What’s changing in super from 1 July 2026?
Stay up to date with changes to your super from 1 July 2026, explained simply.
A new financial year often brings updates to super – and from 1 July 2026, there are a few important changes to be aware of. Some are behind-the-scenes changes, while others could make a real difference to how and when your super grows.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect – and what it could mean for you.
Payday super is here
One of the biggest changes this year is Payday Super.
From 1 July 2026, your employer must ensure your super fund receives your super within 7 business days of your payday, and no longer have the option to pay them quarterly.
That means:
Super will be paid more frequently (e.g weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on your pay cycle)
If you have asked your employer to make salary sacrifice contributions, they can still be paid quarterly.
Why this matters
Getting contributions earlier means your money can start working for you sooner. Over time, that makes a meaningful difference thanks to compounding returns.
What you need to do
Make sure your details (First name, Surname, Tax File Number (TFN) and date of birth) are up to date with both your employer and your super fund because if they don’t match there could be delays to receiving your super. You can check the details we have for you through your online account.
If your details or super fund change in the future remember to let your employer and your super fund know at the same time.
Contribution caps are increasing
Good news if you’re adding extra to your super – contribution caps are increasing from 1 July 2026.
Concessional (before-tax) cap increasing from $30,000 to $32,500
Non-concessional (after-tax) cap increasing from $120,000 to $130,000
Why this matters
Higher caps may give you more flexibility to boost your super, whether through salary sacrifice or personal contributions.
A new tax for very high balances
From 1 July 2026, a new tax (called Division 296) will apply to individuals with very high super balances.
In simple terms, if your Total Super Balance at the end of FY27 exceeds $3 million, realised earnings applicable to the portion of your balance:
between $3 million and $10 million will be taxed an extra 15%
above $10 million will be taxed an extra 25%
The tax payable is calculated on an annual basis.
Why this matters
This change will only affect a small number of people with very large balances – but it’s something to be aware of if your super is approaching that level.
Transfer balance cap rises
Here's one for those of you approaching retirement or in your pension phase: the transfer balance cap is rising again.
The transfer balance cap sets the total amount of super that can be transferred into a pension account. For the new tax year, this sum rises from $2m to $2.1m.
What this means
You can move more into the tax-free retirement phase before hitting the cap.
If you have previously transferred money into a pension account, you may be able to transfer more, depending on how much of your cap you have already used.
If you exceed the cap, tax penalties will apply. The Transfer Balance Cap limits how much you can hold in the tax-free pension environment of super, but does not restrict additional amounts above the cap being held in another (accumulation) account.
No change to the Super Guarantee rate
One thing that’s not changing on 1 July 2026 is the Super Guarantee (SG) rate. It will remain at 12% of your eligible earnings.
Why this matters
Your employer needs to continue contributing at the same rate, just more frequently under Payday Super.
What should you do next?
You don’t need to take any action to receive these changes, but it’s a great opportunity to stay engaged with your super.
A few simple steps can help.
Check your contributions are landing regularly after 1 July
Review your investment option to make sure it suits you
Consider whether extra contributions could work for you
Check your beneficiaries and contact details are up to date
If you’re unsure about anything, smartMonday’s smartCoaches are here to help you make sense of it all and take the next step with confidence.
Read more about changes to superannuation legislation at the ATO.