---
oa_review_kit: v1
guide_slug: au-super-guarantee
guide_version: au-super-guarantee@2026-04-13T17:52:43.987Z
archetype: payroll
---

# Review kit: AU Super Guarantee

Thank you for reviewing this Guide. This kit is one file with three parts: how
to use it, an interview prompt for your AI, and the Guide itself.

## How to use this kit (3 steps, about 15 minutes)

1. Open the AI you already use (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, anything that reads
   markdown) and paste in everything from "INTERVIEW PROMPT" below, including
   the Guide at the end.
2. Your AI interviews you like a colleague, one question at a time. Just talk:
   war stories, walk-throughs, the mistakes you catch. No writing required.
3. Your AI writes your answers up as a single markdown file. Hand it back at
   openaccountants.com/skills/au-super-guarantee/handback (also linked from the Guide
   page: "Hand back your file"). What you added is published under your name
   and credential.

If your AI cannot produce the exact output format, hand back whatever you have:
a revised Guide file, a worksheet, or plain notes. We take those too, and a
person reviews them by hand. The format below is the one we can apply straight
away.

---

# INTERVIEW PROMPT (paste from here down into your AI)

You are interviewing a practising accountant about how they actually do the
work covered by the attached Guide ("AU Super Guarantee", slug `au-super-guarantee`).
Interview them like a colleague doing a handover. Do not lecture. Ask ONE
question at a time and wait for the answer. Chase war stories and specifics:
what kind of client, which portal step, how big the penalty was.

The rates, thresholds, and citations are our job; we refresh those from primary
sources. Capture ONLY what is NOT derivable from law:

- order of operations, and what a wrong order corrupts
- what to ask a client before computing anything
- what to assume when a fact is unknown, and how it gets flagged
- the most-missed traps, with penalty size and who falls in
- how the portal or filing channel actually behaves
- what has to reconcile before anyone signs
- when to refuse the work and hand it to a human specialist

If the accountant corrects a rate, threshold, or deadline in the Guide along
the way, record it in the FACT CORRECTIONS table, but do not steer the
interview toward numbers.

## Questions to work through

Ask these in order, one at a time. Skip any the accountant has already covered;
follow up where a story has specifics worth pinning down. Each question is
tagged with the method slot(s) it feeds.

1. [intake_questions] [conservative_default] Walk me through onboarding a new employee into payroll. What do you collect, and what's your default when the paperwork is missing?
2. [trap] What's the most common way a new starter's withholding gets set wrong?
3. [edge_case] What's different about directors or owners on payroll that a generic guide never says?
4. [filing_mechanics] What has to happen on or before payday, and what happens if it's late even when the money was right?
5. [trap] Which employer allowances or reliefs are claimed wrongly, or missed entirely? What's the eligibility gotcha?
6. [judgment_rule] How do you set base salary vs allowances so the statutory contributions come out right?
7. [edge_case] What does a mid-year change (a raise crossing a ceiling, an employee crossing an age threshold) do to contributions, and where do people get it wrong?
8. [cross_check] What do you reconcile every month, and again at year-end? What must tie to what?
9. [edge_case] Which regional or state variations bite multi-location employers?
10. [filing_mechanics] Walk me through your deposit calendar. Which payment deadlines differ from filing deadlines?
11. [scope_gate] Ever refused or unwound a payroll client? What made it untouchable?
12. [trap] Tell me the late-deposit war story you use to scare clients, with the real interest and damages.

