Phone 1800 444 396
Web brightersuper.com.au
Email info@brightersuper.com.au
Post GPO Box 264, Brisbane QLD 4001

Making extra contributions

Growing your super

Adding to your Brighter Super account, whether through one-off payments or contributing small amounts regularly, can help grow your super savings faster and give you more money to live off in retirement.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re working, not working or self-employed, anybody aged under 75 can make personal contributions to super either as a lump sum or regular payments. Most people can also claim a tax deduction for their contribution.

Even if you’re already receiving employer contributions (Superannuation Guarantee) from your employer, topping up your super through extra contributions can make a big difference to your final benefit.

How do I make a personal contribution?

Personal contributions are paid from after-tax money and are also referred to as non-concessional super contributions.

You can make one-off payments at any time or contribute small amounts regularly.

BPAY

Pay as often as you like through BPAY. Log in to your Brighter Super account securely through Member Online for the biller code and reference number, then start making payments.

Claim a tax deduction

If you make extra contributions from your after-tax pay, you may be entitled to a tax deduction. By making top-up payments, you could get a tax deduction now, and have more money to enjoy in retirement. Everyone under age 67 (and those aged 67 to 74 who satisfy the work test) can claim a tax deduction for personal contributions. If you are between 67 and 74 to meet the work test you need to be working at least 40 hours over a consecutive 30-day period to claim a tax deduction.

Extra contributions from your after-tax pay for which you do not claim a tax deduction are called non-concessional contributions and are taxed differently. You can learn about the difference between concessional and non-concessional contributions.

What are the limits

While non-concessional contributions are paid from your after-tax money, keep in mind that when claimed as a tax deduction they will count towards your concessional contributions cap, which is $30,000 for the 2025/26 financial year.

Learn more about contribution caps.

To avoid going over the cap you should consider any Super Guarantee (SG) contributions from your employer or salary sacrifice contributions as these count towards your concessional contributions cap.

If you are unsure, it is a good idea to speak to a financial adviser. Already have a financial adviser outside of Brighter Super? They can help you make informed decisions about your super. If you do not have a financial adviser, Brighter Super’s in-house team of financial advisers is here to help you. Find out more about financial advice.

When can I claim a tax deduction

To claim a tax deduction, you will need to notify us:
  • before you lodge your tax return, or
  • by 30 June the following year.

How do I claim the tax deduction?

To claim a tax deduction for personal contributions made to your super account, simply follow the steps below:

   

Step 1: Make an after-tax contribution.

Step 2: Log in to Member Online and complete the Notice of Intent to Claim or Vary a Deduction for Personal Super Contributions.

Step 3: Complete form, please note, if you are intending on withdrawing or closing your account, you must complete your notice of intent first.

Step 4: Submit the online Notice of Intent form to Brighter Super.

Step 5: Brighter Super will send you a confirmation once we have processed your request and notified the ATO. This may take up to 3-5 business days.

Step 6: After receiving our confirmation, you can use this information to lodge your tax return.

You will only need to complete a Notice of Intent to Claim or Vary a Deduction for Personal Super Contributions once each financial year. If the Australian Taxation Office denies your tax deduction after you have lodged your tax return, please contact us as soon as possible.

If you are unable to claim online you can also download a paper form to email or post.

For more information on when you can claim a tax deduction refer to the ATO website.

  • Do you need my tax file number?

    Yes, we can only accept your super contributions if we have your tax file number (TFN). Log in to your Brighter Super account securely through Member Online to check your TFN status – you can enter your TFN if we don't have it on file.

  • Is claiming the tax deduction right for me?

    We recommend you contact your accountant or financial adviser if you are unsure of the potential implications. Brighter Super offers financial advice on contributing to superannuation at no additional cost.

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