Super Contribution Strategies Before Retirement

The years immediately before retirement can be an important opportunity to boost your super.

If your cash flow and circumstances allow, several contribution strategies may help increase the amount available to fund your retirement.

Concessional contributions

Concessional contributions generally include employer super, salary sacrifice and eligible personal contributions for which you claim a tax deduction.

The general concessional contributions cap has been $30,000 a year since 1 July 2024.

Eligible people may also be able to use unused concessional cap amounts from earlier financial years, potentially allowing a larger deductible contribution.

Non-concessional contributions

If you have money outside super, you may consider making an after-tax or non-concessional contribution.

The standard annual non-concessional contributions cap was $120,000 for 2025–26, with eligibility and potentially higher bring-forward limits depending on factors including your total super balance.

Because super caps can be indexed, check the applicable limit before contributing.

Downsizer contributions

If you're 55 or older and sell an eligible home, you may be able to make a downsizer contribution of up to $300,000 per eligible person. Specific eligibility requirements and time limits apply.

Get the timing right

Contribution strategies can become complicated when several caps, tax deductions and retirement strategies interact.

Planning contributions several years before retirement can provide more flexibility than waiting until your final year of work.

General information only. Contribution caps, eligibility and tax treatment should be checked before making a contribution.