Low income super tax offset
You may be eligible for a refund of up to $500 in tax on concessional contributions.
How does it work?
The Low Income Super Tax Offset (LISTO) offsets tax payable on concessional contributions (CCs), which include:
- all contributions from an employer (e.g. superannuation guarantee and salary sacrifice).
- personal contributions claimed as a tax deduction, and
- certain other amounts, see the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.
The offset is 15% of all CCs made to the fund in a financial year, subject to a maximum of $500 and minimum of $10.
LISTO is calculated after you lodge your tax return and is paid to your super fund. If you don’t lodge a tax return, the ATO will work out your entitlement based on information it receives from your fund and other sources. If you have reached your preservation age and retired you can apply via www.my.gov.au to have the amount paid directly to you.
May be available if…
- You make or receive CCs.
- You earn up to $37,000 p.a.
- You meet other eligibility criteria – see the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.
Case study
Regina works part-time in 2018/19 and earns a salary of $35,000. She receives superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions of $3,325.
She is eligible for a LISTO of 15% of her SG contributions, which is $498.75. When paid to her fund by the ATO, LISTO will offset the 15% contributions tax deducted by her fund from the SG contributions.
The net result is no tax will be payable on her SG contributions in 2018/19.
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General advice and information only
Any advice and information on this website is general only, and has been prepared without taking into account your particular circumstances and needs. Before acting on any advice on this website you should assess or seek advice on whether it is appropriate for your needs, financial situation and investment objectives.
Tax disclaimer
Any general tax information on this website is intended as a guide only and is based on our general understanding of taxation laws. It is not intended to be a substitute for specialised taxation advice or an assessment of your liabilities, obligations or claim entitlements that arise, or could arise, under taxation law, and we recommend you consult with a registered tax agent.
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