How to top up your super

When it comes to topping up your super, the time is now. Superannuation is a long term investment that thrives on a little short term focus.

The benefits of investing extra in your super (and self) today will pay dividends in the years to come thanks to the power of compound interest and returns. Plus, it just feels really damn good to know that you’re taking an extra step to financially support future you, today.

Deciding how much to contribute to your super is personal and depends on several factors such as your income, how long you have until retirement, and your personal tax requirements. That’s why it’s important to know what your goals are for retirement savings and to have a plan for how to reach your goal (and check how current super and tax rules will apply to you).

The good news is that once you have a plan in place, the process of growing your super balance is simple.

In this guide, we’ll be covering four ways to boost your super, including:

• What are concessional contributions (a.k.a. Tax-deductible contributions)

• What are non-concessional contributions (a.k.a. After-tax contributions)

• How to make a personal contribution as a Verve member  

Translation: payments from your pre-tax income that are tax-deductible 

Concessional super contributions are payments put into your super fund from your pre-tax income or contributions you make that are tax deductible. Making extra concessional contributions to your super can be a great way to top up your balance and reduce your tax. The difference between the tax rate in super of 15% and your marginal tax rate becomes greater as your income rises, though you don’t have to be earning a high salary to take advantage of concessional contributions.  

(Note, if you earn under $18,200 per year (25/26 FY) no income tax is payable. The Low Income Super Tax Offset may be applied to your super when you lodge a tax return, if you earn under $37,000). 

So, what counts as a concessional contribution? Typically, this includes: 

• The superannuation your employer pays under the super guarantee (SG)

• Additional contributions made by your employer through a ‘salary sacrifice arrangement’

• Contributions that you make as a self-employed person and any other personal contributions you make, for which you claim a tax deduction.

There is an annual cap for this financial year (FY25/26) of $30,000 for this type of contribution. To keep an eye on whether or not you have reached this cap, check your concessional contributions via your MyGov account.  

If your super balance on 30 June of the previous financial year is under $500,000 you also have the option to carry forward any unused concessional cap amounts from the previous five years.   

To make additional concessional contributions, you can either organise a ‘salary sacrifice’ agreement with your employer or make a personal contribution and claim it as a tax deduction.  

To make a tax-deductible personal contribution: 

• Check your eligibility  

• Make the payment into your super fund 

• Notify your superannuation fund with a Notice of Intent to claim  

Translation: payments from your after-tax income or money from your spouse

Non-concessional contributions are payments made by you from your post-tax salary (or contributions from your spouse).  

The cap for after-tax contributions for the current financial year (FY2025/26) is $120,000. If your super balance is $2 million or higher (the general transfer balance cap) you are not able to make non-concessional contributions. However, for people with a balance lower than this and aged under 75, you can access future year non-concessional caps of up to $360,000 under the ‘Bring forward arrangement.’ 

To make an additional non-concessional contribution, simply deposit your personal money into your super. Although you will have already paid tax on this income, there are still some potential benefits to making additional contributions, including a lower tax on investment earnings and potential  government co-contributions for lower income earners.

There is no need to notify the ATO when you make after-tax contributions, however, you still need to stay within the non-concessional cap and meet eligibility requirements. 

If you’re a Verve member, you can set up personal contributions by:

1. Logging into your online portal 

2. Select the menu item on the top left and choose ‘Make a personal contribution’ 

3. Complete the online form and then follow the payment instructions to complete Bpay transaction. 

Navigating the super system can be a challenge and at times it feels like a rabbit hole of information. We’re big believers in using knowledge as power and as a big ol’ confidence boost.  

Please note any information provided is general in nature and should not be considered personal financial advice. We recommend you speak to a qualified financial adviser for personal advice.  Information on this page is up to date as at at 1 July 2025.