Our investment team continues to closely monitor global developments, including recent events in the Middle East, to carefully manage your super through changing market conditions. You can read more here.
Our investment team continues to closely monitor global developments, including recent events in the Middle East, to carefully manage your super through changing market conditions. You can read more here.
EOFY often gets us thinking about money, and your super deserves its moment too. You don’t need to do everything, but a few small moves now could make a big difference over time. Your future self will thank you.
If you have a little extra cash around 30 June, putting what you can into your super can be a powerful EOFY move. Contributions generally fall into two categories: concessional (before-tax) and non-concessional (after-tax).
Concessional contributions are generally taxed at a lower rate inside super and may reduce your taxable income – and that’s why they’re often the first choice.
Non-concessional contributions come from money you’ve already paid tax on. They don’t reduce your taxable income, but they still help grow your retirement savings.
The best option depends on how you earn income, how much has already gone into your super this year and how close you are to EOFY deadlines. Rules and eligibility vary based on your personal circumstances, like your age, work situation and how you contribute.
Before-tax contributions can be particularly effective because they may reduce your taxable income while helping grow your super. There are two main ways to make them: through salary sacrifice or by making a personal contributions and claiming a tax deduction later.
Salary sacrifice means choosing to have part of your pre-tax salary (or sometimes an extra payment, like a bonus) paid into your super instead of your take home pay.
What’s involved
You’ll need to set this up with your employer. You complete a form or agreement, and your employer pays money into your super on your behalf.
Good to know for EOFY
Salary sacrifice only applies to income you haven’t been paid yet. If you’re close to 30 June, there might only be limited time for changes to take effect. Check what your employer has already contributed this financial year as annual contribution caps apply.
You can also make a personal contribution using money from your take-home pay or savings. If you’re eligible, you can claim a tax deduction for that contribution when you lodge your tax return.
This can be a practical EOFY option if you have spare cash and want more flexibility than salary sacrifice allows.
What’s involved
You make a personal contribution directly to your super fund. To claim a tax deduction, you need to submit a ‘notice of intent to claim a tax deduction’ to your super fund and receive confirmation from your super fund before lodging your tax return.
Good to know for EOFY
Personal deductible contributions count toward your annual concessional (before-tax) contribution cap, so it’s worth checking how much you have contributed during the year. Super funds may also have processing cutoff dates close to 30 June, so acting earlier can help ensure your contribution counts this financial year.
For more information about claiming a tax deduction on your personal super contributions click here. You can also visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website or speak with your registered tax agent.
If you’ve had a career break, worked part-time or didn’t contribute the full amount to your super in previous years for another reason, you might be able to add more now, using what’s called ‘catch-up’ contributions.
What’s involved
If you’re eligible, you make a concessional contribution above the standard annual cap, using unused amounts from previous years.
Good to know for EOFY
Eligibility depends on your total super balance and contribution history. You can check your total super balance and contribution caps in ATO Online Services via myGov. This information is updated annually, so it may differ from your current super fund balance.
After-tax contributions are made from money you’ve already paid tax on, like savings or income. These contributions are non‑concessional where no tax deduction is claimed, and they can still help build your super balance over time.
This option may suit people who have already used their concessional (before-tax) options or don’t need a tax deduction right now.
What’s involved
You transfer money from your bank account into your super as an after-tax contribution.
Good to know for EOFY
Contribution caps apply, and special rules may allow some people to contribute more within a shorter period. If you’re considering adding larger amounts, you’ll need to check the rules before transferring money.
In some cases, extra money may be available when you make an after-tax contribution. This can include:
• Government co-contributions, which may boost your super
• Spouse contributions, which may provide a tax offset to the contributing spouse
What’s involved
You make a contribution as follows if you’re eligible.
• A personal after-tax contribution to receive the Government co-contribution
• A spouse contribution to receive the tax offset
Good to know for EOFY
Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and EOFY is a good time to check whether either option applies to you before 30 June. For more information about eligibility requirements, visit ato.gov.au.
EOFY actions can feel small in the moment, but they’re often the building blocks of something bigger. Whether you top up your super, make the most of contribution rules, or simply map out a clearer plan for the year ahead, the key is building the habit of checking in and making intentional choices.
A glorious retirement is a lifetime in the making. The steps you take today can help shape the freedom, comfort and confidence you want tomorrow.
If making a contribution feels right for you, you can log in to your account and take action before 30 June. You can also visit our contributions education page to learn more about the different contribution types and decide what feels right for your situation.
Getting expert advice is all part of being with MLC - our team of Financial Coaches provide general advice related to your super, at no extra cost.
If you are an MLC member, book your appointment with a Financial Coach today.
The information in this article is current as at March 2026 and may be subject to change.
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This article has been prepared by NULIS Nominees (Australia) Limited ABN 80 008 515 633 AFSL 236465 (NULIS) as trustee of the MLC Super Fund ABN 70 732 426 024. NULIS is part of the Insignia Financial group of companies comprising Insignia Financial Ltd ABN 49 100 103 722 and its related bodies corporate (‘Insignia Financial Group’). This information may constitute general advice. The information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions based on this information. It is recommended that you consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before you make any decisions about your superannuation. You can obtain the latest copy of the PDS (or other disclosure documents) and TMD by calling us on 132 652 or by searching for the applicable product at mlc.com.au. You should not rely on this article to determine your personal tax obligations. Please consult a registered tax agent for this purpose. Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue. The case study examples (if any) provided in this article have been included for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon for decision making. Subject to terms implied by law and which cannot be excluded, neither NULIS nor any member of the Insignia Financial Group accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in the information in this communication.
The Financial Coaches provide financial advice under the Australian Financial Services licence (AFSL) of Actuate Alliance Services Pty Ltd ABN 40 083 233 925 AFSL 240 959 (Actuate). NULIS Nominees (Australia) Limited ABN 80 008 515 633, AFSL 236465 (NULIS) is the trustee of MLC Super Fund ABN 70 732 426 024 (Fund). Actuate and NULIS are both companies within Insignia Financial Group which comprises Insignia Financial Ltd ABN 49 100 103 722 and its related bodies corporate (Insignia Financial Group). No other entity within Insignia Financial Group, including NULIS or any other entity within the Insignia Financial Group that is a trustee for a regulated superannuation fund, is liable for or responsible for any work, action or advice provided by Actuate. For important information about Actuate’s services which you should know before making a booking, please refer to Actuate’s Website Disclosure Information
