Australia’s super system always seems to be changing, and this year is no different. This 1 July brings a rise in contribution caps and the transfer balance cap, as well as the welcome introduction of Payday Super.
A new tax on the investment earnings of balances above $3 million is a less popular reform.
Prior years have also brought significant tweaks, making it difficult to keep track of our complex super system.
If all the recent changes and reforms have left you wondering what it all means for your super and retirement plans, here’s a quick guide to the key legislative changes and when they began.
Super rule changes starting 1 July 2026
Payday Super
From 1 July 2026, employers are required to pay compulsory super contributions for their staff at the same time as their wages. In most cases, contributions must arrive at a super fund within seven business days of each payday to be on time.
The transition to Payday Super is a significant change from previous quarterly deadlines. It means contributions are easier to track and missing amounts can be pursued quickly, reducing the risk that employees miss out on their entitlements.
Learn more about Payday Super.
Higher contribution caps
Both the concessional (tax-deductible) and non-concessional contribution caps are rising for 2026–27.
The concessional cap changes from $30,000 to $32,500, while the non-concessional cap moves from $120,000 to $130,000 for the year.
The change to the non-concessional cap also shifts the maximum contribution under a three-year bring-forward arrangement from $360,000 to $390,000.
Need to know
If you’re already in an active bring-forward period, the maximum contribution you can make during that period will not change. Your maximum was set in the year you started the arrangement.
Learn more about the bring-forward rule.
Indexation of the transfer balance cap
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