Tax Guide
2 sections · 4 claims

Super Strategies

Section 1 of 2

First Home Super Saver Scheme

Use super to save for your first home — with tax benefits

FHSS Contributions

Make voluntary concessional (pre-tax) contributions to your super, then withdraw them later to buy your first home. Contributions are taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate.

Example

Earn $85,000 (30% bracket). Salary sacrifice $15,000 into super — save 15% instead of 30% = $2,250 tax saving. Withdraw it later for your deposit.

Up to $15,000 per year, $50,000 total — must be within the concessional cap

FHSS Withdrawal

Apply to the ATO to release your FHSS contributions (plus deemed earnings). The released amount is taxed at your marginal rate minus a 30% offset.

Example

Contributed $40,000 over 3 years. Apply for release, sign a contract within 12 months, and use it toward your deposit.

Must be a first home buyer — haven't owned property in Australia before
ATO reference

Section 2 of 2

Salary Sacrifice into Super

Pay less tax by putting pre-tax income into super

How Salary Sacrifice Works

Your employer redirects part of your pre-tax salary into super. The contribution is taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate — the higher your bracket, the bigger the saving.

Example

Earn $140,000 (37% bracket). Sacrifice $10,000 — pay 15% super tax ($1,500) instead of $3,700 in income tax. Save $2,200.

Total concessional contributions (employer + sacrifice) must stay under $30,000

Carry-Forward Unused Cap

If your super balance is under $500,000, you can use unused concessional cap amounts from the previous 5 years to make a larger contribution this year.

Example

Only used $20,000 of your $30,000 cap last year? Carry forward $10,000 — contribute up to $40,000 this year.

Super balance must be under $500,000 at 30 June of the previous year
ATO reference

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