Clear Tax Accountants Explains Superannuation Changes

MELBOURNE, Australia - Sept. 18, 2025 - PRLog -- Super Guarantee Now at 12%

From 1 July 2025, the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate officially rose from 11.5% to 12%. This increase, the final step in a series of gradual changes, is now part of everyday payroll and retirement planning.

For employees, it means a stronger boost to retirement savings. For some, on salary packages that include super, it could mean a small adjustment to take-home pay. For employers, it means higher contribution obligations that must be paid on time.

What Employers Need to Know

Employers who have not adjusted payroll systems are already at risk. Missing or underpaid contributions can lead to penalties, interest charges, and loss of deductions.

At this stage, businesses should ensure they have:

• Updated payroll software to reflect the 12% SG rate
• Reviewed employment contracts to confirm how the increase affects wages
• Allowed for the higher contributions in cash flow and budgets

Contribution Caps for 2025–26

Although the SG rate has gone up, the contribution limits remain the same this financial year:

• Concessional contributions cap: $30,000
• Non-concessional contributions cap: $120,000
• Bring-forward rule: up to $360,000, depending on total super balance

Anyone nearing the $2 million balance threshold should be especially careful. Exceeding it can restrict the ability to make after-tax contributions.

Personal Contributions and Deduction Rules

Australians making their own contributions can still claim deductions, but timing matters. A valid notice of intent must be lodged with the fund before the tax return is filed or by 30 June 2026, whichever comes first.

Those who rolled funds, withdrew, or started a pension before submitting the notice may lose the right to claim.

Updated Thresholds Confirmed

Several other limits have shifted from July 2025, including:

• Transfer balance cap: $2.0 million
• Defined benefit income cap: $125,000
• CGT lifetime cap: $1.865 million

Employers should also note that the SG maximum contributions base is now $62,500 per quarter.

Words from the Director

"Superannuation isn't just about retirement. These changes affect how much goes into your pocket today and what businesses must pay right now," says Ash Jindal, Director and Co-Founder of Clear Tax Accountants. "Acting early and staying on top of obligations avoids penalties and keeps things simple."

Clear Tax Accountants Can Help You Prepare

At Clear Tax Accountants, we work with both employers and individuals to keep super obligations on track. From payroll compliance to contribution planning, we provide advice that makes the rules clear and manageable.

If you're unsure how the July 2025 changes affect you, now is the time to get advice. https://cleartax.com.au can help you make sense of the new super landscape.