Super Co-Contribution Calculator Australia 2025: Get Up to $500 Free from the Government
Did you know the Australian Government will match your personal super contributions — dollar for dollar up to a point — if you're a low or middle income earner? The super co-contribution scheme can put up to $500 directly into your super account each financial year, with no application form required. Here's everything you need to know about how it works in FY 2025-26, whether you qualify, and how to make the most of it.
What Is the Super Co-Contribution?
The super co-contribution is a government incentive designed to help low and middle income earners build their retirement savings faster. If you make personal (after-tax) contributions to your super fund and your income is below a certain threshold, the government automatically contributes up to 50 cents for every $1 you put in — up to a maximum government co-contribution of $500 per year.
The beauty of this scheme is that it's automatic. You don't need to fill in an application form or claim it separately. When you lodge your tax return, the ATO checks your eligibility and, if you qualify, deposits the co-contribution directly into your super fund.
To receive the maximum $500 co-contribution, you need to make a personal after-tax super contribution of at least $1,000 and have income at or below the lower income threshold. As your income rises toward the upper threshold, the co-contribution gradually reduces to zero.
FY 2025-26 Co-Contribution Thresholds and Rates
The co-contribution uses two income thresholds. Your income for co-contribution purposes is your taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits and total net investment losses — for most employees, this is simply your taxable income.
| Income | Maximum Co-Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| At or below $45,400 | $500 | Full co-contribution (50c per $1, up to $1,000 contributed) |
| $45,401 – $60,400 | Reduces gradually | Phases out by 3.333c for each $1 of income above $45,400 |
| $60,401 or above | Nil | Not eligible for co-contribution |
Source: ATO super co-contribution thresholds, FY 2025-26. Verify current thresholds at ato.gov.au as these are indexed annually.
How to Calculate Your Co-Contribution
Use the following formulas to estimate your government co-contribution:
Step 1 — Calculate the co-contribution rate for your income:
Co-contribution rate = 50% − (3.333% × (income − $45,400) ÷ $1,000)
Step 2 — Calculate the co-contribution amount:
Co-contribution = personal after-tax contribution × co-contribution rate
Maximum co-contribution is capped at $500 per year.
Worked Examples
- Emma earns $40,000 and contributes $1,000 to super:
She's below $45,400 → full 50% rate applies → Co-contribution = $1,000 × 50% = $500 - James earns $52,000 and contributes $1,000 to super:
Income above lower threshold by $6,600 → Rate = 50% − (3.333% × 6.6) = 50% − 22% = 28% → Co-contribution = $1,000 × 28% = $280 - Sarah earns $35,000 and contributes $500 to super:
Below $45,400 → full 50% rate → Co-contribution = $500 × 50% = $250 (she'd need to contribute $1,000 to get the full $500) - David earns $60,000 and contributes $1,000 to super:
Income near upper threshold → Rate nearly zero → Co-contribution ≈ $13
Who Is Eligible for the Co-Contribution?
To qualify for the government super co-contribution in FY 2025-26, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You make one or more personal (after-tax) contributions to a complying super fund or retirement savings account during the financial year
- Your income is below $60,400 (the upper threshold)
- At least 10% of your total income comes from employment, running a business, or a combination of both — you can't qualify on investment income alone
- You are under 71 years old at the end of the financial year
- You did not hold a temporary visa at any time during the financial year (Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens on a Special Category visa are eligible)
- You lodge your tax return for the financial year
Note that the contributions must be personal after-tax contributions — not concessional (pre-tax) contributions like salary sacrifice or your employer's mandatory SGC contributions. These are the contributions you make yourself from your take-home pay.
Not sure what your take-home pay looks like? Use our Take-Home Pay Calculator to see exactly how much lands in your bank account each pay period.
How to Make a Personal Super Contribution
Making a personal after-tax super contribution is straightforward:
- Find your super fund's bank details: Log into your super fund's online portal or app to get their BSB, account number, and your unique member reference number.
- Make a bank transfer: Transfer the amount from your personal bank account to your super fund, using your member number as the reference. You can contribute any amount — even $50 — but to maximise the $500 co-contribution, aim to contribute at least $1,000 during the year.
