Salary Sacrifice Tax Savings Calculator
See the estimated income tax saving from salary sacrificing part of your Australian salary into superannuation instead of taking it as cash.
Your results
Calculation breakdown
- Income tax saved
- Saving = tax on full salary − tax on (salary − sacrificed amount)
- Net saving
- Net saving = income tax saved − 15% contributions tax on the sacrificed amount
Worked example
On a $100,000 salary, sacrificing $10,000 into super cuts income tax and Medicare levy by about $3,200, and after the 15% contributions tax of $1,500, the net tax saving is roughly $1,700.
Assumptions
- Does not check the annual concessional contributions cap; see the Super Contribution Cap calculator.
- Assumes the sacrificed amount is within normal concessional contribution rules.
Sources
How this calculator works
This calculator compares the income tax and Medicare levy payable on your full salary against tax payable after sacrificing an amount into superannuation, then nets off the 15% contributions tax to show the overall tax saving. It highlights how salary sacrifice can lower taxable income while boosting retirement savings.
Rates sourced from the Australian Taxation Office for the 2026–27 financial year. Last reviewed 14/08/2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is superannuation salary sacrifice always tax effective?
It is generally most effective for people on higher marginal tax rates, since the 15% contributions tax rate can be well below their income tax rate.
Does this check my concessional contributions cap?
No, use the Super Contribution Cap calculator on this site to check you are not exceeding the annual concessional cap.
Does salary sacrifice reduce my take-home pay?
Yes, sacrificed amounts go to superannuation instead of your take-home pay, though the tax saving partly offsets the reduction.
Editorial review and responsibility
Reviewed by the CalcAussie editorial team on 21 September 2026. Review scope: Method, Australian terminology, material assumptions, source links and user-facing limitations.
Calculator results remain estimates based on the figures entered. Check material decisions against current official information and report a suspected error so it can be reproduced and corrected.
Rates and thresholds are configured for the 2026–27 Australian financial year and should be reviewed when government settings change.
Results are estimates only and are not financial, tax, legal or credit advice.