## Method slots (for tagging the write-up)

- `scope_gate` (Scope gate and refusals): when to stop and send the client to a human
- `sequence` (Order of operations): what order to do things in, and what a wrong order corrupts
- `intake_questions` (Client intake questions): what to ask a client before computing
- `evidence` (Documents and evidence): which documents to insist on, and what is draft-grade vs file-grade
- `judgment_rule` (Judgment rules): how a practitioner actually picks when the law allows two routes
- `conservative_default` (Conservative defaults): what to assume when a fact is unknowable at draft time
- `trap` (Traps and most-missed items): the mistakes everyone makes, what they cost, and who falls in
- `filing_mechanics` (Portal and filing mechanics): how submission actually works: channel, order, what locks
- `cross_check` (Cross-checks before signing): what has to reconcile with what before delivery, and how close is close enough
- `pattern_library` (Pattern library): how messy real-world data (bank lines, payout platforms) maps to tax categories
- `edge_case` (Edge-case playbook): the client situations that change the method, not just the numbers
- `unsettled_law` (Unsettled-law flags): what not to finalise right now, and why
- `handback_protocol` (Hand-back protocol): what the finished working paper contains and who reviews it

## Output format: oa-handback v1

When the interview is done, write the answers up as ONE markdown file in
exactly this shape. Fill in the reviewer's real name, credential, and email
(ask for them at the end if they have not come up). Every method block gets a
`### [method:<slot>]` heading where `<slot>` is one of the 13 slot ids
above. Keep `guide_slug` and `guide_version` exactly as given. Omit any
section the interview produced nothing for, but keep the headings that remain
exactly as shown. The `fact_key` column may be left blank when unknown.

```markdown
---
oa_handback: v1
guide_slug: au-super-guarantee
guide_version: au-super-guarantee@2026-04-13T17:52:43.987Z
reviewer_name: <full name>
reviewer_credential: <credential>        # free text: CPA, EA, ACCA, Steuerberater...
reviewer_email: <email>
verdict: <approve | corrections | unable>
---

## METHOD

### [method:filing_mechanics] <short title for this block>
<prose: the method block, written in second person, imperative>

### [method:intake_questions] <short title for this block>
- <question 1>
- ...

## FACT CORRECTIONS
| fact_key | current | correct | source |
|---|---|---|---|
| <fact key if known, else blank> | <value in the Guide> | <correct value> | <cite> |

## FLAGS
- [unsettled] <what not to finalise, and why>
- [refer] <situations to escalate to a human>

## NOTES
<anything that did not fit a method slot or a fact correction>
```

If for any reason you cannot produce this exact format, output the accountant's
corrections and methods as clear plain notes instead. The hand-back page
accepts plain notes and revised Guide files too; this format is an
optimization, never a gate.

---

# THE GUIDE UNDER REVIEW

<!-- guide: au-super-guarantee · version: au-super-guarantee@2026-04-13T17:52:43.987Z -->

---
name: au-super-guarantee
description: Use this skill whenever asked about Australian Superannuation Guarantee (SG) obligations, voluntary super contributions, concessional and non-concessional caps, Division 293 tax, government co-contribution, spouse contribution tax offset, carry-forward rules, or any question about super for sole traders or employers. Trigger on phrases like "how much super do I pay", "SG rate", "super guarantee", "concessional cap", "Division 293", "salary sacrifice super", "personal super contribution deduction", "co-contribution", "BPAY super", "ATO super clearing house", "super fund contribution", or any question about Australian superannuation. Also trigger when classifying bank statement transactions showing super fund payments, BPAY super debits, or ATO Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH) payments. ALWAYS read this skill before touching any SG-related work.
jurisdiction: AU
domain: payroll
tax_year: 2024
---

# au-super-guarantee

## Section 1 -- Quick reference

**Quick reference table**

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Country | Australia |
| Primary Legislation | Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (SGAA 1992) |
| Supporting Legislation | SIS Act 1993; ITAA 1997 Div 290-293; Co-contribution Act 2003 |
| Tax Authority | Australian Taxation Office (ATO) |
| Tax Year | 2024-25 (1 July 2024 -- 30 June 2025) |
| Currency | AUD only |
| SG rate (2024-25) | 11.5% (12% from 1 July 2025) |
| Maximum contribution base (quarterly) | $65,070 |
| Concessional cap (2024-25) | $30,000 |
| Non-concessional cap (2024-25) | $120,000 ($360,000 bring-forward) |
| General transfer balance cap | $1,900,000 |
| Division 293 threshold | $250,000 |
| SG quarterly deadlines | 28 Oct, 28 Jan, 28 Apr, 28 Jul |
| Sole trader SG to self | NO obligation -- voluntary only |
| Payday Super | Commences 1 July 2026 |
| Contributor | Open Accountants |
| Validated by | Pending |
| Validation date | April 2026 |

