The minimum employer Super contribution match or more into your Super will happen automatically. (if it does not, report them) However, if you’re at the stage of life where you’re wanting to focus on maximising your retirement. You can consider contributing whatever is possible regularly or periodically for your circumstances within the annual limits.

Example: Mr Jones gets a (hypothetical) 16.4% FIFO Super contribution and wants to maximise. 

• Mr Jones earns $120000 base pay and FIFO allowance a year. Mr Jones also earns $75000 a year pre-tax from an online business
• Mr Jones is paid fortnightly, (120000/26=) before deductions its $ 4615.38
• His employer will put a 16.4% match ($4615.38/100 x 16.4=) into their Super, = $756.92
• The 26-27 ATO annual concessional allowance is $32500, (32500/26=) $1250
• $1250 – $756.92 = $493.08 remaining allowance for our made up Mr Jones
• Mr Jones asks his employer to take $493 from pre-tax pay to go into their Super every fortnight
• This is how Mr Jones could Sacrifice the maximum $32500 allowance in 26-27 tax years

Fact, Mr Jones won’t be $493 out of pocket on payday. Without salary sacrifice, that portion of their pay would have been subject to 30% tax. Mr Jones will only be $345 down from their maximum fortnightly pay.

Fact…. Mr Jones has removed $12820 (26 x $493) from their $120000 annual FIFO pay. This now moves $12820 of their other income from the 37% tax bracket to the 30% rate. Saving Mr Jones $897.4 in tax at assessment time.

• Alternatively, he could sacrifice much more in the early stages 2, 3, 4 x as much per fortnight to get more in early to compound. Then pay less/nothing in later pay periods.

paycalculator.com.au can help you calculate your maximum salary sacrifice.

(Factual, informational, not a recommendation or financial advice.  For matters this complex please seek personal advice from a licensed financial adviser before acting)