Superannuation Calculator (Australia)
Project your super balance at retirement and see how salary sacrifice can boost your nest egg. Compare contribution strategies and understand Division 293 tax impact for high earners.
Updated for 2025-26 super rates. Assumes Australian resident.
2025-26 Australian super and tax rates. Preservation age is 60 for most people.
Enter your details to see your super projection
How superannuation contributions work
Superannuation is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Your employer contributes a percentage of your salary (the Superannuation Guarantee) into your super fund, where it grows until you retire.
Types of super contributions
Concessional contributions
Before-tax contributions including:
- Employer SG contributions (mandatory 12%)
- Salary sacrifice (voluntary pre-tax)
- Personal deductible contributions
Taxed at 15% inside super. Cap: $30,000/year
Non-concessional contributions
After-tax contributions including:
- Personal contributions (no tax deduction claimed)
- Spouse contributions
- Government co-contributions
Not taxed (already taxed). Cap: $120,000/year
Superannuation Guarantee rate history
| Financial Year | SG Rate |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 11% |
| 2024-25 | 11.5% |
| 2025-26+ | 12% (final rate) |
Salary sacrifice benefits
Salary sacrificing into super can be one of the most tax-effective ways to build wealth. By contributing pre-tax dollars, you pay only 15% contributions tax instead of your marginal income tax rate.
| Your Marginal Rate | Super Tax Rate | Tax Saved per $1,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 16% ($18,201 - $45,000) | 15% | $10 |
| 30% ($45,001 - $135,000) | 15% | $150 |
| 37% ($135,001 - $190,000) | 15% | $220 |
| 45% ($190,001+) | 15% | $300 |
Tip: Use the Salary Sacrifice Calculator to see the exact impact on your take-home pay and super balance.
Division 293 tax for high earners
If your income plus concessional super contributions exceeds $250,000, you pay an additional 15% tax on your super contributions. This brings the total tax on affected contributions to 30%.
How Division 293 is calculated
- Add your taxable income plus concessional super contributions
- If the total exceeds $250,000, Division 293 applies
- The additional 15% tax applies to the lesser of:
- Your concessional contributions, or
- The amount by which you exceed $250,000
Example: Division 293 calculation
Income: $240,000
Super contributions: $25,000 (SG + salary sacrifice)
Div 293 income: $265,000
Amount over threshold: $15,000
Div 293 tax: $15,000 x 15% = $2,250
The $2,250 is in addition to the $3,750 (15%) already deducted from contributions.
Concessional cap and carry-forward
The concessional contributions cap for 2025-26 is $30,000 per year. This includes all employer SG, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible contributions.
Carry-forward unused caps
If your total super balance is under $500,000, you can carry forward unused concessional cap amounts from the previous 5 years. This allows for larger contributions in years when you have extra income.
Example: If you only used $20,000 of your cap last year, you have $10,000 unused. This year you could contribute up to $40,000 ($30,000 + $10,000 carry-forward).
FAQ
What is the Superannuation Guarantee rate for 2025-26?
The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate for 2025-26 is 12%. This is the final scheduled increase, up from 11.5% in 2024-25. Employers must contribute at least this percentage of your ordinary time earnings into your super fund.
What is the concessional contributions cap?
The concessional contributions cap for 2025-26 is $30,000 per year. This includes employer SG contributions, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible contributions. Exceeding the cap results in additional tax at your marginal rate plus interest charges.
What is Division 293 tax?
Division 293 is an additional 15% tax on super contributions for high income earners. It applies when your income plus concessional super contributions exceeds $250,000. This brings the total tax on affected contributions to 30% instead of 15%.
How is super taxed?
Concessional (before-tax) contributions are taxed at 15% inside your super fund, which is lower than most people's marginal tax rate. Investment earnings in super are also taxed at a maximum of 15%, making super a tax-effective investment vehicle.
What is the preservation age?
Preservation age is when you can access your super. For people born after 1 July 1964, preservation age is 60. You can access your super when you reach preservation age and retire, or when you turn 65 regardless of work status.
Should I salary sacrifice into super?
Salary sacrificing can be beneficial if your marginal tax rate is higher than 15% (the super contributions tax rate). The higher your tax bracket, the more you save. However, consider your cashflow needs, the concessional cap, and that super is locked until preservation age.
Tax Accuracy & Sources
This calculator is an estimate tool and may not cover all personal circumstances. For state-based taxes, confirm details with your state or territory revenue office.
Uses 2025-26 ATO rates.