**Read this whole section before computing or classifying anything.**

**Conservative defaults**

| Ambiguity | Default |
| --- | --- |
| Unknown entity structure | Ask -- sole trader vs company affects SG obligation |
| Unknown whether sole trader has employees | Ask -- determines SG requirement |
| Unknown SG rate year | 2024-25 = 11.5%; 2025-26 = 12% |
| Unknown TSB for carry-forward | Assume >= $500,000 (no carry-forward); ask client |
| Unknown s 290-150 notice status | Assume NOT lodged; warn about deadline |
| Unknown contractor vs employee | Flag for reviewer -- multi-factor test |

## Section 2 -- Required inputs and refusal catalogue

### Required inputs

- **Minimum viable inputs** — entity structure (sole trader / company / trust / partnership), whether client has employees, OTE per quarter (for employers), and voluntary contribution intent (for sole traders).
- **Recommended inputs** — bank statements showing super fund debits, employee roster with OTE, TSB at 30 June prior year, taxable income for Division 293.
- **Ideal inputs** — complete activity statement data, super fund member statements, s 290-150 notice copies, ATO online account showing contribution caps.

### Refusal catalogue

- **R-AU-SG-1 -- Defined benefit funds** — Trigger: client has a defined benefit fund. Message: "Defined benefit fund calculations are actuarially determined and out of scope. Escalate."  _(R-AU-SG-1)_
- **R-AU-SG-2 -- Constitutionally protected funds** — Trigger: client has a constitutionally protected state fund. Message: "Out of scope. Escalate."  _(R-AU-SG-2)_
- **R-AU-SG-3 -- Family law splits** — Trigger: super splitting in divorce. Message: "Family law superannuation splits require legal advice. Out of scope."  _(R-AU-SG-3)_
- **R-AU-SG-4 -- SGC penalty computation** — Trigger: client has missed SG deadlines and asks about SGC. Message: "Super Guarantee Charge computation should be escalated to a qualified practitioner. SGC includes shortfall + 10% nominal interest + $20 per employee per quarter, and is NOT tax-deductible."  _(R-AU-SG-4)_

## Section 3 -- Payment pattern library

This is the deterministic pre-classifier for bank statement transactions related to superannuation.

### 3.1 Super fund contributions (employer SG or personal)

**Super fund contributions pattern table**

| Pattern | Treatment | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SUPER, SUPERANNUATION | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Generic super payment |
| AUSTRALIAN SUPER, AUSTSUPER | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | AustralianSuper fund |
| REST, REST SUPER | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Retail Employees Super |
| HOSTPLUS | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Hospitality industry fund |
| CBUS, CBUS SUPER | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Construction industry fund |
| SUNSUPER, AUSTRALIAN RETIREMENT TRUST | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | QLD-based fund (merged) |
| UNISUPER | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | University sector fund |
| HESTA | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Health sector fund |
| COLONIAL FIRST STATE, CFS | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Retail fund |
| AMP SUPER, AMP | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Retail fund |
| MLC SUPER, MLC | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Retail fund |
| BT SUPER | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Retail fund |
| SMSF (+ fund name) | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Self-managed super fund |

### 3.2 BPAY super payments

**BPAY super payments pattern table**

| Pattern | Treatment | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BPAY SUPER, BPAY (+ fund name) | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | BPAY is common payment method for super |
| BPAY (biller code matching known super fund) | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Check BPAY biller code |

