29 May 2026
A new financial year often brings a few updates to super – and from 1 July 2026, there are some important changes worth knowing about.
Some happen behind the scenes, while others could make a real difference to how your super grows over time. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you feel confident about what’s ahead.
Payday Super is here
One of the biggest changes this year is the introduction of Payday Super.
From 1 July 2026, employers will need to ensure your super fund receives your super within 7 business days of your payday, and can no longer pay it quarterly. That means contributions will land in your super account more regularly – depending on your pay cycle, that could be weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
If you have asked your employer to make salary sacrifice contributions, they can still choose to pay them quarterly.
Why this matters
Getting your super paid earlier means it can start working for you sooner. Over time, even small timing differences can add up, thanks to the way super grows through compounding.
What you need to do
Make sure your details (First name, Surname, Tax File Number (TFN) and date of birth) are up to date with both your employer and your super fund. If they don’t match, there could be delays in receiving your super.
You can check the details we have for you through your online account or app.
If your details or super fund change in the future, remember to let your employer and your super fund know at the same time.
Contribution caps are increasing
If you’re thinking about adding a little extra to your super, there’s some good news. Contribution caps are increasing from 1 July.
Concessional (before-tax) cap increasing from $30,000 to $32,500
Non-concessional (after-tax) cap increasing from $120,000 to $130,000
Why this matters
Higher caps can give you more flexibility to grow your super in a way that works for you – whether that’s through salary sacrifice or personal contributions when you’re able.
Transfer balance cap rises
Here's one for those of you approaching retirement or in your pension phase: the transfer balance cap is rising again.
The transfer balance cap sets the total amount of super that can be transferred into retirement. For the new tax year, this sum rises from $2m to $2.1m.
What this means
If you move more super than this into your pension balance, you may have to pay tax on earnings above that balance, or move the excess back into accumulation phase. This only applies to sums transferred in, not to investment earnings on your retirement phase account.
A new tax for very high balances
From 1 July 2026, a new tax (called Division 296) will apply to individuals with a Total Super Balance at the end of FY27 above $3 million.
In simple terms, realised earnings applicable to the portion of your balance:
between $3 million and $10 million will be taxed an extra 15%
above $10 million will be taxed an extra 25%
The tax payable is calculated on an annual basis.
Why this matters
This change will only affect a small number of people with very large balances – but it’s something to be aware of if your super is approaching that level.
No change to the Super Guarantee
One thing staying the same is the Super Guarantee (SG) rate.
It will remain at 12% of your eligible earnings, where it reached in July 2025.
Why this matters
Your employer will continue contributing at the same rate – just more frequently under the new Payday Super rules.
What you can do next
You don’t need to take any action for these changes to take effect – but it’s a great opportunity to check in with your super and make sure it’s working for you.
A few simple steps can help:
Keep an eye on your contributions after 1 July to make sure they’re arriving regularly
Check your investment option still suits your goals
Consider whether adding extra to your super could be right for you
Make sure your details and beneficiaries are up to date
If you’re ever unsure, our coaches are available to help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.
All information is general and does not take account of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before deciding whether a particular product is appropriate for you, please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement including any incorporated information, Target Market Determination and Financial Services Guide available at guildsuper.com.au, and consider speaking with a GuildSuper Coach or financial adviser.