Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 188

New super doors opening from 1 July 2017

From 1 July 2017 onwards, new superannuation measures will make it easier for some people to save for retirement, particularly those who’ve struggled to contribute in the past.

Tax-deductibility of super contributions

Under existing rules, tax deductions for personal super contributions are limited to those earning less than 10% of their income from waged employment, which in practice means people who are self-employed or who receive most of their income from investments.

From 1 July 2017, the 10% restriction will be lifted and anybody will be eligible to claim the deduction.

This presents a great opportunity, particularly for part-timers, casuals and those between jobs, who have traditionally struggled to contribute to super.

Case study - Fran

Fran has had a number of casual and part-time jobs and is expecting a baby in December 2017, at which point she’ll stop working for the rest of the financial year. Some of her casual jobs were for one or two days per week which meant she earnt less than the monthly income threshold for superannuation guarantee payments.

From 1 July 2017, Fran will be able to make tax-deductible super contributions up to the concessional contributions cap. This will provide her with a tax incentive to top up her superannuation.

Depending on her earnings, she may also consider making non-deductible super contributions to qualify for the government’s co-contribution. The maximum co-contribution payable is $500 based on a personal contribution of $1,000.

Carry-forward rule

Another new measure, effective 1 July 2018, is the ability to carry forward unused concessional contributions for up to five years.

If Fran is unable to make contributions in a year that she does not work, she can carry forward the unused amount into a subsequent year (FY 2019/20 and beyond), provided her total super balance is less than $500,000.

For example, if Fran’s unused concessional contribution entitlement is $20,000 in 2018/19, she can carry it forward to make $45,000 worth of concessional contributions in 2019/20 ($20,000 carried forward plus $25,000 pertaining to 2019/20).

The new measures present a good opportunity for SMSF trustees and their advisers to consider, as well as anyone saving for their retirement.

 

Graeme Colley is the Executive Manager, SMSF Technical and Private Wealth at SuperConcepts, a leading innovator in SMSF services. The material in this article is for general information and does not consider any person’s investment objectives.

RELATED ARTICLES

A super new opportunity for EOFY 2018

Deductibility of contributions after 1 July is a big deal

How SMSF contribution reserving can use the higher caps

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Finding the best income-yielding assets

With fixed term deposit rates declining and bank hybrids being phased out, what are the best options for investors seeking income? This goes through the choices, and the opportunities and risks involved.

What history reveals about market corrections and crashes

The S&P 500's recent correction raises concerns about a bear market. History shows corrections are driven by high rates, unemployment, or global shocks, and that there's reason for optimism for nervous investors today. 

Howard Marks: the investing game has changed

The famed investor says the rapid switch from globalisation to trade wars is the biggest upheaval in the investing environment since World War Two. And a new world requires a different investment approach.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 605 with weekend update

Trump's tariffs and China's retaliatory strike have sent the Nasdaq into a bear market with the S&P 500 not far behind. What are the implications for the economy and markets, and what should investors do now? 

  • 3 April 2025

Designing a life, with money to spare

Are you living your life by default or by design? It strikes me that many people are doing the former and living according to others’ expectations of them, leading to poor choices including with their finances.

World's largest asset manager wants to revolutionise your portfolio

Larry Fink is one of the smartest people in the finance industry. In his latest shareholder letter, the Blackrock CEO outlines his quest to become the biggest player in private assets and upend investor portfolios.

Latest Updates

Investment strategies

An enlightened dividend path

While many chase high yields, true investment power lies in companies that steadily grow dividends. This strategy, rooted in patience and discipline, quietly compounds wealth and anchors investors through market turbulence.

Investment strategies

Don't let Trump derail your wealth creation plans

If you want to build wealth over the long-term, trying to guess the stock market's next move is generally a bad idea. In a month where this might be more tempting than ever, here is what you should focus on instead.

Economics

Pros and cons of Labor's home batteries scheme

Labor has announced a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, aimed at slashing the cost of home batteries. The goal is to turbocharge battery uptake, though practical difficulties may prevent that happening.

Investment strategies

Will China's EV boom end in tears?

China's EV dominance is reshaping global auto markets - but with soaring tariffs, overcapacity, and rising scrutiny, the industry’s meteoric rise may face a turbulent road ahead. Can China maintain its lead - or will it stall?

Investment strategies

REITs: a haven in a Trumpian world?

Equity markets have been lashed by Trump's tariff policies, yet REITs have outperformed. Not only are they largely unaffected by tariffs, but they offer a unique combination of growth, sound fundamentals, and value.

Shares

Why Europe is back on the global investor map

European equities are surging ahead of the U.S this year, driven by strong earnings, undervaluation, and fiscal stimulus. With quality founder-led firms and a strengthening Euro, Europe may be the next global investment hotspot.

Chalmers' disingenuous budget claims

The Treasurer often touts a $207 billion improvement in Australia's financial position. A deeper look at the numbers reveals something less impressive, caused far more by commodity price surprises than policy.

Fixed interest

Duration: Friend or foe in a defensive allocation?

Duration is back. After years in the doghouse, shifting markets and higher yields are restoring its role as a reliable diversifier and income source - offering defensive strength in today’s uncertain environment.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.