As retirement gets closer, it may be worth reviewing whether there are opportunities to add more to your super. Depending on your circumstances, options such as personal deductible contributions, unused contribution caps, after-tax contributions and downsizer contributions may be available. Understanding the basics can help you identify what may be worth discussing with your accountant or financial adviser.

Know Your Contribution Caps

There are limits on how much you can contribute to super each financial year.

For 2026–27, the general concessional contributions cap is $32,500. This includes employer super contributions, salary sacrifice and personal contributions for which you claim a tax deduction.

The general non-concessional contributions cap is $130,000. These are generally contributions made from after-tax money where no tax deduction is claimed.

Remember that the caps apply across all of your super accounts combined.

To understand more about contribution caps and how they apply, visit the ATO’s information on super contribution caps and limits.

Making a Personal Deductible Contribution

You may be able to make a personal contribution to your super and claim a tax deduction for it.

If you claim a deduction, the amount counts towards your concessional contributions cap. You generally need to give your super fund a valid notice of intent to claim the deduction and receive an acknowledgement from the fund before claiming it in your tax return.

For someone approaching retirement, this may be worth considering if there is additional cash available or income has been higher than usual.

For more information, visit the ATO’s guidance on personal super contributions and claiming a deduction.

You May Have Unused Contribution Caps

If you have not used your full concessional contributions cap in previous years, you may be able to carry the unused amount forward.

Generally, this is available if your total super balance was less than $500,000 at the previous 30 June. Unused amounts from up to the previous five financial years may be available.

This could allow an eligible person to make a larger concessional contribution before retirement. Your available carry-forward amounts can also be checked through ATO online services linked to myGov.

To understand more about unused contribution caps, visit the ATO’s information on super contribution caps and carry-forward rules.

What About After-Tax Contributions?

Concessional contributions are not the only way to add to your super. You can also contribute your own after-tax savings without claiming a tax deduction.

For 2026–27, the general non-concessional contributions cap is $130,000. Some people may also be eligible for the bring-forward arrangement, potentially allowing up to $390,000 to be contributed over the applicable period. Eligibility depends on factors including your total super balance and previous contributions.

This may be relevant where someone approaching retirement has accumulated savings or receives a larger amount of cash.

For more information, visit the ATO’s guidance on non-concessional contributions and contribution limits.

Selling Your Home? Another Option May Be Available

If you are 55 or older and sell an eligible home, you may be able to make a downsizer contribution to super.

An eligible person can contribute up to $300,000 from the sale, meaning an eligible couple may potentially contribute up to $600,000. The contribution generally needs to be made within 90 days of settlement, and other eligibility requirements apply.

Despite the name, you do not need to buy a smaller home to use the downsizer contribution rules.

To understand more about the eligibility requirements, visit the ATO’s guidance on downsizer contributions.

As retirement gets closer, reviewing your super early can give you more time to understand the options available and decide what may be appropriate for you. Super is also only one part of the picture. Future income, investments, estate planning and possible aged care needs can all become more important as circumstances change. Understanding how these pieces fit together can help you make more informed decisions about the years ahead.