Salary Sacrifice Calculator
Boost your super and reduce your tax. See the real cost to your take-home pay. Updated for the 2025-2026 financial year.
Salary Sacrifice Calculator
See how salary sacrificing to super affects your take-home pay and builds your retirement savings.
Standard rate is 12.0%. Universities often pay 17%, APS 15.4%.
💡 Did You Know?
Super contributions are taxed at just 15%, compared to your marginal tax rate which could be up to 47% (including Medicare levy)!
📈 Compound Magic
Every dollar you salary sacrifice today could grow to $7.61 in 30 years (assuming 7% annual returns)!
🎯 Smart Strategy
High earners can save up to $9,900 per year by maxing out the $30,000 concessional cap!
"Salary sacrificing into super is taxed at 15%, which is often much lower than your marginal tax rate."
Tax Saved
$1,664
per year
Extra Super
$4,420
after 15% tax
Impact on Take-Home Pay
💰 The Magic of Super Contributions
The government pays $1,664 directly into your super instead of collecting it as tax!
Instant Return
25.0%
Guaranteed return on your money immediately.
Future Wealth
*Assumes 7% annual return
| Component | Current | With Sacrifice |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $90,000 | $84,800 |
| Taxable Income | $90,000 | $84,800 |
| Estimated Tax | -$19,588 | -$17,924 |
| Net Pay | $70,412 | $66,876 |
| Superannuation | ||
| Employer SG | $10,350 | $10,350 |
| Salary Sacrifice (Gross) | $0 | $5,200 |
| Contributions Tax (15%) | $0 | -$780 |
| Total Super | $10,350 | $14,770 |
?How Salary Sacrifice Works
Salary sacrificing into super involves asking your employer to pay part of your pre-tax salary into your super account. This is taxed at a concessional rate of 15%, which is usually lower than your marginal income tax rate.
Why do it?
- Pay less income tax
- Boost retirement savings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the concessional contributions cap for 2025-26?
For the 2025-2026 financial year, the concessional contributions cap is $30,000. This includes your employer's Super Guarantee (SG) contributions and any salary sacrifice amounts. If you exceed this cap, the excess is taxed at your marginal tax rate.
How much tax do I save by salary sacrificing?
Salary sacrificed amounts are taxed at 15% instead of your marginal income tax rate. For example, if you earn $90,000, your marginal rate is 30% (plus Medicare levy). By sacrificing into super, you save the difference between your marginal rate and the 15% contributions tax.
Can I access the money I salary sacrifice?
Generally, no. Salary sacrifice contributions are preserved in your super fund until you reach your 'preservation age' and retire, or meet another condition of release. This is a long-term investment strategy.
Does salary sacrifice affect my HECS/HELP repayments?
Yes. The ATO uses 'Repayment Income' to calculate HECS/HELP repayments, which includes your taxable income PLUS any reportable super contributions (like salary sacrifice). Reducing your taxable income via salary sacrifice does NOT reduce your HECS repayment obligation.
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