Australian Super Calculator
Project your super balance at retirement — employer contributions at the 12% guarantee rate, salary sacrifice, and investment returns in AUD.
AU Super Calculator
ATO Super Guarantee 12% & ASFA benchmarks · 2025–26
Super Summary
REAL AUDSuper projection summary
A plain-English read of how the super balance compounds at the inputs above — using the current 12% Super Guarantee rate, ATO 2025–26 contribution caps, and a 15% earnings tax in accumulation phase.
Balance composition at retirement
Year-by-year balance projection
How the super balance is projected to grow each year, including employer SG, voluntary contributions, and compounding investment earnings (taxed at 15% in accumulation).
| Age | Opening Balance | Annual Contributions | Net Earnings | Closing Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 31 | AUD 85,000 | AUD 10,200 | AUD 6,012 | AUD 100,312 |
| Age 35 | AUD 155,144 | AUD 11,933 | AUD 10,594 | AUD 176,770 |
| Age 40 | AUD 283,595 | AUD 14,518 | AUD 18,947 | AUD 316,160 |
| Age 45 | AUD 475,390 | AUD 17,663 | AUD 31,375 | AUD 523,528 |
| Age 50 | AUD 757,114 | AUD 21,490 | AUD 49,579 | AUD 827,282 |
| Age 55 | AUD 1,158,045 | AUD 21,532 | AUD 75,141 | AUD 1,253,817 |
| Age 60 | AUD 1,707,222 | AUD 22,750 | AUD 110,228 | AUD 1,839,300 |
| Age 65 | AUD 2,457,353 | AUD 22,750 | AUD 158,049 | AUD 2,637,252 |
| Age 67 | AUD 2,828,619 | AUD 22,750 | AUD 181,717 | AUD 3,032,187 |
Typical Balanced asset mix
Indicative asset allocation for a typical "Balanced" MySuper investment option (~70% growth assets, ~30% defensive). Members can choose other risk profiles or self-direct via Choice options.
Asset class allocation
ASFA Retirement Standard benchmark
How the projected super balance compares to the February 2026 ASFA Retirement Standard lump-sum benchmarks. ASFA assumes home ownership and a partial Age Pension. Per ASFA (industry benchmark, not an official government figure).
Lump-sum comparison
Salary sacrifice impact
Compares the current scenario against an additional salary sacrifice contribution. Salary sacrifice is taxed at 15% in the fund instead of the marginal tax rate, generating tax savings for most earners. Counts toward the AUD 32,500 concessional cap. Per ASIC MoneySmart.
The concessional cap is AUD 32,500/year and includes employer SG plus salary sacrifice. If Total Super Balance is below AUD 500,000 at 30 June of the previous year, unused concessional cap from the prior 5 years can be carried forward. Per ATO.
Australian Superannuation Rates & Schemes
ATO and ASFA confirmed figures for the 2026–27 financial year (1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027). All data sourced from official Australian government and industry publications.
Contribution Caps 2025–26
Annual caps on contributions to super. Concessional includes employer SG and salary sacrifice. Source: ATO.
Contribution Tax
Tax applied to contributions and earnings inside the fund. Source: ATO.
Transfer Balance Cap
Limit on the total amount that can move into the tax-free retirement phase. Indexed periodically. Source: ATO.
Division 293 — high earners
Additional 15% tax on concessional contributions where income plus contributions exceed the threshold. Source: ATO.
LISTO — low income offset
Refunds the 15% contributions tax for low-income earners. Source: ATO.
Government Co-contribution
Up to 50¢ per AUD 1 contributed (after-tax) for eligible low-income earners. Source: ATO.
ASFA Retirement Standard — February 2026 update
ASFA revised the lump-sum benchmarks in February 2026 to reflect rising living costs. Annual budgets are updated quarterly with CPI.
| Standard | Annual Budget | Lump Sum at 67 |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable single | AUD 54,840 | AUD 630,000 |
| Comfortable couple | AUD 77,375 | AUD 730,000 |
| Modest single | AUD 35,503 | AUD 110,000 |
| Modest couple | AUD 51,299 | AUD 120,000 |
Annual budgets from the ASFA December 2025 quarter; lump sums from the ASFA February 2026 update. Source: ASFA Retirement Standard (industry benchmark).
Coverage of Comfortable Standard
The Comfortable Standard covers private health insurance, a reasonable car with replacements, regular restaurant meals, domestic and occasional international holidays, household appliance replacement, and recreational activities. It assumes the retiree owns their home outright.
