Salary Sacrifice Super Calculator (2026–27)
Find the most you can salary sacrifice without exceeding your available concessional cap, then see the estimated take-home cost, contributions tax and long-term super balance.
Published by GrowThenDraw Editorial Team · Editorial policy · Methodology & sources
Super projection
| Year | Opening | Growth | Net contribution | Balance | Today's dollars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $150,000 | $7,950 | $24,990 | $182,940 | $178,478 |
| 2 | $182,940 | $9,696 | $24,990 | $217,626 | $207,139 |
| 3 | $217,626 | $11,534 | $24,990 | $254,150 | $236,004 |
| 4 | $254,150 | $13,470 | $24,990 | $292,610 | $265,090 |
| 5 | $292,610 | $15,508 | $24,990 | $333,108 | $294,419 |
| 6 | $333,108 | $17,655 | $24,990 | $375,753 | $324,011 |
| 7 | $375,753 | $19,915 | $24,990 | $420,658 | $353,885 |
| 8 | $420,658 | $22,295 | $24,990 | $467,943 | $384,062 |
| 9 | $467,943 | $24,801 | $24,990 | $517,734 | $414,564 |
| 10 | $517,734 | $27,440 | $24,990 | $570,164 | $445,411 |
| 11 | $570,164 | $30,219 | $24,990 | $625,372 | $476,624 |
| 12 | $625,372 | $33,145 | $24,990 | $683,507 | $508,226 |
| 13 | $683,507 | $36,226 | $24,990 | $744,723 | $540,237 |
| 14 | $744,723 | $39,470 | $24,990 | $809,183 | $572,681 |
| 15 | $809,183 | $42,887 | $24,990 | $877,060 | $605,580 |
| 16 | $877,060 | $46,484 | $24,990 | $948,534 | $638,956 |
| 17 | $948,534 | $50,272 | $24,990 | $1,023,796 | $672,834 |
| 18 | $1,023,796 | $54,261 | $24,990 | $1,103,048 | $707,237 |
| 19 | $1,103,048 | $58,462 | $24,990 | $1,186,499 | $742,188 |
| 20 | $1,186,499 | $62,884 | $24,990 | $1,274,374 | $777,713 |
This calculator starts with employer super, not a blank cap
The concessional cap applies to the combined total of employer contributions, salary sacrifice and personal contributions you claim as a tax deduction. This calculator estimates employer super first, adds any other concessional amounts you enter, and only then solves the remaining salary-sacrifice room.
For 2026–27 the general concessional contributions cap is $32,500 and the Super Guarantee rate is 12%. The maximum contribution base can limit compulsory employer super for higher salaries, so superable salary is editable rather than assumed to equal every dollar of remuneration.
Carry-forward cap room is personal and expires
If your total super balance immediately before the financial year is below $500,000, you may be able to use unused concessional cap amounts from the previous five years. The model consumes the oldest entered amount first because unused amounts expire after five years.
Use ATO Online Services or myGov to copy your actual unused amounts. The calculator cannot discover contributions already received by another fund, late employer payments or a notice of intent that has not been processed.
Tax saved is not the same as cash added to super
Salary sacrifice generally reduces taxable salary, but concessional contributions are normally taxed at 15% in the fund. Division 293 can add another 15% to some or all low-tax contributions when income and contributions cross $250,000.
HELP repayment income adds reportable super contributions back. That is why this model does not promise that salary sacrifice will reduce a compulsory HELP repayment. Medicare levy low-income reductions, family thresholds and the Medicare levy surcharge are outside the estimate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the concessional contributions cap for 2026–27?
The general concessional contributions cap is $32,500. Employer super, salary sacrifice and personal contributions claimed as a deduction all use the same cap.
How much salary sacrifice can I make each pay?
The result shows annual, monthly, fortnightly and weekly amounts after estimated employer super and other concessional contributions. Confirm payroll cut-off dates and contributions already received before changing your arrangement.
Can I use unused super caps from earlier years?
Potentially. Your total super balance immediately before the financial year must be below $500,000, and only unused amounts from the previous five years are available.
Does salary sacrifice reduce HELP repayments?
Generally not in this simplified model because reportable employer super contributions are added back when calculating repayment income. Your tax return facts can differ.
Does this include Division 293 tax?
Yes. It estimates the extra 15% tax on the lesser of low-tax contributions and the amount by which Division 293 income plus those contributions exceeds $250,000.
Rules verified 1 August 2026 against official Australian sources:
- MoneySmart: super contribution caps and optimiser
- ATO: contribution caps, carry-forward rules and tax
- ATO: Division 293 tax
- ATO: First Home Super Saver scheme
- StudyAssist: 2026–27 compulsory repayment method
Educational estimate only—not financial, credit or tax advice. Confirm current rules, eligibility and account data with the ATO, your fund, lender or a licensed professional.