The $25k Super Hack: Now Is the Time to Boost Your SMSF Before June 30
- WT Capital
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
As the end of financial year approaches, savvy Australians are looking for ways to maximise their retirement wealth — and avoid giving more than necessary to the tax office.
One little-known superannuation rule could allow eligible Aussies to tip in an extra $25,500 before June 30 — even if they’ve already hit this year’s $27,500 concessional cap.
Known as the “carry forward” rule, this strategy can lead to thousands in tax savings and faster retirement growth. But it’s time-sensitive, and many Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) trustees aren’t using it.
Here’s what you need to know — and why this EOFY window matters.
What is the $25,500 Super Hack?
Under rules introduced in 2019, Australians can carry forward unused portions of their concessional (pre-tax) contributions cap from the past five years, starting from 2018–19.
That means if you haven’t fully used your $25,000 or $27,500 cap in previous years — and your total super balance is under $500,000 — you could contribute more this year and claim the tax deduction now.
✅ Example:
If you only contributed $10,000 in 2019–20, you could roll forward the remaining $15,000 to use by 30 June 2025.
If this is the only unused portion across your five-year lookback, your concessional cap this year becomes $27,500 + $15,000 = $42,500.
Why It Matters for SMSF Trustees
For SMSF members, this strategy isn’t just about tax timing — it’s about long-term compounding.
Here’s how this EOFY move can work in your favour:
Scenario | No Action | Carry Forward Strategy |
Contribution (2024–25) | $27,500 | $42,500 |
Tax saving @ 45% marginal rate | ~$8,250 | ~$13,875 |
Tax paid in super @ 15% | $4,125 | $6,375 |
Net benefit | $4,125 | $7,500 |
Even before earnings compound, this is a $3,375 upfront benefit — and potentially far more if the contribution grows within your fund over time.
Who Is Eligible?
To use this strategy, you must:
Have a total superannuation balance under $500,000 as at 30 June 2024
Have unused concessional cap amounts from any year since 2018–19
Make a concessional (pre-tax) contribution before June 30, 2025 (e.g. salary sacrifice, personal deductible contribution)
Important: You must notify your SMSF administrator or accountant to record the contribution correctly and submit a notice of intent to claim a deduction if it's a personal contribution.
How to Check Your Carry Forward Cap
You can log in to your myGov > ATO > Super portal to check your:
Total super balance
Unused concessional cap amounts
Eligibility status
If you're unsure, WT Capital can help assess your fund’s position and model out optimal contributions before June 30.
Bonus Tip: Pair It With a Spouse Strategy
If your spouse also has unused concessional cap room, you may both be eligible to contribute more — and double your household tax benefit. This can be especially powerful in SMSFs with two members.
The Clock Is Ticking
The carry forward rule is a “use it or lose it” opportunity. You only have five years to use each year’s unused cap — and the 2018–19 year expires on 30 June 2024.
That means this is your last chance to unlock any unused concessional room from that year.
Missing the window could mean losing thousands in deductions, and slowing your super growth in the years leading to retirement.
Final Word
With interest rates still elevated and markets delivering mixed returns, every dollar you keep in your fund — and out of the tax office — matters more than ever.
If your SMSF is sitting below $500k and you’ve made modest contributions in recent years, this is one EOFY strategy you shouldn’t ignore.
📞 Need Help Before June 30?
WT Capital specialises in SMSF property investment — but we also help our clients maximise their super strategies.
