Doctors: Do THIS to Instantly Boost Your Super Savings

If you’re a doctor, your super could be working so much harder for you — and most people don’t even realise it. Whether you’re saving lives in a hospital, running your own private practice, or juggling both, right now is a prime moment to check whether your super strategy is actually doing its job. A few smart tweaks today could mean massive tax savings and a seriously stronger retirement tomorrow.

1. Concessional Contributions (Pre-Tax)

The concessional cap for 2025/26 is $30,000, which includes employer SG, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible contributions. If you’re under 75 (and meet the work test if 67–75), you can claim a deduction for personal contributions.

Example:
Dr Mary earns $200k from hospital work and $180k privately. Her employer contributes $23k in SG. She can personally contribute $7,000 to reach the $30,000 cap and claim a deduction.

2. Catch-Up Contributions

If your Total Super Balance was under $500,000 on 30 June 2025, and you haven’t used your full concessional caps in the last five years, you may be able to use the unused amounts now. This can help reduce tax in a high-income or high-capital-gain year.

3. Non-Concessional Contributions (After-Tax)

The non-concessional cap for 2025/26 is $120,000, or up to $360,000 using the bring-forward rule if you’re under 75. If your balance is below $1.9 million, you’re eligible to contribute; above that, you’re not. After-tax contributions are useful for moving more wealth into the low-tax super environment, especially as you get closer to retirement.

4. Super Guarantee Increase

The SG rate rises to 12% on 1 July 2025. Check whether your contract pays super on top of your salary or includes it within your total package, as this may affect your take-home pay. High-income earners should check whether they’re affected by the maximum contribution base, as employers don’t need to pay SG above that threshold.

5. Account-Based Pensions (ABP)

If you’re over 60 and retired, switching your super to an ABP provides tax-free income and tax-free investment earnings (within the cap). The Transfer Balance Cap increases to $2 million in 2025/26.

Ensure you meet the minimum pension withdrawal requirements based on your age by 30 June to retain the tax-free status of your ABP.

6. Transition to Retirement (TRIS)

A TRIS is available if you’re 59–64 and still working. Earnings are taxed at 15% until you retire or turn 65, at which point it can convert to an ABP and become tax-free. If you stop work before age 65, notify your fund so you’re taxed correctly.

7. Quick Super Checklist Before 30 June

• Check your Total Super Balance from 30 June 2025.
• Confirm your caps in MyGov.
• Make contributions early to avoid processing delays.
• Review any insurance inside super.
• If your income exceeds $250k, consider Division 293 tax.

In Summary

The 2025/26 year offers strong opportunities to boost your super and manage tax effectively. Whether you’re early in your medical career or preparing for retirement, smart planning now will pay off later.