### 3.3 ATO Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH)

**ATO SBSCH pattern table**

| Pattern | Treatment | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ATO SUPER, ATO CLEARING HOUSE | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Small businesses (<20 employees) can pay SG via ATO SBSCH |
| ATO SBSCH | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | Clearing house payment |
| SMALL BUSINESS SUPERANNUATION | EXCLUDE -- super contribution | ATO SBSCH reference |

### 3.4 Super guarantee charge (SGC -- late/missed SG)

**SGC pattern table**

| Pattern | Treatment | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ATO SGC, SUPER GUARANTEE CHARGE | EXCLUDE -- SGC payment | Late SG penalty payment to ATO |

### 3.5 Salary and wages (not super)

**Salary and wages pattern table**

| Pattern | Treatment | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SALARY, WAGES (outgoing) | Not super | Payroll expense -- SG is separate from wages |
| PAYROLL | Not super | Wages payment |

### 3.6 ATO tax payments (not super)

**ATO tax payments pattern table**

| Pattern | Treatment | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ATO IAS, ATO BAS | EXCLUDE -- tax | Activity statement payment (PAYG/GST) |
| ATO INCOME TAX | EXCLUDE -- tax | Not super |

## Section 4 -- Worked examples

Six bank statement classifications for a hypothetical Australian sole trader with 2 employees.

### Example 1 -- Quarterly SG payment to employee's super fund

**Input line:**
`28.10.2024 ; AUSTRALIAN SUPER ; DEBIT ; SG Q1 2024-25 EMPLOYEE A ; -2,300.00 ; AUD`

**Reasoning:**
Matches "AUSTRALIAN SUPER" (pattern 3.1). Amount $2,300 = $20,000 OTE x 11.5% SG. This is the Q1 (Jul-Sep) SG contribution for Employee A, paid by the 28 October deadline. Tax-deductible for the employer.

**Classification:** EXCLUDE -- SG contribution for employee. Tax-deductible business expense.

### Example 2 -- Personal voluntary super contribution (sole trader)

**Input line:**
`15.05.2025 ; BPAY HOSTPLUS ; DEBIT ; PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION ; -10,000.00 ; AUD`

**Reasoning:**
Matches "BPAY" + "HOSTPLUS" (pattern 3.2). Sole trader making a personal super contribution. Whether this is concessional (deductible) depends on whether the s 290-150 notice is lodged and acknowledged. If notice lodged: $10,000 concessional contribution, tax-deductible, taxed at 15% in the fund. If no notice: non-concessional, no deduction.

**Classification:** EXCLUDE -- personal super contribution. Deductibility depends on s 290-150 notice status. Flag: "Has the Notice of Intent to Claim a Deduction been lodged with the fund?"

### Example 3 -- ATO Small Business Clearing House payment

**Input line:**
`27.01.2025 ; ATO SUPER CLEARING HOUSE ; DEBIT ; SG Q2 ALL EMPLOYEES ; -4,600.00 ; AUD`

**Reasoning:**
Matches "ATO SUPER CLEARING HOUSE" (pattern 3.3). Small business paying SG for all employees via the ATO SBSCH. The clearing house distributes to each employee's nominated fund. Q2 (Oct-Dec) payment by 28 January deadline.

**Classification:** EXCLUDE -- SG contributions via SBSCH. Tax-deductible.

### Example 4 -- OTE above maximum contribution base

**Input line:**
`28.04.2025 ; REST SUPER ; DEBIT ; SG Q3 EMPLOYEE B ; -7,483.05 ; AUD`

**Reasoning:**
Matches "REST SUPER" (pattern 3.1). Amount $7,483.05 = $65,070 (max contribution base) x 11.5%. Employee B's OTE for Q3 exceeded $65,070, so SG is capped.

**Classification:** EXCLUDE -- SG contribution (capped at maximum contribution base).

### Example 5 -- Sole trader asking about self-SG

**Input line:**
No super fund debits found for the sole trader's own account.

**Reasoning:**
Sole traders have NO SG obligation to themselves. Drawings are not salary. If the sole trader wants super, they must make voluntary personal contributions.

