Spouse Super Contributions: How to Boost Your Partner's Super and Save on Taxes

You can help boost your spouse's super and enjoy tax benefits through spousal contributions. Here's how:

What Are Spousal Contributions?

If your partner earns less than $40,000, you can contribute after-tax (non-concessional) money to their super and get a tax offset of up to $540. This helps grow their super and reduces your income tax.

Contribute at least $3,000: Get the full $540 tax offset if your spouse earns $37,000 or less.

For lower contributions or higher income: You can still get a smaller offset.

Tax Savings

The tax offset decreases as your spouse’s income rises above $37,000 and cuts off at $40,000. Here’s a quick look:

Spouse Income	Max Offset	Contribution for Max Offset
$37,000 or less	$540	$3,000
$38,000	$360	$2,000
$39,000	$180	$1,000
$40,000 or more	$0	$0

Spousal vs. Concessional Contributions

Spousal contributions don’t offer a tax deduction, but you get a tax offset (up to $540).

Concessional contributions are tax-deductible, giving you a bigger return at higher tax rates.

If you're on a higher tax rate, concessional contributions might give you a bigger benefit than spousal contributions.

Eligibility

To claim the spousal tax offset:

• You must: Be legally married or in a de facto relationship, and live together.

• Your spouse must: Be under 75, have a super balance under $1.9 million, and not exceed their non-concessional contribution cap.

·         Your spouse earns less than $40,000,

How to Make Spousal Contributions

1. Check your spouse's super fund: Each fund has different methods for contributions.

2. Claim the tax offset: You do this when filing your tax return.

   
   

In Summary

Spousal contributions can help you reduce your tax while boosting your partner’s super. Just make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and follow the correct process for contributing and claiming the offset.