Spouse super contributions

Give your partner’s super an after-tax boost if they're earning less than $40,000 a year¹ or not working right now, and you could both benefit. A spouse super contribution brightens their future and could also reduce your tax.

Benefits of spouse contributions

More money for your partner's savings could also mean a better financial outcome for you.

Support for your spouse

More in your partner's super means more for their retirement. Save for the future together.

Pay less tax

Claim a tax offset of up to $540 on eligible after-tax spouse contributions.

What is a spouse super contribution?

Spouse contributions mean paying money into your spouse's super from your after-tax income. If they are a low-income earner, you may be able to claim a tax offset on the first $3,000 you contribute. Make sure you check your contribution limit for the year.

What is a spouse?

A spouse includes someone you're legally married to, or in a de facto relationship with. De facto means you live together as a couple.

How the spouse super tax offset works

You may be able to claim an annual tax offset of up to 18% (a maximum of $540) on the first $3,000 you contribute, depending on how much your partner earns each year.

Tax offset on a $3,000 contribution

Spouse income	What you can claim
$37,000 or less	$540
$38,000	$360
$39,000	$180
$40,000	$0

Case study: Steven sets up regular spouse contributions

How to make a spouse super contribution

You'll need your partner's account details to make a spouse contribution. If they're a QSuper member, there are some easy ways you can contribute.

First, check your eligibility for spouse contributions and then choose from one of the below options.

BPAY^®: Use their spouse contributions BPAY^® details. They can find this in our app, or in Member Online under 'Add to super', or on their annual statement.
Form: Send us a Spouse Deposit form (pdf) with a cheque or money order.
In person: Our Member Centres accept EFTPOS.

If your partner doesn't have a QSuper account but you do, find out whether they can join, or make spouse contributions to their existing super account.

How to claim your spouse contribution tax offset

Claiming your spouse contribution tax offset is easy. Just make sure QSuper has your tax file number (TFN) in Member Online.

Fill in the details about the super contributions made on behalf of your spouse in your tax return.
Lodge your tax return.

Super splitting: another way to support your partner

Splitting before-tax super contributions with your spouse can also help grow their super. Combine this with after-tax spouse contributions for even more benefits.

Find out more

Eligibility

To claim a tax offset on spouse superannuation contributions:

Your spouse's income must be less than $40,000 a year
Your spouse must be under age 75
Your contribution must be from your after-tax money, and not from an employer or a trust
Your spouse must provide their tax file number to their super fund
You and your spouse must be Australian residents.

You aren't eligible to claim this tax offset if:

You and your spouse are living separately on a permanent basis
Your spouse has exceeded their non-concessional (after-tax) contributions cap for the financial year
Your spouse had a superannuation balance over the transfer balance cap on 30 June, for contributions made in the previous financial year.

More ways to grow your super

Discover more ways you and your partner can add to your super, such as other contribution types. Or find out ways to claim a benefit, such as a tax deduction or the government co-contribution.

Find out more

FAQs about spouse contributions

Are there limits to how much I can contribute to my spouse? Show content

The tax offset is limited to the first $3,000 you contribute after-tax to your partner each financial year, depending on their income.

However, you can contribute more than this to your partner's super, but make sure your spouse has not gone past their super contributions caps including their non-concessional contributions cap and transfer balance cap.

What is a tax offset? Show content

A tax offset reduces the tax you pay on your taxable income. Your taxable income is your total income less any deductions you claim.

Is there anything else I need to consider? Show content

Deciding what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances and you may want to seek personal financial advice to get the most from your superannuation. If you're a member, find out more about financial advice options on your QSuper account.

Next steps

Make a spouse contribution today

Use your partner's spouse contributions BPAY^® details from their Member Online account to put money in their super account.

Use the QSuper Super Projection Calculator

Check how much super you're on track to end up with, what sort of income to expect, and how long your super might last.

Try it now

Footnotes Show content

®Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518.

1. Earnings are defined as the sum of your spouse's assessable income, total reportable fringe benefits amounts, and reportable employer super contributions, less any amounts your spouse has taken out of their super to buy their first home during the financial year.