How the co-contribution works
An eligible low- or middle-income earner who makes a personal after-tax super contribution may receive an additional government amount paid to super. The amount depends on income, the personal contribution and the thresholds for that financial year. It reduces as income rises through the range.
The contribution must remain non-concessional. If you claim a tax deduction for it, that amount generally will not support the co-contribution. Employer and salary-sacrifice contributions are not the personal after-tax contribution used for this purpose.
Check the full eligibility test
Eligibility can include age, income composition, total super balance and tax-return requirements as well as the income threshold. Confirm current ATO rules for the exact year rather than relying on last year’s dollar figures.
Make sure the fund has your tax file number and the contribution is received by 30 June. Lodge your tax return; the ATO generally calculates the entitlement and pays it to an eligible fund without a separate claim form.
Decide whether the contribution fits your budget
The government addition can make an after-tax contribution attractive, but it does not remove the need for emergency savings. Contribute an amount you can leave preserved for retirement and avoid using credit or missing essential bills to maximise the incentive.
After assessment, check myGov or your fund for the payment and investigate if it does not arrive. A delayed tax return, missing tax file number or unsuitable fund account can hold up allocation.
Quick reference
Key things to remember
- You must meet income, age, work or business-income, visa and balance tests.
- A $1,000 eligible personal contribution can qualify for the maximum where income is at or below the lower threshold.
- You need to lodge a tax return and give your fund your tax file number.
- The ATO calculates and pays the amount to super automatically.
Put it into practice
Your next steps
- 01
Check the current income thresholds before contributing.
- 02
Confirm the contribution will be treated as non-concessional.
- 03
Lodge your tax return.
- 04
Review ATO online services if the payment does not appear.
Check the source
Official information
Super and tax rules change. These primary sources are the right place to verify the details before you act.