Coverage of Modest Standard
The Modest Standard covers basic needs, public transport, limited dining out, and one domestic holiday per year. The Age Pension provides a substantial portion of the Modest income.
Minimum Pension Drawdown Rates
Once super is in pension phase, ATO sets a minimum percentage of the account balance that must be withdrawn each year. These minimums ensure benefits are drawn down across retirement.
| Age | Minimum Drawdown |
|---|---|
| Under 65 | 4% |
| 65 – 74 | 5% |
| 75 – 79 | 6% |
| 80 – 84 | 7% |
| 85 – 89 | 9% |
| 90 – 94 | 11% |
| 95+ | 14% |
Preservation Age & Access
Preservation Age
The age at which super becomes accessible (subject to a condition of release).
| Born | Preservation Age |
|---|---|
| Before 1 July 1960 | 55 |
| 1 July 1960 – 30 June 1964 | 56–59 (phased) |
| 1 July 1964 onwards | 60 |
Conditions of Release
Common conditions include:
| Condition | From |
|---|---|
| Reaching preservation age & retiring | 60 |
| Transition to retirement | 60 |
| Reaching age 65 | 65 (no condition) |
| Permanent incapacity | Any age |
| Severe financial hardship | Any age |
Division 296 — Better Targeted Super Concessions
Now law. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 13 March 2026 and applies from 1 July 2026 (FY 2026–27).
| Total Super Balance | Additional Tax | Effective Rate on Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Up to AUD 3,000,000 | 0% | 15% (existing) |
| AUD 3M – AUD 10M | +15% | 30% |
| Above AUD 10M | +25% | 40% |
Both AUD 3M and AUD 10M thresholds are CPI-indexed (in AUD 150,000 and AUD 500,000 increments). Source: ATO Better Targeted Super Concessions.
Key Super Dates 2025–26
Australian Retirement Lifestyle Calculator
Build a retirement budget that reflects your lifestyle, then compare it to the ASFA Retirement Standard (February 2026 update). Lump sum estimates assume retirement at age 67 with home ownership.
Your retirement lifestyle
Adjust the sliders to match your spending
Set typical annual amounts for each category. Defaults reflect a balanced retirement lifestyle.
Your projection
Compared to ASFA standards
What this means
Your annual budget of AUD 54,240 sits between ASFA Modest (AUD 35,503) and Comfortable (AUD 54,840).
An additional AUD 600/year would meet the Comfortable benchmark. Estimated lump sum required: AUD 614k.
ASFA Retirement Standard at a glance
| Standard | Annual | Lump Sum |
|---|---|---|
| Modest single | AUD 35,503 | AUD 110,000 |
| Modest couple | AUD 51,299 | AUD 120,000 |
| Comfortable single | AUD 54,840 | AUD 630,000 |
| Comfortable couple | AUD 77,375 | AUD 730,000 |
| Your projection | AUD 54,240 | AUD 614k |
Annual budgets from the ASFA December 2025 quarter; lump sums from the February 2026 update. Source: ASFA Retirement Standard (industry benchmark).
Australian Superannuation Figures at a Glance
Headline rates, ASFA benchmarks, and average balances for 2025–26 — sourced from APRA Quarterly Statistics, ATO, and ASFA.
Super figures over time & by age
ATO & ASFA · 2025–26Typical Balanced asset mix
ASFA lump sums & annual budgets
Average super balance — Men vs Women
ATO Taxation Statistics 2022–23| Age band | Men | Women | Gender gap |
|---|---|---|---|
30 – 34 | AUD 53,154 | AUD 44,053 | 17% |
40 – 44 | AUD 131,792 | AUD 102,227 | 22% |
50 – 54 | AUD 237,084 | AUD 176,824 | 25% |
60 – 64 | AUD 380,737 | AUD 300,717 | 21% |
65 – 69 | AUD 421,000 | AUD 318,400 | 24% |
Australian Superannuation News & Policy Updates
Recent changes to superannuation legislation, ATO rates, ASFA benchmarks, and APRA performance — sourced from official government and industry channels.
Division 296 Tax Now Law — Royal Assent on 13 March 2026
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 13 March 2026, making Division 296 law. Applies from 1 July 2026.
Two-tier rates from 1 July 2026
- AUD 3M – AUD 10M: additional 15% (effective 30%)
- Above AUD 10M: additional 25% (effective 40%)
Indexation
Both AUD 3M and AUD 10M thresholds CPI-indexed in AUD 150,000 and AUD 500,000 increments.
