Super Co-Contribution vs LISTO (2025–26)

Quick answer

These are two different government incentives.

• Super co-contribution: Matches personal after-tax (non-concessional) contributions at 50 cents per $1, up to $500.
• LISTO: Refunds up to $500 of contributions tax paid on concessional contributions for low income earners.

The key difference:

• Co-contribution applies to non-concessional (after-tax) contributions.
• LISTO applies to concessional (pre-tax) contributions.

Yes — in many cases, you can receive both.

For a full overview of the co-contribution scheme, see
Superannuation Co-Contribution Explained

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What is LISTO?

LISTO stands for Low Income Super Tax Offset.

It refunds the 15% contributions tax paid on concessional contributions for eligible low income earners.

LISTO formula (simplified)

LISTO = 15% × concessional contributions
(capped at $500)

For 2025–26:

• Full eligibility if income is $37,000 or less.
• Maximum payment is $500.
• Minimum payment is $20.
• No LISTO is payable if income exceeds $37,000.

You do not need to apply.
The ATO calculates and pays it automatically after you lodge your tax return.

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What is the super co-contribution?

The super co-contribution applies when you make a personal after-tax (non-concessional) contribution.

Co-contribution formula (simplified)

Maximum entitlement =
50% × personal after-tax contribution
(capped at $500)

If income exceeds $47,488, the maximum entitlement reduces gradually and phases out completely at $62,488 in 2025–26.

For full eligibility rules, see
Super Co-Contribution Eligibility

To estimate your entitlement, use the
Super Co-Contribution Calculator

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Side-by-side comparison

They are calculated separately and serve different policy goals.

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Can you receive both?

Yes.

If:

• Your income is $37,000 or less,
• You receive concessional contributions (such as employer super guarantee), and
• You also make personal after-tax contributions,

you may receive:

• LISTO on your concessional contributions, and
• The co-contribution on your after-tax contribution.

They do not offset each other.
They are separate calculations.

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Example: Receiving both

Emily earns $35,000 in 2025–26.

Her employer contributes super guarantee contributions.
She also contributes $1,000 after tax.

She may receive:

• LISTO — refunding contributions tax on her concessional contributions (up to $500).
• Co-contribution — $500 for her personal after-tax contribution (if she meets all eligibility rules).

Two separate incentives.
Both paid into her super.

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Why people confuse them

• Both are capped at $500.
• Both are automatic after you lodge your tax return.
• Both are paid by the ATO.
• Both target lower income earners.

But the trigger is different:

• LISTO refunds tax on pre-tax contributions.
• Co-contribution matches voluntary after-tax contributions.

Different mechanics.
Different income limits.
Different purpose.

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Which one should you focus on?

If you are eligible for LISTO, it happens automatically.

The co-contribution requires action — you must make a personal after-tax contribution before 30 June.

If you're unsure whether making that contribution makes sense for you, start with
Superannuation Co-Contribution Explained

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FAQs

What is the difference between LISTO and the super co-contribution?

LISTO refunds tax paid on concessional contributions for low income earners. The co-contribution matches personal after-tax contributions at 50 cents per $1 up to $500.

Can I receive both LISTO and the co-contribution?

Yes. If you meet the eligibility rules for both, you can receive LISTO on concessional contributions and the co-contribution on after-tax contributions in the same year.

Is LISTO automatic?

Yes. The ATO calculates and pays LISTO automatically after you lodge your tax return.

Does LISTO require a personal contribution?

No. LISTO applies to concessional contributions such as employer super guarantee contributions.