New Super Rules from 1 July - Retirement Planning Update

Thursday, May 28, 2026

From 1 July 2026, superannuation is getting a welcome upgrade. For retirees and those planning retirement, it’s worth paying attention.

The government is lifting both the amount you can contribute before tax (concessional contributions) and after tax (non-concessional contributions). In simple terms: you’ll be able to put more into super and still enjoy its tax advantages.

For those planning retirement:
The before-tax cap (concessional contributions) will increase from $30,000 to $32,500 per year. This includes what your employer pays into super, plus any extra you choose to salary sacrifice or claim as a tax deduction. The key benefit here is that these contributions are generally taxed at just 15% inside super — often much lower than what many people pay in income tax.

For both retirees and retirement planning:
The after-tax cap (non-concessional contributions) will rise from $120,000 to $130,000 per year. And for those using the “bring-forward rule,” this could mean contributing up to $390,000 in one hit. In practical terms, this gives people a powerful way to move money into a tax-friendly environment when they sell assets, receive an inheritance, or simply have surplus savings.

So why does this matter?

Because super isn’t just a savings account — it’s one of the most tax-effective investment structures available in Australia. Superannuation earnings are capped at 15% and can drop to 0% once you move into retirement phase. Over time, that difference can have a big impact on how far your money stretches.

These higher caps also open up more strategic planning opportunities. For example, people with cash sitting in term deposits, proceeds from selling shares or property, or even funds from downsizing the family home, now have more flexibility to shift that money into super and potentially reduce long-term tax drag.

And there’s another layer worth watching.

Capital Gains Tax benefits
With ongoing discussion around capital gains tax (CGT) changes, superannuation is becoming even more attractive. Unlike investments held personally — where capital gains can be taxed at your marginal rate — super provides a much more stable and often lower-tax environment. That makes it a useful “buffer zone” for long-term investing, especially as tax settings outside super continue to evolve.

In short, these changes aren’t just technical tweaks — they’re an opportunity. More room to contribute, more flexibility in planning, and more reason to think about super as a central part of your wealth strategy rather than something you “set and forget.”

For anyone looking to make the most of these changes, professional advice can make a meaningful difference. The rules around contribution caps, tax treatment, timing strategies, and retirement structuring can be complex, and getting them right can have long-term benefits. Specialists in retirement planning, Maher Digby Securities, can provide a tailored approach with an experienced adviser to ensure you’re not only taking advantage of the new limits, but doing so in a way that fits your broader financial goals.

For more information, contact Mark Digby at Maher Digby Securities Pty Ltd – Financial Advisers (AFSL No. 230559).
This document contains general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances before acting on it. While care has been taken in preparing this material, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy, reliability or completeness. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Maher Digby Securities Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this information, including opinions, forecasts or forward-looking statements. We recommend that you seek professional financial advice before making any investment or financial decisions