Affected & Timing
Now law — Royal Assent received 13 March 2026, applying from 1 July 2026 (FY 2026–27). Both thresholds are CPI-indexed: AUD 3 million in AUD 150,000 increments and AUD 10 million in AUD 500,000 increments.
ASFA Lifts Comfortable Retirement Lump Sums to AUD 630k Single / AUD 730k Couple
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia revised its Retirement Standard lump sums in February 2026 — the first revision in three years — to reflect rising living costs.
Comfortable benchmarks raised
- Single: AUD 595,000 → AUD 630,000
- Couple: AUD 690,000 → AUD 730,000
Modest benchmarks raised
- Single: AUD 100,000 → AUD 110,000
- Couple: AUD 100,000 → AUD 120,000
Why it changed
ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty said retirees' living costs have risen but Age Pension support has not kept pace, meaning retirees need higher savings to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Annual budgets (December 2025 quarter): comfortable single AUD 54,840, comfortable couple AUD 77,375. Modest single AUD 35,503, modest couple AUD 51,299.
Division 296 Bill Introduced to Parliament
The Federal Government introduced the revamped Division 296 Bill to Parliament after consultation. Final legislation included a two-tier structure with CPI-indexed thresholds.
Key changes from original
- Start date deferred from 1 July 2025 to 1 July 2026
- Two-tier rates (15% additional on AUD 3M+, 25% additional on AUD 10M+)
- Both thresholds CPI-indexed
- Royal Assent received 13 March 2026
Australian Superannuation — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Super Guarantee, contribution caps, ASFA benchmarks, Division 296, and accessing super in retirement — answered with current ATO and ASFA figures.
Superannuation is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Employers must contribute a percentage of an employee's ordinary time earnings (OTE) to a super fund — the Superannuation Guarantee (SG). Most employees aged 18 or over are entitled to receive SG contributions, regardless of full-time, part-time, or casual status. The SG rate from 1 July 2025 is 12% — the final legislated rate.
ATO Super GuaranteeThe SG rate from 1 July 2025 is 12% of ordinary time earnings — the final legislated rate. There are no further scheduled increases. Recent history: 10.5% (2022), 11% (2023), 11.5% (2024), 12% (2025).
Employers do not pay SG on earnings above the maximum contribution base of AUD 270,830 per year (the quarterly basis was abolished under Payday Super from 1 July 2026).
ATO SG SchedulePayday Super starts 1 July 2026. From this date, employers must pay SG contributions at the same time as wages, and contributions must reach the super fund within 7 business days. This replaces the current quarterly system. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Act 2025 has passed Parliament and is now law.
ATO Payday SuperLog in to myGov and link the ATO. The 'Super' tab shows all super accounts in your name including ATO-held super (from former employers, lost accounts, government co-contributions). Consolidating accounts removes duplicate fees and insurance premiums.
ATO Keeping Track of SuperYes. From 1 July 2025, parents who receive Government-funded Paid Parental Leave Pay receive an additional 12% super contribution on those payments. The contribution is paid as a lump sum by the ATO after the end of the financial year — first payments are scheduled for July 2026 for the 2025–26 cohort.
Designed to reduce the gender super gap (~25% at retirement). Estimated benefit: ~AUD 2,637 in additional super per parent taking full leave.
ATO Super for IndividualsSuper does not automatically form part of an estate. Distribution is governed by the fund's rules and any binding death benefit nomination on file. If a binding nomination is in place, the trustee must pay according to its terms; otherwise the trustee uses discretion to pay dependants or the legal personal representative.
Tax treatment depends on who receives the benefit and whether it is paid as a lump sum or income stream.
MoneySmart How Super WorksContribution caps for 2026–27 (indexed 1 July 2026):
- Concessional cap: AUD 32,500 per year — covers employer SG, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible contributions. Taxed at 15% in the fund.
- Non-concessional cap: AUD 130,000 per year — after-tax contributions. Up to AUD 390,000 over 3 years using the bring-forward rule.
- Carry-forward unused concessional cap: available if Total Super Balance is below AUD 500,000 at 30 June of the previous year.
If your Total Super Balance is at or above AUD 2,100,000, the non-concessional cap is nil.
