1 July 2026 changes

Good news: From 1 July 2026, several changes to superannuation rules could help you save more for retirement. Here's what's changing and what it might mean for you.
 

You can contribute more to your super

The amount you can put into super each year — without paying extra tax — is going up.

The before-tax contributions cap (which includes your employer's super payments and any before-tax (salary sacrifice) contributions you make) is increasing from $30,000 to $32,500 per year. And the after-tax contributions cap is rising from $120,000 to $130,000 per year.

In plain terms: you have a little more room to top up your super in a tax-effective way.
 

Your employer will pay your super more regularly

From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay super at the same time as your wages — rather than at least quarterly. The earlier your super lands in your account, the more time it has to grow though compound interest. 
 

Super on Paid Parental Leave

If you take government-funded Paid Parental Leave on or after 1 July 2025, the ATO will make super payments directly to your fund after the end of the financial year, starting from 1 July 2026. You don’t need to apply. This is particularly good news for women, who often see their super balance fall behind during career breaks for caring responsibilities.
 

What hasn't changed

The superannuation guarantee rate — the percentage your employer must pay — stays at 12%. And if your super balance is under $3 million, your tax rate on super earnings stays the same too.