For many people, the super your employer contributes may not be enough to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in retirement.
This is where adding extra money yourself – known as personal contributions – can help.
Even small amounts, contributed regularly, can make a real difference.
And while you may not need your super now, it’s nice to know it’s quietly growing for you when you do.
Types of personal contributions
Salary sacrifice contributions
What is salary sacrifice?
Salary sacrifice is where you ask your employer to contribute extra money to your super from your before-tax pay.
What are the benefits?
- Grow your super faster
- Contributions are taxed at 15% instead of your personal income tax rate.
- If your income is above $45,000, salary sacrifice could boost your super and reduce your taxable income.
How do I set it up?
Contact your payroll and ask them to set up salary-sacrifice contributions for you.
It’s a good idea to put your request in writing so you have a record.
After-tax contributions
What is it?
After-tax contributions are where you contribute extra money to your super from your take-home pay. For example, this could be from savings, an inheritance or bonus.
What are the benefits?
- Grow your super faster
- Investment earnings in super are taxed at only 15%
- If you meet eligibility rules, the government may add a super co-contribution.
How do I set it up?
- BPay or EFT – log in to firstonline to get your BPay or EFT details
- Payroll – complete our Contribution form and hand it to your payroll.
See the difference to your super balance
Use our contributions calculator to see the difference extra contributions could make to your super balance.
Contribution caps
There are limits on how much you can contribute each financial year. These limits apply across all your super funds:
Before-tax contributions
Includes Super Guarantee payments from your employer (SG), salary sacrifice contributions, and if you make personal contributions and claim a tax deduction.
2025/2026 cap
$30,000
Additional info
If you didn’t use the full cap in any of the last five years, the leftover amount can be carried forward.
After-tax contributions
These are contributions on which you have already paid tax, for example from your bank account, an inheritance, or other earnings.
2025/2026 cap
$120,000
Additional info
If you’re eligible, you may be able to contribute up to $360,000 in one year by bringing forward future years’ caps.
Get help from an expert
Financial decisions can be daunting. That’s where our Advice1 team can help. Call us or book an appointment and we’ll show you the best contribution option for your personal situation. There is no extra cost for this service.
We’re here to help. So, let’s talk
If you have any questions, call our Member Services team on 1300 360 988, email us or use the live chat on our website.
Issued by First Super Pty Ltd (ABN 42 053 498 472, AFSL 223988), as Trustee of First Super (ABN 56 286 625 181). This page contains general advice which has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any investment decisions. To obtain a copy of the PDS or Target Market Determination please contact First Super on 1300 360 988 or visit our PDS & Publications page