Super Contributions Before 30 June 2026 And Increase In Cap Limits From 1 July 2026
- Future Accounting
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Written by: Catherine Neville
Super contributions before 30 June 2026 and the increase in super contribution cap limits from 1 July 2026 may provide valuable opportunities to boost retirement savings.
February’s Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) numbers mean the super contribution caps will increase from 1 July 2026, creating additional opportunities for individuals to contribute more to super in a tax-effective way.
Understanding the current super contribution caps before 30 June 2026, and how those limits will increase under the super contribution caps 2026 changes, can help individuals plan their contributions more effectively across financial years.
By reviewing contribution strategies before and after 30 June 2026, individuals may be able to maximise tax-effective retirement savings while staying within the applicable cap limits.
What are the current super contribution caps before 30 June 2026 and what caps increase from 1 July 2026?
Superannuation contribution caps will increase from 1 July 2026, creating additional opportunities for individuals to contribute more to super in a tax-effective way.
Understanding the current super contribution caps before 30 June 2026, and how those limits will increase from 1 July 2026, can help individuals plan their contributions more effectively across financial years.
Contribution type | Current caps before 30 June 2026 | New caps from 1 July 2026 |
Concessional contributions cap | $30,000 | $32,500 |
Non-concessional contributions cap | $120,000 | $130,000 |
Bring-forward rule (3 years) | $360,000 | $390,000 |
Contribution strategies to consider before 30 June 2026
Maximising concessional contribution current year cap
Catch-up unused concessional contributions
Concessional contribution reserve (deferred allocation)
Spouse contribution splitting
Re-contribution strategies
It is possible that some of these types of contributions may allow an individual to claim a larger tax deduction for this current financial year.
Some strategies worth reviewing before 30 June 2026 may include:
Maximising concessional contribution current year cap
Catch up unused concessional contributions - Individuals may review whether they have unused concessional cap amounts available from previous financial years.
Under the carry-forward concessional contribution rules, unused cap amounts from the previous five years may be used if the individual’s total super balance is below the eligibility threshold.
Concessional contribution reserve (deferred allocation) – making contributions into an SMSF in June but not allocating them to a member account unit July , often this is done to claim a “double deduction” in the one financial year.
Some of these mentioned types of contributions may allow a larger tax-deductible super contribution before 30 June 2026.
Spouse contribution Splitting – allows concessional contributions made by one member to be transferred to the other member the couple, strategy often used to help build up the balance of the receiving spouse’s super balance.
Re-contributions – strategy is designed to reduce the taxable component of a member’s superannuation benefits & increase their tax-free component.
Benefits associated with re-contributions:
Can help with reducing the tax paid on death should their super balance be inherited by an individual (who is not a tax dependant) eg: adult children.
Protect the member against higher personal taxes in the future in the event that tax is re-introduced on pension or lump sum benefits to a member paid between the age of: 60 -64yrs.
Also, to equalise superannuation balances between spouses.
Downsizer contributions
From age 55, individuals may be eligible to contribute up to $300,000 to super using proceeds from the sale of their main residence, subject to eligibility rules.
You must be aged 55 or older at the time of the contribution.
The home must have been owned for at least 10 years prior to sale.
The contribution must generally be made within 90 days of settlement.
The property must be located in Australia and cannot be a caravan, houseboat or mobile home.
Downsizer contributions can be attractive because they allow individuals aged 55 or over, with no maximum age, to contribute to super without counting toward normal contribution caps. They also do not require meeting a work test or having a specific total super balance, making them one of the few ways some people can still add significant funds to super later in life.
Higher contribution limits from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, the concessional contribution cap will increase to $32,500, allowing individuals to contribute more through employer super guarantee contributions, salary sacrifice arrangements and personal deductible contributions.
From 1 July 2026, individuals will also be able to contribute up to $130,000 per year in non‑concessional contributions.
For individuals eligible to use the three‑year bring‑forward rule, this could allow up to $390,000 to be contributed in one financial year.
Why super contribution planning matters
Superannuation remains one of the most tax‑effective investment environments, with concessional tax treatment applying to both contributions and investment earnings.
When planning super contributions, it is important to consider your total super balance, eligibility for contribution rules and your overall retirement planning strategy.
Timing contributions correctly
Contributions must generally be received by the super fund before 30 June to count toward that financial year’s cap. Leaving contributions until the final days of June may create the risk that they are processed in the following financial year.
Final thoughts
If you are considering making super contributions before 30 June 2026, or would like to take advantage of the increase in contribution cap limits from 1 July 2026, it may be worthwhile reviewing your super strategy in advance.
Our team works closely with clients and their financial advisers to help them understand super contribution rules and identify strategies that align with their long‑term retirement objectives.
If you would like to review your super contribution strategy, we welcome you to book an appointment with our team.
Disclaimer
This article does not constitute financial advice and is for general information only. It does not take into account any individual’s personal objectives, situation or needs, and is not intended as professional advice. Any similarity to an individual’s personal circumstances and the examples provided in this article is purely coincidental. Any person acting upon such information without receiving specific advice, does so entirely at their own risk.
Authorisation under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is not required in the provision of this article and the author plus Future Accounting Group Pty Ltd is not acting in its capacity as an Australian Financial Services Licence holder
Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
