How to use the super co-contribution calculator
- 1 Enter your total income for the year.
- 2 Enter your personal after-tax contribution to super.
- 3 Read your co-contribution.
- 4 See the contribution that gets the maximum.
Worked example
A worker earning $45,000 puts $1,000 of after-tax money into super. Their income is below the lower threshold, so the government adds $500, a 50% instant return. Someone earning $56,793 could get up to $250 for a $500 contribution.
Eligibility and other low-income help
- Eligibility: at least 10% of your income must come from employment or a business, you must be under 71 and lodge a tax return, and your total super balance must be under the transfer balance cap.
- Automatic: the ATO pays it into your fund after you lodge; you do not apply.
- LISTO: if your income is $37,000 or less, the low income super tax offset refunds the 15% tax on your concessional contributions, up to $500.
- Do not claim a deduction for the contribution, or it will not count.
See your long-term balance with the Super Balance Calculator. Partner on a low income? Try the Spouse Super Contribution Calculator.
Features
2026-27 thresholds
Full $500 up to $49,293, nil from $64,293.
50% match
50 cents for every after-tax dollar.
Best contribution
The amount that earns the most.
Return
Shows the instant return on your money.
When to use it
Low and middle earners
Get free money into super. Low-income spouse? Use the Spouse Super Contribution Calculator.
Part-time workers
Boost a smaller balance. See your future balance with the Super Balance Calculator.
Tax time
Plan a contribution before 30 June. Check employer super with the Super Guarantee Calculator.
Couples
Combine with the spouse offset. First home? Try the FHSS Calculator.
Related Pay and Super tasks
Frequently asked questions
What is the super co-contribution?
A government payment into your super when you make personal after-tax contributions and your income is below the higher threshold. It matches 50 cents per dollar, up to $500.
What are the 2026-27 thresholds?
The maximum $500 is available if your income is $49,293 or less. It reduces as income rises and stops at $64,293.
How much should I contribute?
$1,000 if your income is under the lower threshold. Above it, less is needed to get your reduced maximum.
Who is eligible?
You must make personal after-tax contributions, earn at least 10% of income from employment or business, be under 71, lodge a tax return, and have a total super balance below the transfer balance cap.
Do I need to apply?
No. The ATO works it out after you lodge your tax return and pays it into your fund.
What counts as income?
Assessable income plus reportable fringe benefits and reportable employer super contributions, less any business deductions.
Can I claim a deduction for the contribution?
Not if you want the co-contribution. Contributions you claim as a tax deduction do not count.
When will it be paid?
Usually some months after you lodge your return, once your fund has reported your contributions.
What is LISTO?
The low income super tax offset refunds up to $500 of tax on concessional contributions for people earning up to $37,000. It is separate.
Is the co-contribution taxed?
No. It is not taxed when it goes into your super.
Can I get both the co-contribution and LISTO?
Yes. If you are eligible, you can receive the low income super tax offset on concessional contributions and the co-contribution on after-tax contributions in the same year.
Does the contribution need to reach my fund by 30 June?
Yes. The contribution must be received by your fund within the financial year, so allow time for processing.
Is the co-contribution worth it compared with other investments?
For eligible earners, a 50% instant return is hard to beat, although the money stays locked in super until you meet a condition of release.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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