The Problem
If you're self-employed (sole trader, partner, or contractor paid for results), nobody is paying super for you. Every year without super contributions is a year of lost compounding. A 35-year-old who misses 5 years of super contributions at $12,000/year loses roughly $150,000+ in retirement savings (factoring in compound growth).
How to Pay Your Own Super
- Choose a super fund (or use your existing one)
- Make a personal contribution — transfer from your bank to your super fund, using your member number and fund's BSB/account
- Complete a Notice of Intent to Claim a Deduction (Section 290-170 form) and send it to your fund before you lodge your tax return
- Your fund acknowledges the notice
- Claim the deduction in your tax return at the "Personal superannuation contributions" label
Tax Benefit
The contribution is taxed at 15% inside super instead of your marginal rate. If your business profit puts you in the 30% bracket, every $10,000 contributed saves you $1,500 in tax — exactly like salary sacrifice for employees.
How Much to Contribute
A common approach: pay yourself 12% super on your business profit, matching what an employer would pay. On $80,000 profit, that's $9,600/year. You can contribute up to the $30,000 concessional cap (or more using catch-up contributions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sole traders have to pay super?
Not legally required. But it's strongly recommended. Without super contributions, you'll have nothing to retire on except the Age Pension.
Can I claim a tax deduction for super contributions?
Yes. Lodge a Notice of Intent to Claim with your super fund before you lodge your tax return. The contribution then counts as a concessional (before-tax) contribution.
What about contractors?
If you're paid mainly for your labour (not a result), your client may be required to pay super for you even if you have an ABN. If you're genuinely self-employed, you need to pay your own.