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A Quick Reference For Australian Tax Rates And Related Information

A Quick Reference For Australian Tax Rates And Related Information

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Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (“LISTO”)

Since 2017 and currently a non-refundable Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset is available to superannuation funds, to reduce the tax paid on the concessional contributions of low income earners.

‘Low income’ refers to an adjusted taxable income of $37,000 or less.

‘Non-refundable’ means that the rebate is limited to tax payable. If tax payable is less than the rebate, then the unused rebate is lost.

LISTO To Increase From 1 July 2027

On 13 October 2025 the Federal Treasurer announced a number of changes to superannuation measures.

They include:

  • The LISTO will be increased by $310 from $500 to $810.
  • The eligibility threshold for the LISTO will be raised from $37,000 to $45,000.
  • These LISTO changes will take effect from 1 July 2027.

Legislation passed:

See also: Reforms to support low-income workers and build a stronger super system | Treasury.gov.au

How Much Is The LISTO Rebate (To 30 June 2027)

A maximum of $500 rebate is available, calculated as 15% of eligible contributions.

Calculated amounts of less that $10 are rounded up to $10.

The LISTO is a rebate paid to the super fund account of the low income member.

The rate of 15% of eligible contributions matches and therefore effectively cancels the 15% income tax on contributions, up to the ceiling of $500.

This offset is available from 2017-18 and later years.

The offset operates in a similar manner to the earlier “LISC” scheme which was available from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2017.

The rebate is paid to the super fund of the low-income taxpayer claimant.

Example:

Source: ATO

Legislation was passed in Nov 2016 by parliament to provide a rebate of up to $500 (credited to their super fund) for low income earners with an adjusted taxable income of $37,000 or less.

The rebate applies from 1 July 2017.

The amount of the rebate is calculated as 15% of eligible super contributions, which are essentially contributions made to an approved (i.e. “eligible”) super fund.

LISTO Rebate Eligibility Conditions

The necessary conditions are:

  • at least one concessional contribution has been made by or for that individual in the corresponding financial year; and
  • adjusted taxable income for that income year that does not exceed $37,000
  • at least 10% of the individual’s income for the income year is from business or employment (or where, in limited circumstances, the Commissioner estimates that to be the case)
  • the individual’s Total Superannuation Balance must be below the Transfer Balance Cap
  • temporary visa holders are excluded (except NZ citizens)

Unlike the co-contribution requirements, there is no age limit on eligibility.

See further

FAQs

Do I qualify for a free $500 from the government for my super?

Until 30 June 2026 the LISTO scheme (discussed on this page) pays $500 for taxpayers with adjusted income up to $37,000. From 1 July 2027 the rebate will be increased to $810 for incomes under $45,000. For other super support measures see Co-contribution Super and Spouse Super Contributions. For higher income earners concessions apply.

What is a superannuation tax offset?

A superannuation tax offset is a rebate or reduction of tax that would be otherwise applicable to the tax return of an individual or super fund. Super offsets are generally not refundable if they exceed the amount of tax. Examples of superannuation tax offsets are LISTO (this page), Super income stream tax offset, and Spouse super contribution tax offset.

What is the government low income super tax offset?

LISTO is discussed on this page.

What are the new super rules from 1 July 2026?

A number of measures take effect in the financial year commencing 1 July 2026. They include:

  • Payday Super – super payments to be paid on payday on “Qualifying Earnings”
  • Division 296 tax – additional 15% tax on earnings from total super fund balances exceeding $3 million up to $10 million where an additional 10% (for a total 40%) tax is applied.
  • Contributions caps are increased by an index percentage

Does the $450 super threshold still apply?

The figure of $450 in the context of superannuation probably refers to the minimum $450 per month wages requirement for super guarantee eligibility. This was removed with effect from 1 July 2022.

Who is eligible for low income superannuation tax offset?

The eligibility requirements for LISTO are detailed above.

Who is eligible for the government’s super co-contribution?

The government co-contribution scheme (which is separate from the LISTO) eligibility requirements include age, income and residence requirements. The requirements are set out here: What Are The Eligibility Requirements For A Government Co-contribution?

Does the government still give $1000 for KiwiSaver?

The government kick start payment of $1,000 was removed for anyone joining KiwiSaver after 2pm, 21 May 2015. For details of the scheme, see KiwiSaver – William Buck New Zealand.

What is the threshold for low income superannuation?

The low income superannuation tax offset (“LISTO”) has an income eligibility ceiling of $37,000. On 1 July 2027 this will be increased to $45,000.

This page was last modified 2026-06-06