Tax deductions on super contributions

You can claim a tax deduction on personal (after-tax) super contributions if you meet the rules and lodge the right form on time. 
 

How does it work?

• Personal deductible super contributions are taxed at 15%. This could be lower than your marginal tax rate. Claiming a deduction shifts your contribution from after-tax to concessional, potentially reducing the tax you ultimately pay.

• To claim, you need to send us a valid notice of intent to claim form. You must get our acknowledgment of the form before you submit your tax return, roll over, or withdraw those contributions.

• You may also need your fund details and member number when completing the process.

• A deduction may change or eliminate your eligibility for government co-contributions or spouse contribution tax offsets. So it’s important to see how it affects your situation.

Benefits of claiming tax on super contributions

Claiming your personal super contributions as a tax deduction could lower your taxable income and could save you money. 
 

Breaking down the numbers

Say you put extra money into your super from your take-home pay. At tax time when you claim a tax deduction on it, your super fund treats that money as a before-tax (concessional) contribution. That means its taxed at 15%, which can be lower than the amount of tax you’d usually pay on your income.

See more detail about tax on contributions.

Am I eligible to claim a deduction?

Contributions you can claim for:

• Personal contributions you made from your after-tax income.

Contributions you can’t claim for:

• Employer contributions (including Super Guarantee) – already taxed at concessional rates, so you can’t claim them again.

• Salary sacrifice contributions – these are treated as concessional contributions and included in your pre-tax salary arrangements.

• Government co-contributions – these are top-ups made by the government, not contributions you’ve made.

• Spouse contributions – contributions made into your partner’s super account cannot be claimed as your own deduction.

• Transfers or rollovers from other funds – these transactions transfer money between funds, so they aren’t eligible for a deduction.

• Downsizer contributions – these are contributions made from the sale of your home, which have separate tax treatment and can’t be claimed.

Other rules to check:

• The amount you want to claim is still in your account and hasn’t been withdrawn, rolled over, or used to start an income stream.

• You are within the annual contribution caps.

What to consider

Before you claim a tax deduction on personal contributions, check how it could affect you.

• If you earn under $64,293 a year, the government co-contributions might be better than claiming a deduction.

• If your income is higher, Division 293 tax may apply. This is an extra tax of 15% on concessional contributions for people earning over $250,000 a year.

• Claiming a deduction reduces your eligibility for government co-contributions. It can also affect the spouse contribution tax offset.

• Your total concessional contributions (including any deduction you claim) count toward the concessional contributions cap. Going over the cap can result in extra tax.

Learn more in how super is taxed.

When can I claim a tax deduction?

Timing is important. You can claim your tax deduction when submitting your tax return with the ATO. 
But before you file your tax return for the year, you’ll need a confirmation letter from us, confirming we’ve received your notice of intent to claim. 

Once you’ve submitted your Notice of Intent to Claim online, it typically takes up to 5 business days via Member Online for us to provide you with your confirmation letter.

You’ll need this letter for your tax return:

• before you lodge your tax return for that year, or 
• before 30 June of the following year.

When you can’t claim

If you roll over your balance, withdraw money, or start an income stream (pension) before lodging your notice of intent, you won’t be able to claim a tax deduction for those super contributions. 

What do I need to apply?

Before you submit your Notice of intent, have these details ready:

• Your Aware Super member number.

• Contribution dates and amounts.

• ID for logging in to your account.

• Your tax file number (TFN) on file with us to avoid delays.

You can check your member details online at any time.

How to claim a tax deduction on super online

It’s quick and easy–just log in to Member Online to start the process. 

1. Log in and make your contribution

Add to your super by the cut off date so it’s processed before the end of the financial year.^[S1]

2. Tell us you want to claim

Go to Claim a tax deduction (Notice of intent). You must lodge your notice before you submit your tax return, or by 30 June the following year (whichever comes first).

3. Receive confirmation


We’ll send you a letter telling you we’ve received your valid notice. You'll need this letter before lodging your tax return.

4. Complete and lodge your tax return

When doing your tax return include the amount under Item D1 ‘Personal super contributions’ in your individual tax return.

Log in to claim a tax deduction online

Download the Notice of intent form from the ATO

Tip: Lodge your notice as early as you can before you plan to roll over or withdraw. That way you don’t miss out on the deduction. 

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