ATO Contribution CapsSalary sacrifice is an arrangement where an employee agrees to direct part of their pre-tax salary into super. These contributions are concessional contributions, taxed at 15% in the fund instead of the employee's marginal rate.
Salary sacrifice counts toward the AUD 32,500 concessional cap, alongside employer SG. For higher earners, the tax saving can be substantial (e.g. someone in the 30% bracket saves 15c on every dollar sacrificed).
MoneySmart Super ContributionsThe Government pays up to AUD 500 per year as a co-contribution if you make eligible after-tax contributions and your total income is below the lower threshold. For 2025–26:
- Lower threshold: AUD 47,488 (full entitlement)
- Upper threshold: AUD 62,488 (entitlement cuts out)
- Match rate: 50¢ per AUD 1 contributed, capped at AUD 500
Paid automatically by the ATO if you lodge a tax return and meet eligibility.
ATO Co-contributionConcessional cap excess: the excess is included in assessable income and taxed at the marginal rate, with a 15% tax offset. An excess concessional contributions charge also applies.
Non-concessional cap excess: the excess can be released from super (along with 85% of associated earnings, taxed at marginal rate), or left in super and taxed at 47%. The ATO issues a determination after a tax return is lodged.
ATO Caps, Limits & Contribution TaxAccording to the ASFA Retirement Standard (February 2026 update), the lump sum required at age 67 for a comfortable retirement is:
- Single: AUD 630,000
- Couple: AUD 730,000
For a modest retirement (covers basics plus the Age Pension): AUD 110,000 single / AUD 120,000 couple. These figures assume home ownership outright. ASFA increased the comfortable lump sums for the first time in three years in February 2026 to reflect rising living costs.
ASFA Retirement Standard (industry benchmark)ASFA Retirement Standard annual budgets (December 2025 quarter, retirees aged 65–84, home owners):
- Comfortable single: AUD 54,840/year
- Comfortable couple: AUD 77,375/year
- Modest single: AUD 35,503/year
- Modest couple: AUD 51,299/year
Annual budgets are updated quarterly with CPI; lump sums are revised periodically (last revision February 2026).
ASFA Quarterly Standard (industry benchmark)The Transfer Balance Cap (TBC) limits the amount of super that can be transferred into the tax-free retirement (pension) phase. From 1 July 2026, the general TBC is AUD 2,100,000 (up from AUD 2.0 million).
Investment earnings inside the retirement phase are tax-free up to the TBC. Earnings on amounts above the TBC remain in accumulation, where earnings are taxed at 15%.
ATO Transfer Balance CapThe Age Pension is an income-support payment from Services Australia, available from age 67. Eligibility is means-tested against income and assets. Super in pension phase counts as an assessable asset and contributes to deemed income.
The full Age Pension (March 2026) is approximately AUD 30,646/year for a single person and AUD 46,202/year combined for a couple. ASFA's Modest Retirement Standard assumes the Age Pension is the main income source.
Services Australia Age PensionYou can access super when you reach preservation age (60 for everyone born after 1 July 1964) AND you satisfy a condition of release such as permanently retiring or starting a transition-to-retirement income stream.
Unrestricted access — without needing to satisfy a condition of release — applies from age 65.
ATO Withdrawing SuperYes — under the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme. You can release up to AUD 50,000 of voluntary contributions plus associated earnings to put toward a first home, with a maximum of AUD 15,000 from any single financial year counting toward the total.
Only voluntary contributions (salary sacrifice or personal) are eligible — employer SG amounts cannot be released.
ATO FHSSFor most Australians the answer is no. If you are aged 60 or older, withdrawals from a taxed super fund (which most are) are generally 100% tax-free — whether taken as a lump sum or income stream.
Different rules apply for untaxed funds (some public-sector schemes) and for components such as untaxed elements within a benefit.
ATO Withdrawing SuperOnce super is in pension phase, the ATO requires a minimum annual withdrawal based on age:
- Under 65: 4%
- 65–74: 5%
- 75–79: 6%
- 80–84: 7%
- 85–89: 9%
- 90–94: 11%
- 95+: 14%
These minimums ensure pension benefits are drawn down over the retiree's lifetime.
ATO Withdrawing SuperDivision 293 is an additional 15% tax on concessional super contributions for individuals whose income plus concessional contributions exceeds AUD 250,000.
The additional tax applies only to the amount by which the relevant excess pushes income above the threshold. The ATO calculates the liability and issues a notice of assessment; the individual can elect to pay it personally or have it released from super.
