Spouse contributions & splitting: super strategies for couples

Super is individual — but couples can work as a team. If one partner has a much smaller balance (often after time out of the workforce), a few strategies can even things up, cut tax, and make the most of both people’s caps and Age Pension thresholds.

1. Spouse contribution tax offset

If you contribute to your spouse’s super and they earn under $37,000, you can claim a tax offset of up to $540 (18% of up to $3,000 contributed). The offset reduces as their income rises and cuts out at $40,000. It’s a modest but easy win for single-income or low-second-income households.

2. Contribution splitting

You can split up to 85% of your concessional (before-tax) contributions from last financial year into your spouse’s account. Nothing extra goes in overall — you’re just moving it to the lower-balance partner. Great for evening up balances so both partners can maximise the transfer balance cap in retirement.

3. Government co-contribution

If the lower-earning partner makes an after-tax contribution and earns under the threshold, the government chips in up to $500. Effectively free money for eligible low-income earners.

Why evening up balances matters

Putting it together

These strategies interact with the contribution caps, each partner’s income, and your retirement timeline. A complimentary Donmont review looks at both partners’ super together — which is how couples find the wins that individual thinking misses.

Frequently asked questions