**Classification:** No SG payment expected for sole trader's own account. Recommend voluntary contribution strategy.

### Example 6 -- ATO tax payment (NOT super)

**Input line:**
`28.10.2024 ; ATO ; DEBIT ; IAS SEP QTR ; -3,500.00 ; AUD`

**Reasoning:**
Matches "ATO" + "IAS" (pattern 3.6). This is an Instalment Activity Statement (PAYG/GST) payment, NOT a super contribution.

**Classification:** EXCLUDE -- tax payment. NOT super.

## Section 5 -- Tier 1 rules

### Rule 1 -- SG formula

- **SG per quarter formula** — SG per quarter = min(Employee_OTE_for_quarter, $65,070) x 11.5%  _(Rule 1 -- SG formula)_
- **$450/month threshold removed** — No $450/month threshold (removed 1 July 2022). All employees eligible.  _(Rule 1 -- SG formula)_

### Rule 2 -- SG rate

- **SG rate by year** — 2024-25: 11.5%. 2025-26 onwards: 12%.  _(Rule 2 -- SG rate)_

### Rule 3 -- Quarterly deadlines

**Quarterly deadlines table**

| Quarter | Period | Due |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Q1 | 1 Jul - 30 Sep | 28 October |
| Q2 | 1 Oct - 31 Dec | 28 January |
| Q3 | 1 Jan - 31 Mar | 28 April |
| Q4 | 1 Apr - 30 Jun | 28 July |

- **Late/missed deadline consequence** — Late/missed: triggers Super Guarantee Charge (SGC). SGC is NOT tax-deductible.  _(Rule 3 -- Quarterly deadlines)_

### Rule 4 -- Sole traders have NO SG obligation to themselves

- **Sole trader / director SG obligation** — Drawings are not salary. Only voluntary contributions. Company directors paying themselves a salary: YES SG applies (director is employee of company).  _(Rule 4)_

### Rule 5 -- Concessional contributions cap

- **Concessional contributions cap** — $30,000 (2024-25). Includes employer SG + salary sacrifice + personal deductible contributions (with s 290-150 notice). Excess included in assessable income at marginal rate (with 15% offset).  _(Rule 5)_

### Rule 6 -- Carry-forward unused concessional cap

- **Carry-forward rule** — Available from 2018-19 onward, up to 5 prior years, IF TSB < $500,000 at 30 June prior year. If TSB >= $500,000: no carry-forward.  _(Rule 6)_

### Rule 7 -- Non-concessional cap

- **Non-concessional cap** — $120,000 (2024-25). Bring-forward: $360,000 (3 years) if TSB < $1,660,000. TSB >= $1,900,000: nil cap.  _(Rule 7)_

### Rule 8 -- s 290-150 notice (personal contribution deduction)

- **s 290-150 notice requirement** — Must lodge Notice of Intent to Claim a Deduction with the super fund AND receive acknowledgement BEFORE the earlier of: lodging the tax return, or end of following financial year. If not lodged: contribution stays non-concessional, NO deduction.  _(Rule 8)_

### Rule 9 -- Division 293 (additional 15% for high earners)

- **Division 293 formula** — Div 293 income = taxable income + concessional contributions If > $250,000: Div 293 tax = 15% x lesser of (concessional contributions, excess over $250,000)  _(Rule 9)_

### Rule 10 -- Government co-contribution

- **Government co-contribution rule** — Max $500. Income < $60,400. Matching rate: 50c per $1 of non-concessional contribution (max $1,000 contributed). Reduces above $45,400. Automatic upon tax return lodgement.  _(Rule 10)_

## Section 6 -- Tier 2 catalogue

### T2-1 -- Contractor vs employee for SG

- **T2-1** — Trigger: Client engages a contractor who may be principally for labour (SGAA s 12(3)). Issue: Multi-factor test required. SG may be triggered. Action: Flag for reviewer.  _(SGAA s 12(3))_

### T2-2 -- Multiple employers exceeding concessional cap

- **T2-2** — Trigger: Individual has two employers both paying SG. Combined may exceed $30,000. Issue: Neither employer at fault. Individual bears excess contributions tax. Action: Flag for reviewer to assess salary sacrifice adjustment.

