Non-Concessional Contributions: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how making after-tax contributions to your super can help your wealth grow in a low-tax environment if you meet certain balance requirements.
Non-concessional contributions allow you to put money into your superannuation using funds that have already been taxed. These contributions can help your retirement savings grow more efficiently within a low-tax environment.
Who it's for
This scheme is available to individuals who have a total superannuation balance below $1.9M. If your total balance exceeds this amount, you may not be eligible to make these specific types of contributions.
What you get
The primary benefit of these contributions is the ability to move money into a superannuation account where it can grow in a low-tax environment. Because you are using after-tax money—meaning the tax has already been paid on these funds—the growth within the fund is managed under a different tax structure than a standard bank account.
What it costs you
While these are after-tax contributions, there are rules regarding how much you can put in. There is an annual cap that limits the amount you can contribute each year. If you choose to contribute a larger amount than the standard yearly limit, you may trigger "bring-forward" rules. This means you are essentially using up your contribution room from future years to make a larger lump sum now.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is how the "bring-forward" rule works. This rule is not a fixed amount for everyone; instead, it depends on your current age and your total superannuation balance. Before making large contributions, you must ensure you understand how these rules apply to your specific situation to avoid unintended consequences.
How to apply
- Review your current total superannuation balance to ensure it is below the threshold.
- Determine if your planned contribution will trigger the "bring-forward" rules based on your age.
- Contact your superannuation fund to discuss making an after-tax contribution.
- Check the official government portal for the current annual cap and specific rules.