ATO Caps, Limits & Contribution TaxDivision 296 (also called Better Targeted Super Concessions) is a new tax on individuals with Total Super Balances above AUD 3 million. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 13 March 2026 and applies from 1 July 2026.
Two-tier rates on superannuation earnings (in addition to the existing 15% fund tax):
- AUD 3M – AUD 10M: additional 15% (effective 30%)
- Above AUD 10M: additional 25% (effective 40%)
Both thresholds are CPI-indexed — AUD 3 million in AUD 150,000 increments and AUD 10 million in AUD 500,000 increments.
ATO Better Targeted Super ConcessionsThe Low Income Super Tax Offset (LISTO) refunds the 15% contributions tax on concessional contributions for low-income earners. For 2025–26:
- Income threshold: AUD 37,000 or below
- Maximum offset: AUD 500 per year
- From 1 July 2027: threshold rises to AUD 45,000, max offset rises to AUD 810
Paid automatically by the ATO directly to the super fund if a Tax File Number is recorded.
ATO Caps, Limits & Contribution TaxSuper investment earnings are taxed at:
- Accumulation phase: maximum 15% on earnings (effective rate often lower due to franking credits and CGT discount)
- Retirement (pension) phase: 0% on earnings up to the AUD 2 million Transfer Balance Cap
Capital gains on assets held for more than 12 months receive a 1/3 discount, giving an effective CGT rate of 10% in accumulation.
ATO Caps, Limits & Contribution TaxImportant Disclaimer
For educational and informational purposes only. This calculator produces estimates based on the inputs provided and ATO figures effective from 1 July 2026. The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate is 12%, the maximum contribution base is AUD 270,830 per year (the quarterly basis was abolished under Payday Super from 1 July 2026), the concessional contributions cap is AUD 32,500 per year, and the non-concessional cap is AUD 130,000 per year. The Transfer Balance Cap is AUD 2,100,000 from 1 July 2026. Concessional contributions are taxed at 15% in the fund, with an additional 15% Division 293 tax where the sum of income and concessional contributions exceeds AUD 250,000. The Low Income Super Tax Offset (LISTO) refunds up to AUD 500 for earners with income of AUD 37,000 or below (rising to AUD 810 / AUD 45,000 from 1 July 2027). The Division 296 tax — which received Royal Assent on 13 March 2026 — applies an additional 15% on earnings attributable to Total Super Balances above AUD 3 million and 25% above AUD 10 million from 1 July 2026. The ASFA Retirement Standard lump sums shown as a comparison benchmark (February 2026 update) are AUD 630,000 (single) and AUD 730,000 (couple) for a comfortable retirement at age 67. The ASFA Retirement Standard is published by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, an industry body — it is an industry benchmark, not an official government figure. ASIC MoneySmart publishes the government's own retirement planning guidance.
No warranty of accuracy. While Money Snap takes reasonable care to source figures from official authorities (ATO, ASIC MoneySmart, APRA) — with retirement lifestyle benchmarks drawn from the ASFA Retirement Standard, an industry publication — this calculator is provided "as is" without any express or implied warranty as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or fitness for any particular purpose. Super contribution caps, tax thresholds, ASFA benchmarks, and pension rules are subject to change. Individual circumstances, fund performance, fee structures, insurance premiums, defined-benefit interests, total super balance position, residency status, and contribution history not captured by the inputs may materially affect actual outcomes.
Not financial advice. Information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Results do not constitute financial, tax, or retirement-planning advice, and use of this calculator does not create an advisory relationship. Before acting on any figure shown, obtain personal advice from a registered tax agent (Tax Practitioners Board) or a licensed financial adviser, consult the ATO directly for tax matters, or check your latest super fund statement at my.gov.au for authoritative balances and projections.
Limitation of liability. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Money Snap accepts no liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense — direct or indirect — arising from reliance on this calculator or the information it produces. Users are responsible for verifying all figures with the ATO and the relevant authorities before relying on them. Use of this calculator is subject to our Terms of Use.
Official data sources
Lump sums February 2026 update · Annual budgets December 2025 quarter · SG rate 12% (effective 1 July 2025) · Concessional cap AUD 32,500 · TBC AUD 2,100,000 · ASFA Comfortable single AUD 630,000 (Feb 2026) · SG rate 12% · Concessional cap AUD 32,500 · TBC AUD 2,100,000 · ASFA Comfortable Single AUD 630,000 (Feb 2026)