In this guide
- How to calculate the Super Guarantee
- What’s included in the SG calculation
- Checklist of OTE payments included for SG purposes
- Calculating super for contractors
- What’s not included in the SG calculation
- Tips for high income employees: Watch the SG contribution cap
- Employees with several jobs – SG employer shortfall exemption
Calculating and paying the right amount of Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions for your employees is important, particularly as the ATO has indicated this is an area it will be focussing on.
So, to avoid unwanted attention from the tax man, employers need to get their quarterly SG contribution amounts correct and submitted on time.
But not every payment you make to an employee needs to be included when you calculate the SG contribution amount, so read on to learn more about the current rules.
Super tip
In most cases, you can claim a tax deduction for the SG contribution payments you make on behalf of your eligible employees, provided you pay them by the quarterly due date and to the correct super fund.
Your tax deduction can be claimed for the same financial year as the payment is received by the super fund.
How to calculate the Super Guarantee
The general rule when it comes to calculating the SG for your employees is each quarter you must pay 11.5% (in 2024–25) of an eligible employee’s ordinary time earnings (OTE) to their super account. (The SG rate is legislated to rise to 12% on 1 July 2025, where it is scheduled to stay.)
Check out the current and future SG rate and rules.