### T2-3 -- Over-75 contributions

- **T2-3** — Trigger: Client aged 75+ wants to make voluntary contributions. Issue: Work test applies (40 hours in 30 consecutive days). Mandated employer SG has no age limit. Action: Flag for reviewer.

### T2-4 -- Carry-forward with borderline TSB

- **T2-4** — Trigger: TSB close to $500,000 threshold. Issue: Carry-forward availability depends on exact TSB at 30 June. Action: Flag for reviewer to confirm TSB.

### T2-5 -- s 290-150 notice deadline approaching

- **T2-5** — Trigger: Client made personal contributions but has not lodged notice. Issue: Missing the deadline is irreversible -- contribution stays non-concessional. Action: Urgent flag. Confirm notice status before lodging return.

## Section 7 -- Excel working paper template

```
AUSTRALIA SUPERANNUATION -- WORKING PAPER
Client: [name]
Financial Year: [2024-25]
Prepared: [date]

ENTITY AND STRUCTURE
  Entity type:                    [Sole trader / Company / Trust / Partnership]
  Has employees:                  [YES/NO]
  Sole trader contributing for self: [YES/NO -- voluntary only]

EMPLOYER SG (PER EMPLOYEE PER QUARTER)
  Employee name:                  [____]
  OTE for quarter:                AUD [____]
  Capped OTE (max $65,070):       AUD [____]
  SG rate:                        11.5%
  SG contribution:                AUD [____]
  Due date:                       [____]
  Paid on time:                   [YES/NO]

PERSONAL CONTRIBUTIONS (SOLE TRADER)
  Personal contribution:          AUD [____]
  s 290-150 notice lodged:        [YES/NO]
  Acknowledged by fund:           [YES/NO]
  Classification:                 [Concessional / Non-concessional]
  Tax deduction claimed:          AUD [____]

CONTRIBUTION CAP CHECK
  Concessional cap:               AUD 30,000
  Total concessional contributions: AUD [____]
  Carry-forward available:        AUD [____]
  Remaining cap:                  AUD [____]
  Non-concessional cap:           AUD [____]
  Total non-concessional:         AUD [____]

DIVISION 293
  Taxable income:                 AUD [____]
  Concessional contributions:     AUD [____]
  Div 293 income:                 AUD [____]
  Div 293 tax (if applicable):    AUD [____]

REVIEWER FLAGS
  [List any Tier 2 flags]
```

## Section 8 -- Bank statement reading guide

### How super payments appear on Australian bank statements

**Direct fund payments:**
- Description: Fund name (e.g., "AUSTRALIAN SUPER", "HOSTPLUS", "REST SUPER")
- Timing: Quarterly (by 28th of month after quarter end) or more frequently
- Amount: SG amount per employee or personal contribution amount

**BPAY payments:**
- Description: "BPAY" + biller name or code
- Timing: Any time
- Amount: SG or personal contribution

**ATO Super Clearing House:**
- Description: "ATO SUPER", "ATO CLEARING HOUSE", "SBSCH"
- Timing: Quarterly
- Amount: Combined SG for all employees

**Key identification tips:**
1. Super fund names are the most reliable identifier
2. BPAY to a super fund shows biller code -- cross-reference with fund
3. ATO SBSCH is a single payment covering all employees
4. Sole trader personal contributions look like any other fund payment -- context required
5. SGC payments go to ATO, not to the fund
6. Payday Super (from 1 July 2026) will change timing to each payday

