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 boost your super.
Personal contributions are also known as after-tax contributions.
You can contribute into super as either non-concessional contributions (if you don't claim a tax deduction) or concessional contributions (if you claim a tax deduction).
Personal contributions are voluntary contributions, where you can choose to contribute any amount you wish, up to the contribution cap limits.
There are limits on how much you can add to your super through personal contributions - these are called contribution caps. Make sure you don't go over the limits to avoid paying extra tax.
You can make a personal contribution by electronic funds transfer, BPAY®, direct debit or cheque.
Personal contributions explained
Learn about personal contributions, contribution caps and possible tax deductions.
Watch the video to find out more
Boost your super
Even a small amount each week can add up and make a big difference at retirement time. Be aware, there are limits on the amount of contributions that can be made.
Learn more about contribution caps.
Potential tax benefits
Super may be a more tax-effective way to invest some of your money, as earnings in super are only taxed up to 15%. For investments outside super, these are taxed at your marginal tax rate, which can be up to 45% (not including the Medicate levy of 2%).
Tax deductions
If you make a personal contribution to your super, you may be able to apply to claim a tax deduction on some or all of these amounts. This could reduce the amount of tax you pay for the year. Learn more with the How to claim a tax deduction on personal super contributions fact sheet (PDF).
Other contributions and offsets
If you make a personal contribution to your super, you may be eligible for the Government co-contribution and/or the Low income super tax offset.
The Government co-contribution
If you earn less than $60,400 per year, you may be eligible to receive a Government co-contribution of up to $500, which would add even more to your super balance at retirement.
Learn about the Government co-contribution.
Low income super tax offset
If you earn up to $37,000 a year, you may be eligible to receive a low income super tax offset (LISTO) payment of up to $500.
Learn about the LISTO from the Australian Tax Office.
Contribution caps
Tax file number (TFN) requirements
To accept personal contributions from you, Cbus needs your TFN. To give us your TFN, you can log in to add your TFN in your online account, or call us on 1300 361 784.
Electronic funds transfer
- Make sure you have supplied your TFN to Cbus
- Login to your Cbus account, go to 'Super' then 'Add to your super'
- Scroll down to 'How to contribute' and 'Personal contributions' for the Cbus account details
- From your personal financial institution, complete an electronic transfer for your personal contribution
BPAY®
- Make sure you have supplied your TFN to Cbus
- Login to your Cbus account, go to 'Super' then 'Add to your super'
- Scroll down to 'How to contribute' and 'Personal contributions' to find your unique BPAY® Biller code and Biller reference
- From your personal financial institution, complete a BPAY® transfer for your personal contribution
Direct debit
- Make sure you have supplied your TFN to Cbus
- Download and complete the Member direct debit request (PDF) form and return it to: Cbus Super, Locked Bag 5056, PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
Cheque
- Make sure you have supplied your TFN to Cbus
- Download and complete Contribution slip (PDF)
- Make your cheque out to Cbus Super Fund. Please include your full name and member number with the cheque
- Send your cheque AND completed 'Contribution slip' to: Cbus Super, Locked Bag 5056, Parramatta NSW 2124
Try the calculator
Use the retirement income estimate calculator to find out if the Government Age Pension plus your super will give you enough income in retirement.
Find a webinar
Join an online education session to find out more about extra contributions.
Get advice
Our Advice team is here to help you work through your options and answer your questions about personal contributions.