Salary Packaging Australia 2025
The Complete Guide to Maximise Your Take-Home Pay
IntuitiveCalc Team
Financial Content Specialist
Salary packaging could save you thousands of dollars in tax each year. This comprehensive guide explains everything Australian employees need to know about salary sacrifice arrangements, from superannuation contributions to novated car leases.
Table of Contents
1. What is Salary Packaging / Salary Sacrifice?
Salary packaging (also called salary sacrifice or salary sacrificing) is an arrangement between you and your employer where you agree to receive part of your remuneration as benefits instead of cash salary. The key advantage is that many of these benefits are taxed at a lower rate than your marginal tax rate, or in some cases, are completely tax-free.
Think of it as restructuring your pay package to pay less tax. Instead of receiving all your salary as cash (which is taxed at your marginal rate), you divert some of it to approved benefits that attract less tax.
Key Principle
Salary packaging works because you're exchanging taxable income for benefits that are either tax-free (exempt from FBT) or taxed at concessional rates. The bigger the difference between your marginal tax rate and the tax on the benefit, the more you save.
Common Salary Packaging Benefits
- Superannuation contributions - Extra contributions to your retirement fund
- Novated car leases - Lease a car through your employer using pre-tax dollars
- Laptops and portable devices - Work-related electronic equipment
- Living expenses - Rent, mortgage, groceries (NFP/hospital employees)
- Meal entertainment - Restaurant meals and entertainment (NFP/hospital employees)
- Electric vehicles - FBT-exempt novated leases for EVs
2. How Salary Packaging Reduces Your Tax
The tax savings from salary packaging come from the difference between your marginal tax rate and the tax rate applied to the packaged benefit. Here's a simple example:
Example: $5,000 Salary Sacrifice to Super
Without Salary Packaging
Gross income: $5,000
Tax at 32.5%: -$1,625
Medicare Levy 2%: -$100
Net in pocket: $3,275
With Salary Sacrifice to Super
Gross contribution: $5,000
Contributions tax 15%: -$750
No Medicare Levy
Into super: $4,250
Tax saved: $975 per $5,000 sacrificed
2024-25 Australian Tax Brackets
Understanding tax brackets is essential for calculating your potential savings:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate | Tax on Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $18,200 | 0% | Nil |
| $18,201 - $45,000 | 16% | 16c for each $1 over $18,200 |
| $45,001 - $135,000 | 30% | $4,288 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000 |
| $135,001 - $190,000 | 37% | $31,288 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000 |
| $190,001+ | 45% | $51,638 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000 |
Plus 2% Medicare Levy on taxable income over $26,000
3. Superannuation Salary Sacrifice
Salary sacrificing to superannuation is the most common and widely available form of salary packaging. You agree to have part of your pre-tax salary paid directly into your super fund as concessional contributions.
How It Works
Concessional (before-tax) super contributions are taxed at just 15% within your super fund. Compare this to your marginal tax rate of up to 45% plus Medicare Levy, and the savings become clear.
2024-25 Concessional Contribution Cap
Annual Cap: $30,000
This cap includes ALL concessional contributions:
- Employer Super Guarantee (SG) contributions (11.5% for 2024-25)
- Salary sacrifice contributions
- Personal deductible contributions
Calculating Your Maximum Salary Sacrifice
| Annual Salary | SG at 11.5% | Max Salary Sacrifice | Per Fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $6,900 | $23,100 | $888 |
| $80,000 | $9,200 | $20,800 | $800 |
| $100,000 | $11,500 | $18,500 | $712 |
| $120,000 | $13,800 | $16,200 | $623 |
| $150,000 | $17,250 | $12,750 | $490 |
Carry-Forward Unused Cap
If you haven't maximised your concessional contributions in previous years, you may be able to carry forward unused amounts. This is particularly valuable if you've had a pay rise or are looking to make a large contribution.
Carry-Forward Rules
- Available from 2018-19 financial year onwards
- Your total super balance must be under $500,000 at June 30 of the previous year
- Unused amounts expire after 5 years
- Check your available amounts in ATO Online via MyGov
Division 293 Tax for High Earners
If your income plus concessional super contributions exceeds $250,000, you'll pay an additional 15% tax on contributions (making the total 30%). This still provides tax savings for those in the top tax bracket.
4. Novated Car Leases Explained
A novated lease is a three-way agreement between you, your employer, and a finance company. It allows you to lease a car using a combination of pre-tax and post-tax salary, saving on both income tax and GST.
