High-income earners with multiple employers can opt out of super guarantee (SG) contributions on their ordinary time earnings (OTE) for a nominated employer(s) if the compulsory super guarantee contributions have exceeded, or are expected to exceed, the concessional contributions cap for the financial year (that is: $30,000 for FY2026, and $32,500 for FY2027). This option is also available to employees who switch employment from one employer to another within the same financial year.
From 1 July 2026, the Payday Super reforms change how the maximum contribution base applies for super guarantee purposes. Under these rules, employers can stop paying the minimum SG contributions for an employee once their qualifying earnings reach $270,830 for the year (FY2027).
Previously, and for up to 30 June 2026, employers were subject to a quarterly limit of $62,500, above which they were not required to pay SG on an employee’s OTE, therefore, exemption certificates could only be granted if another employer was likely to have an SG amount for the person in that quarter (that is, if they worked for two or more employers concurrently). Under the new regime, the maximum contribution base will apply on an annual basis, rather than quarterly.
The maximum contribution base is calculated by using the following formula (rounded down to the nearest 10 dollar multiple):
Concessional contributions cap x 100 / Charge percentage
For FY2027, this is $32,500 × 100 ÷ 12% = $270,830 (rounded down to the nearest $10).
To apply for the exemption, employees must submit form NAT 75067, Super guarantee opt out for high-income earners with multiple employers. If the employee lodges the application themselves, the form must be sent by post. If the application is lodged by the employee’s tax agent, it can be submitted electronically via the ATO’s Online Services for Agents. The ATO requires the form to be lodged ahead of time, at least 30 days before the first day of the exemption period sought.
For the exemption certificate to be issued, you must have one employer still paying super guarantee contributions for your benefit in the financial year. This requirement also applies to self-employed individuals, provided a different employer is nominated as the SG-paying employer.
Once approved, a Super guarantee employer shortfall exemption certificate will be issued to the nominated employer(s). Once it is issued, it cannot be varied or revoked. The certificate applies from the date specified in the application and automatically ends on 30 June of the relevant financial year. While the exemption can apply retrospectively, the certificate must still be issued for the employer to be exempt from making SG contributions for the specified period.
The availability of the SG exemption may be significant for high-income employees who are negotiating remuneration packages or commencing new employment arrangements. Employees should consider the remuneration impact before applying. If an employer is released from making SG contributions, the employee should check whether their employment contract, award, enterprise agreement or remuneration package provides any compensating salary adjustment.
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