5 minute read
What are super contributions?
A super contribution is an amount of money that is paid into your super account, either from an employer or yourself. Super contributions can be either one-off or regular payments.
For most of us, our super contributions are compulsory amounts that are paid by our employer each pay cycle. Usually, you can see these contributions on your pay advice summary or on your super statement.
But did you know you can contribute to your super in other ways?
For most of us, our super contributions are compulsory amounts that are paid by our employer each pay cycle. Usually, you can see these contributions on your pay advice summary or on your super statement.
But did you know you can contribute to your super in other ways?
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Super contributions
Video transcript - Early super contributions
Super matters. Early super contributions.
What’s the secret to growing a healthy super fund?
Compounding interest.
And what’s the secret to compounding interest?
Regular contributions, starting as early as you can.
For as little as the cost of a takeaway coffee once a week, you could potentially grow thousands of dollars in interest to help fund your retirement.
Compounding interest is basically interest earning interest.
And like most good things, it appreciates over time.
Your super is a long-term investment, so get to know it well!
Because contributing as little as $5 a week now, can make a big difference in your retirement.
Learn more at bendigobank.com.au/supercontributions
Super contributions you can make
You can boost your super by adding your own contribution in addition to what your employer pays. Over time, these amounts add up and you can benefit from your investment earnings compounding.
There are two types of super contribution you can make, concessional and non-concessional.
Concessional contributions
A concessional contribution, also referred to as a before-tax contribution, is paid to your super account before any income tax is applied. Concessional contributions include:
- Payments made by an employer as per the Superannuation Guarantee scheme.
- Salary sacrifice contributions. Your employer deducts an amount that you nominate from your salary before you pay tax and pays it to your super fund. These contributions are a helpful way to boost your super and save in tax.
- Personal deductible contributions (PDC). These are payments you can make to your super account. You can then claim a tax deduction for these contributions. Self-employed people and employees are both able to make a PDC payment.
Concessional contributions are taxed at 15%. However, if combined income and concessional contribution is more than $250,000 the tax rate is 30%.
The yearly cap for concessional contributions for the financial year 2023-24 is $27,500 per annum.
Non-concessional contributions
A non-concessional contribution, or an after-tax contribution, doesn’t attract tax when paid into your super fund because you have already paid income tax.
The yearly cap for concessional contributions for the financial year 2023-24 is $110,000 per annum.
If you make non-concessional contributions into your super account, you may be eligible for a Government co-contribution. For the latest details on super co-contribution, visit the ATO website.
Contributing to your spouse’s super
You can also contribute to your spouse’s super. If your spouse is earning a low income or not working, you may be able to claim a tax offset. You can find more information on spouse contributions here.
Grow your super with extra contributions
If you are considering growing your super with extra contributions, there are tools that can help. MoneySmart's super contributions optimiser works out whether to make extra contributions before or after tax, or both.
Bendigo SmartStart Super
If you are a Bendigo SmartStart Super member, you can find all your personal details online via our secure member portal.
Visit Bendigo SmartStart Online to take the next steps in contributing to your super.
Still not sure?
If you're after some general advice, we have a team of Wealth Specialists available to call you. They can refer you to a financial planner if you need personal advice.
Do you have other questions?
You can find more helpful advice in our Education HUB.
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Things you should know
Bendigo Superannuation
Bendigo Superannuation Pty Ltd ABN 23 644 620 128 AFSL 534006 (Bendigo Super) is the trustee and issuer of Bendigo SmartStart Super and Bendigo SmartStart Pension (products). Bendigo Super is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL 237879 (Bank). Each of these companies receives remuneration on the issue of the products or services they provide, full details of which are contained in the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Bendigo Super, the Bank and its related entities do not guarantee the repayment of capital invested, the payment of income or products’ investment performance. An investment in these products does not represent a deposit with, or liability of Bendigo Super, the Bank or its related entities. The Bank does not stand behind or guarantee the performance of Bendigo Super in its capacity as trustee and issuer of the products. Bendigo Super is not an authorised deposit-taking institution within the meaning of the Banking Act 1959.
Information on the website is subject to change without notice. Any advice in relation to superannuation is provided by Bendigo Super. The information contains general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. Before making an investment decision in relation to these products you should consider your situation and read the relevant PDS accessible through this site.
