YOUR SUPERANNUATION PLAYBOOK JUST CHANGED!
Superannuation shake-up: As of
1 July 2025, big changes are now in play.
Super got a shake-up on 1 July 2025. Some changes will help you grow your retirement savings faster, others will mean keeping a sharper eye on the rules. Here’s the quick guide.
💰 Contribution Caps – More Room to Boost Your Super
- Before-tax (concessional) cap: $30,000 a year
- After-tax (non-concessional) cap: $120,000 a year
- Bring-forward rule: up to $360,000 in one hit (if you’re eligible)
Winner’s circle: anyone looking to put away more for retirement.
Watch-out: your age and total super balance can change what you’re allowed to contribute.
📈 Transfer Balance Cap – Now $2 Million
The cap on how much you can shift into a tax-free retirement pension is now $2m.
Winner’s circle: retirees who want more tax-free income.
Watch-out: not everyone gets the full $2m. Your personal cap depends on your history.
🧾 Division 296 Tax – The $3 Million Question
A new 15% tax on earnings tied to balances over $3m.
Winner’s circle: anyone under the $3m mark (nothing changes for you).
Watch-out: high-balance members — this could cut into long-term strategies. Legislation still pending, but it’s coming.
📊 Super Guarantee – Locked at 12%
Employers now contribute 12% of Ordinary Times Earnings.
Winner’s circle: employees. More money into your super, automatically.
Watch-out: business owners managing payroll costs.
🚨 ATO Compliance – Eyes Everywhere
The ATO is turning up the heat:
- NALE (non-arm’s length expenses): must be market value.
- Illegal early access: don’t even think about it.
- Crypto/digital assets: value them properly or face penalties.
Winner’s circle: trustees who play by the book.
Watch-out: anyone cutting corners.
The Bottom Line
2025 is the year of bigger caps, tougher rules, and sharper compliance. The upside? More opportunities to grow your retirement savings. The downside? More ways to get tripped up.
Need Advice?
If you’re unsure how these changes affect you, now’s the time to check in. Whether it’s topping up your super, starting a pension, or making sure your SMSF ticks all the compliance boxes, we’re here to help.
📞 Contact Slack-Smith Partners today and make the new rules work in your favour.
