Personal contributions at a glance
What is a personal contribution? A personal contribution is when you pay money from your bank account that’s already been taxed straight into your super account.
If you have a little extra from your pay, additional savings or an inheritance, you can make a personal contribution to help grow your balance.
Personal contributions are also called after-tax contributions.
You can choose whether or not to claim a tax deduction.
You choose how much to contribute, up to the contributions caps.
You can contribute by electronic funds transfer, BPAY®, direct debit or cheque.
If you're looking to boost your super above what your employer contributes voluntary contributions could be for you.
Voluntary contributions are amounts you put into your super from your bank account.
No contribution tax is charged so every dollar you put in goes straight to your super balance.
We know finding extra money can be difficult, but we also know that any extra money you put into your super can add up to a lot in retirement.
It could be a little from your take-home pay or an amount you inherited.
Whatever it is the sooner you make a voluntary contribution the more time your money can work hard for you.
It's important to note there's a voluntary contribution limit to how much you can put into your super.
The current cap is $120,000 per financial year.
Any amount over that and you may be taxed and when tax time comes around if you find you're better off claiming a tax deduction for some or all your voluntary contributions you can.
Just remember to check your eligibility and the limits. To find out more head to cbussuper.com.au
Personal contributions explained
Learn about personal contributions, contribution caps and possible tax deductions.
Watch the video to find out more.
Benefits of personal contributions
Even small, regular amounts can add up over time to help grow your super for retirement. There are limits around how much you can add, called contributions caps.
Learn more about contributions caps.
Super can be a tax effective way to invest some of your money. Investment earnings in super are taxed at a maximum of 15%. Investments outside of super are taxed at your marginal tax rate. This can be up to 45%, plus the Medicare levy.
You may be able to claim a tax deduction for some or all of your personal contributions. This could reduce the tax you pay for the year.
Learn more in the How to claim a tax deduction on personal super contributions fact sheet (PDF).
Things to consider before you contribute
There are limits on how much you can add to your super through personal contributions. The limits apply for the financial year and may also depend on your total super balance.
- If you don’t claim a tax deduction, this is a non‑concessional contribution
- If you do claim a deduction, this is a concessional contribution.
Going over contributions caps may mean you pay extra tax or get an ATO notice.
Limits for the 2026/27 financial year:
Personal contributions for which you don't claim a tax deduction:
- Under 75: Up to $130,000 per year(or you may be able to contribute up to 390,000 over a total of three years if certain conditions are met in one year by bringing forward non-concessional caps from future years).
- 75 and over: You generally can’t make extra contributions, other than downsizer contributions, which don’t count towards the caps.
Personal contributions for which you do claim a tax deduction:
- Up to $32,500 per year, plus unused caps from the past five years (if eligible)
- 67–74: You need to meet the work test or work test exemption to claim a tax deduction
- 75 and over: You generally can’t make extra contributions, other than downsizer contributions.
We need your TFN so we can accept personal contributions. You can add it in your online account or call us on 1300 361 784.
How to make a personal contribution
There are four ways you can make a personal contribution:
- Make sure we have your TFN
- Login to your online account, go to Super, then Add to your super
- Under How to contribute, choose Personal contributions to find the CBUS account details
- Complete the transfer through your bank.
- Make sure we have your TFN
- Login to your online account, go to Super, then Add to your super
- Under How to contribute, choose Personal contributions to find your unique BPAY® Biller code and Biller reference
- Complete the BPAY® transfer through your bank.
- Make sure we have your TFN
- Download and complete the Member direct debit request (PDF) form
- Send the form to us in one of two ways:
- Upload the form, or
- Post it to: CBUS, Locked Bag 5056, PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
- Make sure we have your TFN
- Download and complete the Contribution slip (PDF)
- Make your cheque payable to CBUS Super Fund. Include your full name and member number with the cheque
- Send your cheque and completed Contribution slip to: CBUS, Locked Bag 5056, Parramatta NSW 2124
Other contributions and offsets
You may be eligible for the Government co-contribution and/or the Low income super tax offset.
The Government co-contribution
Do you make personal contributions and earn under $64,293 a year? You may be eligible for a Government co‑contribution of up to $500, paid into your super.
Learn about the Government co-contribution.
Low income super tax offset (LISTO)
Do you earn up to $45,000 and make personal contributions? You may be eligible for a Low Income Super Tax Offset (LISTO) payment of up to $500, paid into your super.
Learn about the LISTO from the Australian Tax Office.
Take the next step
Thinking of making a personal contribution but have questions? Here's how you can find out more.
Try the calculator
See how extra contributions could work for you.
Join an information session
Our information sessions explain your options so you can boost your super with confidence.
Get advice
Our Advice team can help talk you through your options and answer general questions about contributions.
Want to add to your super?
Learn about the types of extra contributions you can make, before-tax and after-tax contributions, contribution caps and more.
Get all your super in one place
Having multiple super accounts can mean you’re paying more fees than you need to. Save by consolidating your super in one account.