Salary Sacrifice to Super Calculator
See how much tax you could save by salary sacrificing into super, and what it does to your take-home pay.
Printed from ClearCalc (clearcalc.com.au/salary-sacrifice-super-calculator/). Estimates only, not financial advice.
How salary sacrifice into super saves tax
When you salary sacrifice, part of your pay goes into super before tax. Instead of being taxed at your marginal rate, which is 32% including Medicare for most workers, it's taxed at 15% when it reaches your fund. On a $100,000 salary, sacrificing $200 a fortnight costs you about $3,540 a year in take-home pay but puts $4,420 into super.
2026–27 limits
- Concessional cap: $32,500. This includes your employer's 12% super guarantee and anything you salary sacrifice. On a $100,000 salary, your employer already contributes $12,000, leaving $20,500 of room.
- Carry-forward: if your total super balance was under $500,000 on 30 June 2026, you can use unused cap amounts from the previous five years.
- Division 293: if your income plus concessional contributions is over $250,000, contributions are taxed at 30%.
- Your employer must still pay super guarantee on your full salary before the sacrifice.
Things to consider
- Money in super is generally locked away until you reach preservation age (60) and retire.
- Salary sacrificed super still counts for HECS-HELP repayments and some government payments, because it's a reportable super contribution.
- If you're self-employed or your employer doesn't offer salary sacrifice, you can make a personal contribution and claim a tax deduction instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is salary sacrifice worth it?
Usually yes if your marginal tax rate is 32% or more and you won't need the money before retirement. If you earn under about $45,000, the tax saving is small or nothing.
How much can I salary sacrifice into super?
Up to the $32,500 concessional cap in 2026–27, minus your employer's super guarantee contributions, unless you can carry forward unused cap from earlier years.
Does salary sacrifice reduce my HECS repayment?
No. Salary sacrificed super is a reportable super contribution, which is added back when your HELP repayment is worked out.
Last reviewed October 2026. This calculator gives an estimate for general information only. Check important figures with the relevant government agency or a licensed professional.