February 16, 2026

Luke on 2CC – Catch-up concessional contributions: What are they? How do you do it?

18 minutes

Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra in Money Matters, that aired live on Friday 13 February 2026. Luke is joined by Leon Delaney to talk about a super strategy that is largely underutilised by most Australians. The topic is: Catch up concessional contributions: What are they and how do you do it? Most people know there is a limit on the amount of contributions you can make to your superannuation fund each year. But what you may not realise, if you don’t use your full amount, you are able to use those unused amounts in future years. This means you can claim an even bigger tax deduction which most people won’t say no to. There are a few rules to keep in mind.

Thank you for joining us live on 2CC, YouTube, Spotify or your favourite podcast streaming service for ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’.

Key topics covered include:

You can put in $30,000 a year into your super under the concessional cap. With indexation, this amount will rise to $32,500 from 1 July 2026.

What are the rules to using the concessional contribution cap?

You have less than $500,000 in your super account at 30 June of the previous financial year

You are able to look back 5 years to see what concessional contributions you haven’t used in each of your annual limits and use them.

You don’t have to use all of your catch-up amount in one go, you might space it out over a couple or more years.

By using this concessional cap space, you’re able to receive a larger tax deduction.

It’s important you think about using this opportunity as part of your overall financial plan.

Why might you use this opportunity?

If you have a large capital gain from the sale of an investment property, you could offset some of that tax liability with a tax deduction from a super contribution.

It’s a good opportunity for stay-at-home parents who haven’t been working, when they come back into the workforce to bolster their super. This allows them to catch up on the contributions they’ve missed out on and get a tax deduction.

When might this strategy not be the best course of action to take?

What other situations might this opportunity be advantageous?

What mistakes to people make with this strategy?

If your balance is approaching or over the $500,000 at the 30 June or approaching 30 June, which stops you being eligible to use this opportunity, is there anything you can do to lower your balance? There are a few strategies you may consider if you’re eligible to use them. This includes taking money out of super if you’re eligible to withdraw funds and paying off your mortgage.

Luke shares his tips to help you understand catch-up concessional contributions and use them as part of your financial planning. And don’t forget to lodge your notice on intent to claim the tax deduction! Without it, you won’t get your deduction.

https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-1302026.mp3

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Do you need help with your catch-up contributions, super and retirement?

Did you know that you use catch-up concessional contributions space that you haven’t used in the previous 5 years? If you need help with boosting your super and retirement planning, make an appointment to meet with Luke.

Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement (including transition to retirement). Simply make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your own goals and situation.

Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ next week, we hope you can join us. You can also catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.

We look forward to your company again. Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.

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By Luke Smith