Salary sacrificing is when you redirect pre-tax salary into super. Super earnings are taxed at 15% — dramatically lower than marginal rates of 30%, 37%, or 45%.
How it works
Earn $120,000? Normally $100k goes into your take-home (roughly) and $20k reaches super via SG. Salary-sacrifice an extra $10k: you avoid income tax at your marginal rate (say 37%) on that $10k, paying 15% super contributions tax instead. You save $2,200 in tax — every year.
The caps
- Concessional contributions cap: $30,000/year (2024-25 onwards). This is the total of SG + salary sacrifice + personal deductible contributions.
- Carry-forward unused cap: If your super balance is under $500k at 30 June, unused cap from the past 5 years can be used now.
- Division 293 tax: Above $250k total income, extra 15% super contributions tax applies. Still beats 47% marginal.
Who benefits most
Higher-rate earners ($120k+) get the biggest lift. Lower-income earners (under $45k) may see Government Co-contributions that are more valuable than salary sacrifice.
Use the calculator
Our Superannuation Calculator lets you project your super balance with SG + voluntary contributions, showing the compound effect over your working life.