A new year always brings a fresh start - and in super, it also brings a fresh set of rules to get your head around.

2026 is shaping up to be an important year for SMSF trustees. We’ve got contribution caps holding steady (for once), the Super Guarantee now fully bedded down at 12%, and some long-talked-about reforms potentially moving from headline to reality.

So let’s cut through the noise and talk about what actually matters for your SMSF this year - in plain English.

1. Super Guarantee: 12% Is Now the New Normal

The Super Guarantee increase journey is officially complete. As of 1 July 2025, employer super contributions hit 12%, and that’s the rate we’re working with throughout 2026.

For SMSF members, this is particularly relevant if:

• You run your own business

• You pay yourself a wage

• Your SMSF receives employer contributions

Why it matters:
More compulsory super means more money flowing into the system - but it also means payroll, cash flow and compliance need to be spot on.

If you’re both an employer and member, don’t assume this has been handled. Double-check your payroll settings because the ATO won’t accept “I thought it was updated” as an excuse if you get it wrong!

2. Contribution Caps: No Change (and That’s Not a Bad Thing)

For the 2025–26 financial year, contribution caps remain unchanged:

• Concessional contributions: $30,000

• Non-concessional contributions: $120,000

• Bring-forward rule: Up to $360,000 (if eligible)

You can also still use carry-forward concessional contributions from the last five years if your total super balance was under $500,000 at the previous 30 June.

Why this matters:
Stability creates planning opportunities. When the rules don’t move, smart strategy steps in.

This is your chance to be intentional. High-income year coming up? Sold a business or property? Don’t wait until June and panic - plan early and maximise strategies available to SMSFs you can’t utilise with other super vehicles (eg reserves).

3. Transfer Balance Cap Has Increased

The general transfer balance cap is now $2 million, giving SMSF members more room to move money into the tax-free retirement phase.

This mainly affects members:

• Starting a pension in 2026

• Managing multiple pensions

• Sitting close to the previous cap

Why it matters:
Once money moves into retirement phase, earnings are generally tax-free - but only up to your personal cap. Timing is everything here. Getting this wrong can mean excess transfer balance issues - whereas getting it right can mean years of tax-effective income.

4. What’s Being Proposed: New Tax on High Super Balances from 1 July 2026

This is the change that’s generated the most headlines and understandably so.

The Government’s Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions policy proposes a new tax on earnings for total super balances above $3 million (commonly referred to as “Division 296” in commentary).

This would mean additional tax on the portion of earnings attributable to balances over that threshold, effectively increasing the tax on the earnings portion to around 30% for amounts above $3 million.

What’s next?

• The Government will need to formally introduce the Bill (and possibly re-introduce or amend earlier Bills), and it must be agreed to by both Houses of Parliament.

• Until that happens, the proposal remains just that - a policy position that’s expected, not legislated.

5. Payday Super Is Coming - Get Ready

From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay super in line with each pay cycle, not quarterly.

Why this matters:

• Less room for late or missed super

• More transparency

• Tighter compliance

For SMSFs receiving employer contributions - especially related-party ones - systems will need to be ready.

This is a compliance shift, not just an admin tweak. If you’re an employer-trustee, start preparing now - scrambling later is never fun (or cheap).

So… What Should SMSF Trustees Do in Early 2026?

Here’s your practical checklist:

✔ Review your contribution strategy well before 30 June
✔ Check your total super balance and future tax exposure
✔ Assess whether pension timing needs adjusting
✔ Make sure payroll and SG systems are future-proofed
✔ Get advice before acting - not after something breaks

Final Word

2026 isn’t about dramatic overhauls - it’s about precision.

The rules are tightening at the top, expectations around compliance are increasing, and the ATO’s visibility into super has never been sharper. For SMSF trustees, this is the year to be proactive, not reactive.

And as always - strategy beats guesswork every time.

On behalf of our wonderful team - wishing each of you a happy, healthy and abundant year in 2026.