Are you eligible to claim a tax deduction
You can claim a tax deduction for your personal contributions if:
- You haven't opened an account-based pension using part or all of the contributions for which you intend to claim a tax deduction,
- You’re a member of AustralianSuper and your contributions are still in your super account,
- You haven’t lodged an application to split the contribution for which you intend to claim a deduction (this must be done after you give us your notice of intent to claim a deduction),
- The contributions have not been released under the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme, and
- You meet the work test or work test exemption if you’re aged between 67 and 75 years2.
Potential benefits of claiming a tax deduction
Reduce your taxable income
Boost your retirement savings
How much you can claim
How to claim your tax deduction
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1. Make a contribution
Start by logging into your account online and making an after-tax voluntary contribution1. You can make contributions using BPAY® or direct debit. If using BPAY, ensure your payment is made at least 10 business days before the end of the financial year.
® Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518
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2. Notify us of your intent and submit your claim online
You can lodge a notice of intent to claim a tax deduction online quickly and easily using one the following options:
- Mobile app: Log into your account, select ‘Contribution caps’, open the ‘Claim a tax deduction’ form, then complete and submit it.
- Account online: Log into your account, go to ‘Account’, then ‘Online forms’. Under 'Start an online form', select 'Claim a tax deduction', complete and submit it. If you don’t have online access set up, register now.
Once you’ve submitted your form, you'll receive a confirmation after we've processed your request. We’ll also notify the ATO too. In some instances, requests may take up to 5 business days to process, particularly if you’re varying an existing claim.
You’ll need to do this before you lodge your tax return for the financial year in which the after-tax contributions were made or by 30 June of the following year.
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3. Add to your tax return
After receiving confirmation, submit your tax return. You'll need to state the amount you want to claim as a tax deduction in the supplementary section of your tax return. -
If you’re unable to claim online
If you can’t lodge your notice of intent to claim your tax deduction online using the mobile app or your account online, the quickest and easiest options, you can submit it using the Claiming a tax deduction for personal super contributions form instead. Download and complete the form, then upload it online. We’ll process your request within 5 business days.
Important considerations
Certain contributions cannot be claimed as tax deductions:
- concessional contributions like salary sacrifice,
- First Home Super Saver scheme contributions,
- COVID-19 withdrawals that you’ve recontributed,
- downsizer contributions,
- spouse contributions, and
- rolled over super benefit amounts.
If you’re claiming a deduction for an after-tax super contribution, the contribution will count towards your concessional contributions cap ($30,000 per year).
Note that you may be eligible to contribute more if you have unused concessional contributions from previous financial years.
For more information on eligibility criteria for contributions that can be claimed as tax deductions and the latest tax rates, visit ato.gov.au
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Disclaimers
- Before adding to your super, consider your financial circumstances, eligibility, contribution caps that may apply, tax issues and when your super can be accessed. We recommend you consider seeking financial advice.
- If you’re 75 or older, you can’t claim a deduction for personal contributions you made more than 28 days after the month you turned 75.