Super: the unused contributions you might not know you have

Most people know there’s a yearly limit on how much they can put into super before tax. Far fewer know that if they didn’t use their full limit in earlier years, they may be able to use it now. For the right person, that can mean a big tax deduction in the year they need it most.

The yearly limit

Before-tax super contributions are called concessional contributions. They include your employer’s contributions, salary sacrifice and personal contributions you claim as a tax deduction. For the 2026–27 financial year, the limit (the concessional contributions cap) is $32,500.

How carry-forward works

If your total super balance was under $500,000 on 30 June of the previous financial year, you can add unused cap amounts from up to five previous financial years to this year’s limit.

For 2026–27, that means looking at your balance on 30 June 2026 and any unused amounts from 2021–22 to 2025–26. The oldest unused amounts are used first.

Why it matters

A large one-off deductible super contribution can reduce your tax in a year when your income jumps, for example when you:

• sell shares or an investment property at a profit
• receive a big bonus
• sell a business.

An example (illustrative only)

Sarah has $320,000 in super. Her employer has paid in about $15,000 a year for the past five years, so she has unused amounts from 2021–22 to 2025–26 that add up to $67,500.

Add this year’s $32,500 limit and Sarah’s total limit for 2026–27 is $100,000. After her employer’s $15,000 this year, she could contribute up to $85,000 herself and claim it as a tax deduction. In a year she sells shares at a large profit, that could make a real difference to her tax bill.

Contributions are taxed in the super fund, so the benefit depends on your marginal tax rate and your income. The numbers need to be checked for your own situation.

Use it or lose it

Unused amounts expire after five years. Anything left over from 2021–22 will be lost after 30 June 2027.

Get the details right

There are rules about who can claim a deduction for personal contributions, when the money must reach your fund, and the paperwork you must send your fund before you lodge your tax return. Getting the order wrong can cost you the deduction.

You can see your available carry-forward amounts in ATO online services through myGov (Super, then Information, then Carry forward concessional contributions). Or simply ask us to check your available cap and whether it makes sense for you this year.

Contact our team today or call us on 03 8910 8940.

Mike Carter
Managing Director
BLACKFOX Financial Group

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This article contains general information only. It doesn’t take your personal circumstances into account and isn’t personal financial advice. Super and tax rules change, and this information is current as at October 2026. Please speak to us before acting on it.