Option 2 – contribute to super after tax
As you can see, salary sacrificing the contribution provides a saving in income tax of $1,500.00, not allowing for any Medicare levy payable or tax offsets. However, by making a personal non-concessional contribution, you are eligible for the Government co-contribution which results in a net increase in the super balance of $1,096.68. Overall, you are still better off by salary sacrificing into super, however the comparison will be different for each person, and you do need to consider your own situation.
| Salary sacrifice contribution of $5,000 | Non-concessional contribution of $5,000 | |
| Taxable income | $45,000 | $50,000 |
| Income payable (excluding Medicare) | $4,288 | $5,788 |
| Net savings in income tax | $1,500 |
| Salary sacrifice contribution of $5,000 | Non-concessional contribution of $5,000 | |
| Total super contribution | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Less contributions tax | $750 | $0 |
| Add govt co-contribution | $0 | $346.68 |
| Total super balance | $4,250 | $5,346.68 |
| Net increase in super | $1,096.68 |