must submit a Notice of Intent to claim a deduction form (NAT 71121) to your super fund before you lodge your tax return. The fund acknowledges, and you can then claim the deduction in your return.
You can't claim the deduction without the notice. Don't skip this step.
Is super top-up worth it for your tax bracket?
The benefit scales with your marginal tax rate. Quick reference table:
| Annual income | Marginal rate + Medicare | Tax saved per $1,000 contributed |
|---|---|---|
| $18,000 | 0% (below the $18,200 tax-free threshold) — only worth it if you're using carry-forward across years | $0 marginal; super still grows |
| $45,000 | 16% + 2% = 18% | $180 |
| $80,000 | 30% + 2% = 32% | $320 |
| $150,000 | 37% + 2% = 39% | $390 |
| $200,000 | 45% + 2% = 47% | $470 |
For high-income earners (>$250k), additional Division 293 tax applies — concessional contributions are taxed an extra 15% (so the effective concessional tax becomes 30%, still less than your marginal rate). The benefit is reduced but still positive.
When NOT to maximise super contributions
Despite the tax benefit, super contributions lock the money up until age 55+. Top-up isn't right if:
- You're saving for a house deposit (use a separate emergency fund)
- You'll need the money in the next 5 years
- Your super balance is already on track for retirement
- You're younger than 35 and your investment options outside super (e.g. index funds in a taxable account) offer comparable returns with more flexibility
- You haven't built an emergency fund yet (Vanguard's general recommendation is 3–6 months of expenses)
Super is the most tax-efficient retirement vehicle but the least liquid. Get the balance right.
Doing it yourself vs through a Registered Tax Agent
Personal contribution mechanics are simple enough for self-service:
But if you also have CGT events, multiple income sources, or complex deductions, a Registered Tax Agent can model the optimal contribution amount across your full tax situation (sometimes contributing less to super and using the cash for other deductible expenses produces a better total outcome).
a registered tax agent (see the directory) See the decision guide if you're not sure which path fits.
Need Help With Your Tax Return?
Complex situation? a registered tax agent (see the directory) Our partner agents review every detail for accuracy and compliance.
The 5-step EOFY super checklist
AI analysis on this page is general information only and not personal financial advice. Super contribution decisions interact with retirement strategy, debt levels, and overall financial planning — consider speaking with a licensed financial adviser for personalised guidance.