Free calculator

Super Strategy Calculator

Project your super balance at retirement under three scenarios — minimum, optimised, and maximised.

How this calculator works

Methodology and assumptions

  • · Concessional cap FY2025–26: $30,000 per year (cap indexed to AWOTE)
  • · Carry-forward unused cap available if total super balance below $500,000 at FY start
  • · Earnings rate assumption: 7% nominal long-term return (illustrative)
  • · Division 293 modelled when total income exceeds $250,000
  • · Retirement at age 65 assumed; preservation age assumed reached

Important: Projection is illustrative only. Actual returns vary materially. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Super tax law, contribution caps, and Division 293 thresholds change. Personal advice required for any specific contribution strategy.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

Should I contribute even with Division 293 applying? +

Generally yes. Even at 30% effective rate (15% normal + 15% Division 293), contributions are typically still more efficient than the 47% paid on equivalent salary.

What is carry-forward concessional cap? +

If your total super balance was below $500,000 at the start of a financial year, unused concessional contribution cap from the previous 5 years can be used. This enables larger one-off contributions in lower-income years.

Can I contribute more than the cap? +

Yes — non-concessional contributions can be made up to higher annual limits ($120,000 per year, or $360,000 using bring-forward). These are after-tax contributions and don't attract Division 293 but use different cap thresholds.

How does the transfer balance cap work? +

The transfer balance cap limits how much can be moved into tax-free retirement pension phase ($1.9M FY2024–25, indexed). Beyond the cap, balances remain in accumulation phase paying 15% tax on earnings.

Should I have an SMSF instead? +

SMSFs become viable above approximately $500,000 of combined balance — below this, fixed costs outweigh benefits. SMSFs offer investment control (direct property, specific shares) but come with significant compliance and trustee responsibilities.

Beyond the calculator

Want personal advice on your situation?

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General Advice Warning. The information and calculator output on this page is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Calculator outputs are illustrative and based on stated assumptions. Actual outcomes vary materially. Before making any financial, tax, credit, or property decision, seek personal advice from a qualified adviser. Tax law and lender criteria change. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.