How Novated Leases Work
- You choose a car (new or used, typically less than 7 years old)
- Your employer enters into a lease agreement with a finance company
- Your employer deducts lease payments and running costs from your salary before tax
- Your employer claims the GST on the vehicle and running costs
- At the end of the lease, you can buy the car, trade it in, or start a new lease
Savings Breakdown
Example: $50,000 Car on Novated Lease
Electric Vehicle Novated Leases
Since July 2022, electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids are exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax when salary sacrificed through a novated lease. This makes EVs incredibly tax-effective.
EV FBT Exemption Requirements
- Vehicle must be a zero or low emissions vehicle (BEV, PHEV, hydrogen fuel cell)
- Price must be below the luxury car tax threshold ($91,387 for 2024-25)
- First held and used on or after 1 July 2022
- Car must not have been a used car before this date
EV Savings Example
| Item | Petrol Car ($50K) | Electric Car ($55K) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle cost | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| GST saving | ~$4,545 | ~$5,000 |
| Annual FBT cost | ~$5,000 | $0 (exempt) |
| Annual income tax saving | $4,680 | $5,148 |
| Annual fuel/charging cost | $3,000 | $800 |
| 5-Year Total Savings | ~$28,000 | ~$50,000+ |
5. Laptops and Electronic Devices
You can salary sacrifice portable electronic devices that are primarily used for work purposes. This is a valuable benefit for employees who need technology for their roles.
Eligible Devices
- Laptops and notebook computers
- Tablets (iPad, Surface, etc.)
- Mobile phones and smartphones
- Printers (portable)
- Software primarily used for work
Important Limitations
- One item per FBT year (1 April - 31 March) unless items are substantially similar
- Must be primarily for work use (more than 50%)
- Desktop computers are NOT eligible - must be portable
- Gaming consoles and entertainment devices are NOT eligible
Savings Example: $2,500 Laptop
Buying Personally
Need to earn: $3,623 (at 30% tax + Medicare)
Tax paid: $1,123
Laptop cost: $2,500
Salary Packaging
Pre-tax deduction: $2,500
FBT: Exempt
Tax Saved: $800
6. Meal Entertainment and Living Expenses (NFP Sector)
Employees of certain not-for-profit organisations and public hospitals have access to additional salary packaging benefits that are capped rather than fully taxed under FBT.
Public Benevolent Institutions (PBIs)
Employees of PBIs (charities providing direct relief to people in need) can access the most generous salary packaging benefits:
PBI Salary Packaging Caps
Public Hospitals
Hospital Salary Packaging Caps
What Can Be Packaged?
Living expenses cap includes:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Groceries and household bills
- School fees
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, water)
- Personal loan repayments
- Credit card payments
Meal entertainment cap includes:
- Restaurant meals (dining out)
- Entertainment venue catering
- Food and drink at holiday accommodation
- Catered functions and events
NFP Tax Savings Example
Nurse at Public Hospital Earning $85,000
7. Who Can Access Salary Packaging
Access to salary packaging depends on your employment type and your employer's policies:
| Benefit Type | Private Sector | Public Sector | NFP/Hospital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super salary sacrifice | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Novated lease | Often | Often | Yes |
| Laptops/devices | Sometimes | Sometimes | Yes |
| Living expenses | No | No | Yes |
| Meal entertainment | No | No | Yes |
Check With Your Employer
Employers are not legally required to offer salary packaging (except for super). Always check with your HR or payroll department to understand what options are available to you.
8. FBT Implications
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is a tax your employer pays on certain benefits provided to employees. Understanding FBT is crucial because it affects the true value of salary packaging.
FBT Categories
| Category | FBT Treatment | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Exempt | No FBT payable | Super contributions, work laptops, EVs under $91,387 |
| Concessional | Reduced FBT rate | Car parking (under $10,338), remote area benefits |
| Capped | FBT-free up to cap | NFP living expenses, meal entertainment |
| Taxable | Full FBT applies | Cars (non-EV), private use items |
FBT Rate and Gross-Up
The FBT rate is 47% for 2024-25. Because FBT is paid on the "grossed-up" value of benefits, the effective tax can be significant:
FBT Calculation Example
Important Warning
Unless a benefit is FBT-exempt or concessionally treated, the FBT cost can outweigh any tax savings. Always calculate the total cost including any FBT before committing to a salary packaging arrangement.
