Build wealth together and reduce tax along the way.
At q4 financial, we believe building long-term wealth starts with making smart use of every strategy available — including some that are often overlooked. One of these is the Spouse Super Contribution Tax Offset. It’s a simple, effective way for couples to grow retirement savings and benefit from immediate tax savings.
What is the spouse offset?
The spouse offset allows you to claim a tax offset of up to $540 when you contribute to your spouse’s super fund, provided they meet certain income thresholds.
In essence: you help build your partner’s retirement nest egg — and the ATO rewards you with a tax saving.
How does it work?
- You can contribute up to $3,000 to your spouse’s super account.
- To receive the full offset, your spouse’s income must be below $37,000.
- A reduced offset applies if your spouse’s income is between $37,001 and $40,000.
- The offset is worth 18% of your contribution, up to a maximum of $540.
Example: If you contribute $3,000 to your spouse’s super and they earn $36,000, you receive the full $540 tax offset.
Who should consider the spouse offset?
This strategy is worth exploring if your spouse:
- Works part-time or earns a lower income.
- Has taken time out of the workforce (e.g. for parental leave or caring responsibilities).
- Is self-employed and not making regular super contributions.
- Has a lower super balance that you want to grow for long-term equality.
Why use this strategy?
Grow your partner’s super balance
Even modest contributions can compound into meaningful extra savings over time, especially with years of tax-effective growth.
Reduce your tax payable
The spouse offset directly reduces the tax you owe — delivering real cash savings, not just a deduction from taxable income.
Keep retirement planning balanced
Balancing super between partners can provide more flexibility for when and how you access retirement savings, and may help manage future tax obligations.
Use surplus funds wisely
Rather than holding surplus cash or investing outside super, contributing to your spouse’s super can deliver better long-term returns and tax benefits.
Key eligibility conditions
To claim the spouse offset:
- Your spouse must be under age 75.
- Their total super balance must be under $1.9 million (as at 30 June the previous year).
- They must not have exceeded their non-concessional contributions cap.
- You cannot claim both a tax deduction and the spouse offset for the same contribution.
How we help
At q4 financial, we help you ensure every dollar works strategically — supporting your tax position today while building wealth for tomorrow.
If you’d like to find out whether the spouse offset could work for you and your family’s broader wealth plan, talk to your q4 adviser.
Want to find out more smart strategies to grow your superannuation? We’ve created our ‘Super Series’
— a four-part blog collection designed to help you understand and use key strategies to grow your super more effectively.
Part 1: Carry-Forward Super Contributions
A smart way to boost your super and manage your tax effectively
Part 2 – Supercharge Your Super with the Bring-Forward Rule
A strategic way to grow your wealth in a tax-effective environment
Part 3: Super Splitting: A Smart Wealth Strategy for Couples
A simple way to balance super and plan for a stronger financial future
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, we make no guarantees regarding its reliability or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Key Points:
- Not Professional Advice: This blog is not intended to replace professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax advisor for personalised guidance.
- No Liability: We are not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor for any actions taken based on the information provided.
- Subject to Change: Tax laws and regulations are subject to change. Ensure you are up-to-date with the latest information.
- Personal Circumstances: Individual tax situations vary. The strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone.
- External Links: Any external links provided are for convenience and do not imply endorsement. We are not responsible for the content of external sites.
