Low income superannuation tax offset

You may be eligible for a low income superannuation tax offset (LISTO) payment from the government into your super account if you earn less than $37,000 a year.

What is the LISTO payment?

The LISTO is equal to 15% of the before-tax (concessional) contributions either you or your employer pay into your super during a financial year. The maximum amount you can receive in a financial year is $500 – the minimum is $10.

Who’s eligible?

To be eligible for a LISTO payment:

• you or your employer must be making before-tax (concessional) contributions, which include super guarantee payments to a complying super fund

• your actual or estimated adjusted taxable income, including reportable fringe benefits, must be $37,000 or less

• you haven’t held a temporary resident visa at any time during the applicable financial year, unless you’re a New Zealand resident

• 10% or more of your total income comes from business and/or employment if you lodge a tax return or 10% of your income from eligible employment only, if you don't lodge a tax return.

How do you receive your LISTO payment?

You don’t need to do anything to receive the LISTO payment.

The ATO will determine whether you’re eligible for the LISTO and advise your super fund annually.

The LISTO payment will appear on the member statement the super fund receiving your payment sends.

More information about the LISTO can be found in our Low income superannuation tax offset fact sheet.