9. Industry-Specific Benefits
Healthcare Workers
Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals working in public hospitals have access to generous salary packaging:
- $9,010 living expenses cap (FBT-free)
- $2,650 meal entertainment cap (FBT-free)
- Super salary sacrifice
- Novated leases (especially attractive for EVs)
- Portable electronic devices
Not-for-Profit (NFP) Employees
Employees of registered charities and public benevolent institutions can access:
- $15,900 living expenses cap (FBT-free)
- $2,650 meal entertainment cap (FBT-free)
- All standard salary packaging options
Education Sector
Many universities and TAFE institutions offer salary packaging programs including:
- Super salary sacrifice
- Novated leases
- Additional study benefits
- Portable electronic devices
Government Employees
Federal and state government employees typically have access to:
- Super salary sacrifice
- Novated leases (varies by agency)
- Some portable electronic devices
10. Calculating Your Savings
Super Salary Sacrifice Savings
| Salary | Marginal Rate | Sacrifice $10K | Tax Saved | Into Super |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | 30% | $10,000 | $1,500 | $8,500 |
| $90,000 | 30% | $10,000 | $1,500 | $8,500 |
| $140,000 | 37% | $10,000 | $2,200 | $8,500 |
| $200,000 | 45% | $10,000 | $3,000 | $8,500 |
Quick Savings Calculator
Use this formula to estimate your salary packaging savings:
Super salary sacrifice:
Tax saved = Amount sacrificed x (Marginal rate - 15%)
NFP living expenses:
Tax saved = Amount packaged x (Marginal rate + 2% Medicare)
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Exceeding the Concessional Cap
Going over the $30,000 cap means excess contributions are taxed at your marginal rate plus a 15% penalty. Always calculate your total contributions including employer SG.
2. Not Understanding FBT Costs
For non-exempt benefits, FBT can make salary packaging more expensive than paying cash. Always get a full cost breakdown before committing.
3. Ignoring Impact on Government Benefits
Salary sacrifice can affect your adjusted taxable income used for Family Tax Benefit, childcare subsidy, and HECS repayments.
4. Salary Sacrificing More Than You Can Afford
Super contributions are locked away until preservation age. Don't sacrifice so much that you struggle with day-to-day expenses.
5. Not Checking Employment Contract
Some contracts calculate leave entitlements on post-sacrifice salary. Check how salary sacrifice affects your annual leave, long service leave, and redundancy pay.
6. Forgetting Division 293 Tax
If your income plus super contributions exceeds $250,000, you'll pay an extra 15% tax on contributions above this threshold.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Can casual employees salary sacrifice?
Yes, casual employees can salary sacrifice to super if their employer agrees. However, casual employees of NFPs may not be eligible for all salary packaging benefits - check with your employer.
Does salary sacrifice reduce my HECS repayments?
No. HECS repayment income includes reportable super contributions (salary sacrifice amounts), so you won't reduce your HECS repayments by salary sacrificing to super.
Can I change my salary sacrifice amount?
This depends on your employer's policy. Most employers allow changes with reasonable notice (typically one pay period). Novated leases may have more restrictive change conditions.
What happens to my novated lease if I change jobs?
You have several options: transfer the lease to your new employer (if they agree), continue paying the lease personally, or end the lease early (which may incur fees). This is why "novation" exists - the lease can be transferred.
Is salary sacrifice worth it on a low income?
It depends. If you're in the 16% tax bracket ($18,201-$45,000), the savings from super salary sacrifice are smaller. However, NFP employees can still benefit significantly from living expenses packaging.
Can I salary sacrifice if I'm a contractor?
Generally, no. Salary packaging is typically only available to employees. As a contractor, you can make personal deductible super contributions or claim business expenses directly.
Does salary sacrifice affect my loan applications?
It can. Lenders typically look at your gross salary before sacrifice for serviceability calculations. However, salary sacrifice to super reduces your take-home pay, which may affect how much you can afford to repay.
When is the best time to start salary sacrificing?
The earlier the better for super contributions due to compound growth. For novated leases, consider timing around when you need a new vehicle. For NFP benefits, start as soon as you're eligible to maximise the annual cap.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Super salary sacrifice saves 15-30% tax on contributions depending on your marginal rate
- Concessional cap is $30,000 for 2024-25 (including employer SG)
- Novated leases save on income tax and GST, especially for electric vehicles
- NFP/hospital employees can package up to $18,550/year in FBT-free benefits
- Electric vehicles are FBT-exempt under $91,387, making them extremely tax-effective
- Always calculate the full cost including any FBT before committing
Related Calculators and Guides
Superannuation Calculator
Project your super balance with salary sacrifice
Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your tax with different salary sacrifice amounts
Salary Sacrifice Quick Guide
Shorter overview of salary sacrifice basics
Super Strategies Guide
More ways to maximise your retirement savings
FBT Guide for Employers
Detailed guide to Fringe Benefits Tax
HECS-HELP Guide
Understand how salary sacrifice affects HECS
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates and thresholds are subject to change. Consult a qualified financial adviser or tax professional for advice specific to your circumstances. Information is current as of January 2025.