boosting your super balance

There’s never a bad time to think about growing your super. But there are some things to consider if you’re planning to make extra contributions.

Yes, your employer already contributes to your super. But will these payments be enough to build a healthy balance for your retirement?

If you can afford it, you can make extra contributions to your super on top of what your employer already pays.

Regular contributions could make a real difference to your super balance in years to come. See the potential benefits of contributing an extra $30 a week.

You can contribute to your super before and/or after tax.

But keep in mind that there are limits to how much you can contribute, and there’s a deadline if you want your contributions to count under this financial year’s contributions caps. Read on to learn more.

Before-tax (concessional) contributions

Generally speaking, before-tax contributions suit people on middle to high incomes who can afford to reduce their take-home pay, such as through salary sacrifice.

The main benefit of concessional contributions is you may pay less tax because the 15% contributions tax in super might be lower than your marginal tax rate.

The concessional contributions cap is . This cap includes the contributions made by your employer, as well as any extra concessional contributions you make yourself.

You may be eligible to carry forward unused caps from the previous 5 financial years. You can check if you have unused caps available using the ATO services through your myGov account. 

Learn more about before-tax contributions.

After-tax (non-concessional) contributions

This type of contribution may suit members wanting to combine their assets into super as they head towards retirement.

The main benefit of this is that once you’re age 60 or over and you move assets into super, you generally don't have to pay tax on your super.

Most people can make non-concessional contributions. Just remember, the cap is .

Eligible individuals may ‘bring forward’ two future years contribution caps and make a larger contribution. Eligibility to ‘bring forward’ will depend on your age and total super balance. Go to ato.gov.au/super to see if you’re eligible and what your cap might be. 

Learn more about after-tax contributions.

Government co-contributions

If you’re eligible, your super savings could get a boost of up to $500 from the government.

The superannuation co-contribution scheme is a government initiative to help low to middle-income earners boost their super savings.

If you’re a low or middle-income earner (including those who work part time), you may be eligible for a super contribution from the government - up to $500 per financial year - if you make an after-tax contribution to your super account.

Learn more about government co-contributions.

Are extra super contributions right for everyone?

Before you contribute extra to your super, you should consider your current financial situation and how much additional money you can afford to put away, given you generally won't be able to access the money until you retire.

How to make contributions

You can make personal after-tax contributions to your super by using BPAY®. 

This is a quick and secure way to boost your super.

To find your BPAY biller code and reference number, log into your online account at hesta.com.au/login and click on the 'Contribute extra' tab.

®Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518