Super splitting enables some super contributions to be split or shared with a spouse. This allows non-working or low-income spouses to accumulate their own superannuation, and gives families more choices in how they prepare for retirement.

Does every super fund do it?

Under the new laws, super splitting is at each individual super fund’s discretion. HESTA offers super splitting.

Can an existing super balance be split?

No, only new contributions made on or after 1 January 2006 can be split.

How much can be split?

The maximum amount able to be split is the lesser of 85% of taxed (concessional) contributions (eg, employer contributions including any salary sacrifice) and the concessional contributions cap for that financial year.  You can no longer split untaxed (non-concessional) contributions (eg, voluntary contributions from after tax income or super co-contributions).   

What are the advantages of contribution splitting? 

Contribution splitting can be advantageous where one spouse is older than the other and is closer to preservation age and therefore able to access their superannuation account earlier. It can also help equalise your superannuation account balances, where one spouse has a low income or is not working. You should consider seeking financial advice before you choose this option.

Who is eligible to split?

The option to split with a spouse is available not just to married couples but also to people in defacto relationships. The receiving spouse must be under 65 and, if over 55, have not permanently retired. Super splitting is not available to same sex couples.

How do I take advantage of contribution splitting?

You can apply to split your contributions or your spouse or defacto partner can apply to split their contributions to you.
Members will need to obtain an application form from their super fund after the end of the financial year in order to split their super. 

If you're a HESTA member who to split contributions to your spouse or defacto partner:

• Contributions that you rollover to another fund before the end of the financial year are treated as rollovers by the new fund and cannot be split to your spouse’s superannuation account. However, where the entire benefit is to be rolled over or transferred to another fund or cashed before the end of that financial year you can first apply to split contributions made during the financial year.
• Members must provide evidence to HESTA that demonstrates that at the time of the application the receiving spouse:
• Has not yet reached preservation age, or 
• Is between preservation age and 65 years of age and not yet retired

HESTA must assess whether the member meets the eligibility criteria to split their super contributions within 90 days of receiving the application form. Members may only make one valid application to split their super each financial year.
A fee will apply.  If you wish to apply to split contributions to your spouse or defacto partner, please contact HESTA on 1800 813 327 and we'll send you the appropriate information (please note that as this may pertain to your HESTA account, you cannot download generic contribution splitting forms).

Where your spouse or defacto partner wants to split contributions to your HESTA account:

• Your spouse or defacto partner should contact their super fund to determine requirements.

For more information on super contribution splitting and to determine eligibility check out www.ato.gov.au/super/