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Changes to CGT discount and its potential impact
Client alertExplores proposed CGT discount and negative gearing reforms and what they could mean for investors.
Quick summary
- From 1 July 2026, superannuation contribution caps will increase, with the concessional cap rising to $32,500 and the non‑concessional cap to $130,000, alongside the transfer balance cap increasing to $2.1m.
- These changes expand opportunities to contribute more to super in a concessionally taxed environment, including higher bring‑forward limits of up to $390,000 for eligible individuals.
- The increases are driven by indexation to wages and come with updated thresholds across super contributions, income streams, and related tax measures.
There is positive news for individuals looking to grow their superannuation balance.
Contents
In addition to the general transfer balance cap increasing from $2m to $2.1m, the concessional and non-concessional contribution caps are also set to increase from 1 July 2026.
Relevant changes
The concessional contribution cap will increase from $30,000 to $32,500 from 1 July 2026. The non-concessional cap (calculated at four times the concessional cap) will increase from $120,000 to $130,000. The increase in the caps will allow additional funds to be deposited into a concessionally taxed environment and further grow superannuation benefits.
The concessional contribution cap is indexed to average weekly ordinary time earnings (AWOTE), in increments of $2,500. December 2025 quarter results released Thursday 26 February 2026, set the increase for the next financial year.
How does this impact the bring-forward rule?
Under the bring-forward rule, individuals who are under 75 can ‘bring-forward’ 3 years’ worth of the non-concessional contribution cap. This will increase from $360,000 to $390,000 from 1 July 2026. However, individuals who have already triggered the bring-forward rule cannot make extra non-concessional contributions and are limited to the $360,000 cap until their bring-forward period expires.
From 1 July 2026, the new bring forward thresholds will be based off Total Superannuation Balance (TSB). This assumes the bring forward period has not already been triggered.
| TSB at 30 June 2026 | Maximum NCC | Bring forward period |
|---|---|---|
|
<$1,840,000 |
$390,000 |
3 years |
|
<$1,970,000 |
$260,000 |
2 years |
|
<$2,100,000 |
$130,000 |
No bring forward |
|
>$2,100,000 |
Nil |
Not applicable |
Should your TSB be less than $500,000 (as of 30 June 2025), this financial year is the last opportunity to catch up your concessional contributions using any unused carry forward amounts from the financial year ended 30 June 2021. The carry forward provisions began in the financial year ended 30 June 2019 and carry forward for 5 years. This can be a tax effective strategy for those looking to top up their superannuation or in assisting children to do the same.
With an ever-growing number of different superannuation caps, additional 2026/2027 superannuation rates and thresholds are outlined below:
Superannuation contribution caps
| Measure | 2025-26 | 2026-27 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CGT cap amount |
$1.865m |
$1.935m |
$70,000 |
|
Downsizer contribution (not indexed) |
$300,000 |
$300,000 |
$0 |
|
Division 293 threshold (not indexed) |
$250,000 |
$250,000 |
$0 |
Government co‑contributions
| Threshold | 2025-26 | 2026-27 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lower income threshold |
$47,488 |
$49,293 |
$1,805 |
|
Higher income threshold |
$62,488 |
$64,293 |
$1,805 |
Superannuation guarantee
| Measure | 2025-26 | 2026-27 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Minimum percentage |
12% of OTE base per quarter |
12% of OTE base per quarter |
0% |
|
Maximum contribution base |
$62,500 per quarter |
$270,830 per year |
$20,830 per year |
|
Maximum contribution base annual equivalent |
$250,000 |
$270,830 |
$20,830 |
|
SG payable on maximum contribution base |
$30,000 |
$32,499.60 |
$2,499.60 |
Income streams
| Measure | 2025-26 | 2026-27 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General transfer balance cap |
$2,000,000 |
$2,100,000 |
$100,000 |
|
Untaxed plan cap |
$1,865,000 |
$1,935,000 |
$70,000 |
|
Defined benefit income cap |
$125,000 |
$131,250 |
$6,250 |
We’re here to help
While we await the finalised legislation on Div 296 – the tax imposed on balances greater than $3m – there has never been a better time to seek advice on your superannuation planning.
If you would like to discuss the best strategy to achieve your family goals with the new contribution caps introduced, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.
The above information is provided as an information service only and, therefore, does not constitute financial product advice and should not be relied upon as financial product advice. None of the information provided takes into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You must determine whether the information is appropriate in terms of your particular circumstances. For financial product advice that takes account of your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, you should consider seeking financial advice from an Australian Financial Services licensee before making a financial decision in relation to any of the matters discussed.
Authors
-
Simon Gow For over 17 years Simon has worked within the private advisory team of Grant Thornton Perth as an SMSF specialist advising business and private clients.View Profile -
Adriarnne Ede As a trusted adviser to her clients, Adriarnne also works closely with a number of external Financial Advisory Firms to assist our clients with the product advise they require to make their retirement successful.View Profile
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