Detailed below is an example of the maximum superannuation contribution base.

The maximum super contribution base limits the level of SG contributions required to be made by an employer on behalf of an employee.

The maximum super contribution base example below illustrates the maximum quarterly cap that employer superannuation guarantee contributions (SGC) are required to be paid on.

The example also shows how irregular salary/wages throughout a year may result in differing levels of employer SG payments, despite two individuals having the same annual income.

An employee’s employment agreement should always be referred to when determining whether or not the maximum super contribution base applies, as an employer may have agreed to pay super contributions on the employee’s total wage, not just up to the maximum super contribution base.
 

Maximum Super Contribution Base Example

 
Detailed below is an example of the maximum super contribution base.

Example 1: Paul is 58 years of age earning $320,000 in the current financial year. Paul is paid the same amount each quarter ($80,000).

Taking into account the maximum super contribution base, Paul would receive the following SG employer contributions from his employer under this example:

Quarter Salary Qrtrly Max Cont Base SG Cont (@ 9.5%)
Jul-Sept $80 000 $57 090 $5 423
Oct-Dec $80 000 $57 090 $5 423
Jan-Mar $80 000 $57 090 $5 423
Apr-Jun $80 000 $57 090 $5 423

As you can see in the table above, Paul has equal earnings throughout the year and receives a total of $21,692 in super contributions from his employer.

The SGC employer contributions are calculated on the maximum super contributions base, rather than his salary, because his salary exceeds the maximum super contribution base in each quarter (quarterly super cap).

Example 2: Jane is 58 years of age also earning $320,000 in the current financial year. However, unlike Paul, Jane’s earnings are irregular throughout the year. This is because Jane receives various bonuses and commissions throughout the year, meaning she has a different salary each quarter.

In this example, the maximum super contribution base would be applied as follows:

Quarter Salary Qrtrly Max Cont Base SG Cont (@ 9.5%)
Jul-Sept $45 000 $57 090 $4 275
Oct-Dec $115 000 $57 090 $5 423
Jan-Mar $50 000 $57 090 $4 750
Apr-Jun $110 000 $57 090 $5 423

As you can see, in this example Jane has the same annual earnings as Paul; however, because Jane’s earnings are irregular, she actually only receives $19,871 in SGC contributions. This is $1,821 less than what Paul receives, despite both of them having the same annual earnings.

You can find a range of other specific examples of how super works here.

Have You Read My Other Posts Yet?

 

Maximum Superannuation Contribution Base 2018/2019

 
The table below shows the history of the maximum employer superannuation contribution base:

Financial Year Maximum Contribution Base Per Quarter
2020-21 $57 090
2019-2020 $55 270
2018-2019 $54 030
2017-2018 $52 760
2016-2017 $51 620
2015-2016 $50 810
2014-2015 $49 430
2013-2014 $48 040
2012-2013 $45 750
2011-2012 $43 820
2010-2011 $42 220
2009-2010 $40 170

 

Superannuation Quarters

 
The superannuation quarters for calculating the maximum quarterly super contribution threshold is as follows:

Quarter Period for SGC Cap
1 1 Jul- 30 Sept
2 1 Oct- 31 Dec
3 1 Jan- 31 Mar
4 1 Apr- 30 Jun

Please feel free to comment below with any views or questions on the maximum super contribution base example shown above.

Chris Strano

Hi, I hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you want my team and I to help with your retirement planning, click here. If you prefer a DIY approach, then check out the SuperGuy HUB. Thanks for stopping by - Chris.

More Posts