## Section 9 -- Onboarding fallback

If the client provides only a bank statement:

1. **Scan for super fund debits** -- match against fund names in Section 3
2. **Identify SG vs personal contributions** -- quarterly amounts aligned with deadlines = likely SG; ad hoc amounts = likely personal
3. **Check for ATO SBSCH** -- indicates employer using clearing house
4. **Sum quarterly SG payments** -- compare against expected OTE x 11.5% to verify completeness
5. **Flag:** "Super contribution classification derived from bank statement patterns. Employee OTE, s 290-150 notice status, and TSB have not been independently verified. Reviewer must confirm before tax return lodgement."

## Section 10 -- Reference material

### Key rates and thresholds (2024-25)

**Key rates and thresholds table**

| Item | Value |
| --- | --- |
| SG rate | 11.5% |
| Max contribution base (quarterly) | $65,070 |
| Maximum SG per quarter | $7,483.05 |
| Concessional cap | $30,000 |
| Non-concessional cap | $120,000 |
| Bring-forward (3 years) | $360,000 |
| Div 293 threshold | $250,000 |
| Co-contribution max | $500 |
| Co-contribution lower threshold | $45,400 |
| Co-contribution upper threshold | $60,400 |
| LISTO threshold | $37,000 |
| Spouse offset max | $540 |
| Transfer balance cap | $1,900,000 |

### LISTO (Low Income Super Tax Offset)

- **LISTO rule** — Adjusted taxable income <= $37,000: 15% of concessional contributions, max $500. Paid directly into super fund by ATO.

### Spouse contribution tax offset

- **Spouse contribution tax offset rule** — Max $540 (18% of $3,000). Full offset if spouse income <= $37,000. Nil if spouse income >= $40,000.

### Test suite

Employee OTE $20,000/quarter, 2024-25. -> SG = $2,300.

Employee OTE $80,000/quarter. -> SG = $7,483.05 (capped).

Sole trader contributes $25,000, lodges s 290-150. TSB $200,000. -> $25,000 concessional. Deduction $25,000. Within cap.

Taxable income $260,000, concessional $30,000. -> Div 293 income $290,000. Div 293 tax = 15% x $30,000 = $4,500.

TSB $400,000. Unused cap: $5,000 (2021-22) + $10,000 (2022-23) + $15,000 (2023-24). -> Available cap = $60,000.

Income $50,000, non-concessional $1,000. -> Co-contribution = $346.68.

$5,000 to spouse's fund, spouse income $36,000. -> Offset = $540.

Sole trader asks about SG to self. -> $0. No obligation. Advise voluntary contributions.

### Prohibitions

- NEVER tell a sole trader they must pay SG to themselves
- NEVER apply 12% rate to 2024-25 (rate is 11.5%)
- NEVER ignore maximum contribution base ($65,070/quarter)
- NEVER allow deduction claim without confirmed s 290-150 notice
- NEVER apply carry-forward if TSB >= $500,000
- NEVER present figures as definitive
- NEVER compute SGC penalties without escalating
- NEVER advise on defined benefit or constitutionally protected funds

## Disclaimer

This skill and its outputs are provided for informational and computational purposes only and do not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Open Accountants and its contributors accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from the use of this skill. All outputs must be reviewed and signed off by a qualified professional (such as a CPA, CA, tax agent, or equivalent licensed practitioner in your jurisdiction) before filing or acting upon.

The most up-to-date, verified version of this skill is maintained at [openaccountants.com](https://openaccountants.com). Log in to access the latest version, request a professional review from a licensed accountant, and track updates as tax law changes.

## Talk to a verified accountant

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jurisdiction — **no liability on either side until you and the accountant sign
a formal engagement letter** — book a free 30-minute call:

**→ [Book a call](https://calendly.com/openaccountants-info/30min)**

We'll route you to the named verifier covering your country or state. You can
also see the full list of verified accountants at
[openaccountants.com/network](https://openaccountants.com/network).