- Notify your fund: Submit a Notice of intent to claim a deduction (NAT 71121) only if you intend to claim a tax deduction (which would make it a concessional contribution). If you're just making an after-tax contribution for the co-contribution, you don't need to lodge this form.
- Lodge your tax return: Make sure you lodge your tax return for the financial year. The ATO will check your eligibility and deposit the co-contribution automatically.
Contributions must be made before 30 June each year to count for that financial year. Don't leave it until the last minute — allow a few business days for bank transfers to clear.
Co-Contribution vs. Other Super Strategies: Which Is Better?
The super co-contribution is one of several ways to boost your super. Here's how it compares to other popular strategies:
| Strategy | Best for | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Super co-contribution | Income under $60,400 | After-tax money in; government adds bonus |
| Salary sacrifice | Any income (especially higher earners) | Pre-tax money in; 15% contributions tax in fund |
| Personal deductible contribution | Self-employed or those with extra cash | Claim deduction; 15% tax in fund |
| Spouse super contribution | Couples with income-earning gap | Contributing spouse gets tax offset up to $540 |
For low to middle income earners, the co-contribution offers the best return — effectively a 50% instant return on $1,000 invested, with no tax payable on the co-contribution itself when it enters your fund. This beats the tax savings from salary sacrifice for people in lower tax brackets.
Higher income earners (above $60,400) won't qualify for the co-contribution and are usually better served by salary sacrifice. Use our Salary Sacrifice Calculator to see how pre-tax super contributions reduce your take-home pay and tax bill.
Don't forget to check that your total super contributions don't exceed the concessional cap of $30,000 or the non-concessional cap of $120,000 in FY 2025-26. Personal after-tax contributions that you do not claim a deduction for count toward your non-concessional cap. Learn more about super contribution limits at our Superannuation Calculator.
Common Questions About the Super Co-Contribution
Can I get the co-contribution if I'm self-employed?
Yes — as long as at least 10% of your income comes from self-employment or employment, you're eligible. Many sole traders and freelancers qualify, provided their income falls below $60,400.
Is the co-contribution taxed?
No — the government co-contribution is not subject to contributions tax when it enters your super fund, unlike concessional contributions which are taxed at 15%. It's completely tax-free and boosts your balance dollar for dollar.
What if I have multiple super funds?
The ATO will deposit the co-contribution into the super fund that received the personal contribution you made. If you contributed to multiple funds, the ATO will generally use the fund that received the most recent contribution, or the fund associated with your most recent super activity.
What if I don't lodge a tax return?
You must lodge a tax return to receive the co-contribution, even if you're otherwise not required to lodge one. Make sure you lodge before the deadline (usually 31 October, or later if you use a tax agent).
Can I contribute more than $1,000 to get more co-contribution?
No — the co-contribution is capped at $500, which corresponds to a $1,000 personal contribution (at the 50% rate). Contributing more than $1,000 won't increase the co-contribution, but excess contributions do count toward your non-concessional cap.
Summary: Super Co-Contribution in FY 2025-26
- The government contributes up to $500 (50c per $1) for personal after-tax super contributions
- Full co-contribution available if your income is at or below $45,400
- Co-contribution phases out and reaches zero at $60,400
- You need to contribute at least $1,000 to receive the maximum $500 co-contribution
- At least 10% of your income must come from employment or self-employment
- You must be under 71 and hold a permanent visa or be an Australian/NZ citizen
- The co-contribution is automatic — no separate claim needed, just lodge your tax return
- Contributions must be made before 30 June to count for that financial year
Use our free calculators to build a complete picture of your super and tax position:
- Superannuation Calculator — project your super balance and retirement outlook
- Take-Home Pay Calculator — see your net pay after tax, Medicare, and super
- Salary Sacrifice Calculator — model pre-tax super contributions and their tax impact
- Income Tax Calculator — calculate your FY 2025-26 income tax
- Medicare Levy Calculator — check your Medicare Levy and Surcharge obligations
🧮 Related Calculators
Sarah Chen, CPA
Certified Practising Accountant · 10+ years in Australian tax advisory
This article has been reviewed by Sarah Chen to ensure accuracy and alignment with current ATO guidelines. Sarah is a CPA with over a decade of experience in Australian personal tax, superannuation, and payroll compliance.
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