The Low Income Super Tax Offset or ‘LISTO’ is a government tax incentive to aid those earning under $37,000 a year to boost their super.  

When your employer pays you, they put 11.5% of your income into your super fund as a concessional contribution (due to be 12% from July 1 2025). On the way through the ATO takes 15% of this contribution in tax. This beats paying your full marginal rate — but it’s still a tax. 

When you do your tax return though, the LISTO pays back up to $500 of the tax you paid on your super concessional contributions. In effect it’s a tax refund, just paid into your super instead of directly to you. 

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Can I get the low income super tax offset?

You're eligible for the LISTO if you: 

• have an adjusted taxable income of $37,000 or less 
• make concessional contributions to your super fund, including employer-paid SG payments 
• have given your super fund your Tax File Number (TFN) 
• lodge a tax return

Check out the full list of eligibility requirements for the low income super tax offset on the ATO website. 

Your ‘adjusted taxable income’ means income from all sources, so if you’re earning $35,000 in one job and $5,000 in another, you may be over the $37,000 threshold and potentially inelligible for the LISTO. It’s worth checking how your taxable income is calculated, which you can also do on the ATO website. 

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What do I need to do to get the LISTO?

If your super fund already has your TFN, you don't need to do anything to receive the LISTO except lodge a tax return. 

If you’re an Australian Ethical Super member, you can check if we have your TFN registered in your member portal.  

If you’re eligible for the low-income super tax offset, chances are you’re eligible for the government’s super co-contribution too. 

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If you’re not sure whether you qualify or whether it’s worth it, it’s worth asking your accountant at tax return time, they will be able to tell you whether you qualify for the LISTO.

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Super co-contribution

If you’re eligible for the low-income super tax offset, chances are you’re eligible for the government’s super co-contribution too – which is a government-paid co-contribution up to a maximum of $500. 

You don't need to apply for the super co-contribution. When you lodge your tax return, the ATO will work out if you're eligible. If your super fund has your tax file number (TFN), it will be paid to your super account automatically. Find out more on the ATO’s website. 

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Don't miss out 

Remember, to get up to $500 of the tax on your super back each year, all you need to do is: 

• make sure your super fund has your Tax File Number, and  
• lodge a tax return each year.  

If you’re not sure whether you qualify or whether it’s worth it, it’s worth asking your accountant at tax return time, they will be able to tell you whether you qualify for the LISTO. It’s also good to seek financial advice when making decisions relating to your financial future, the ATO has a free service to help when lodging your tax returns which could be of interest.

In the meantime, if you want to know more, go to ato.gov.au.