Almost one million Aussies receive $1.1 billion super boost

More than 900,000 Australians have received a welcome boost to their retirement savings after the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recovered more than $1.1 billion in unpaid superannuation.

New figures released by the ATO reveal the money was returned to workers’ super funds during the past financial year, following compliance action against employers who failed to pay their employees’ full entitlements.

The tax office raised more than $1.1 billion in superannuation guarantee charge liabilities, a significant increase from $795 million the previous year.

ATO Deputy Commissioner Ben Kelly said the results highlighted the importance of ensuring Australians received the retirement savings they were legally entitled to.

“Super is there to support Australians in retirement. We understand how important it is that workers are not shortchanged on this vital entitlement, as it can have a significant impact on their future financial position,” Mr Kelly said.

While most employers were meeting their obligations, the ATO found some businesses were failing to make the required payments.

Nearly 93 per cent of superannuation guarantee obligations were met without intervention from the tax office.

However, following reminders and warnings, employers voluntarily disclosed $467 million in unpaid super, more than double the $206 million reported the previous year.

For those who failed to respond, the ATO took stronger enforcement action, raising almost $250 million in penalties.

“Paying the super workers are entitled to is non-negotiable,” Mr Kelly said.

The announcement comes just months after the introduction of new Payday Super rules on 1 July 2026.

Under the changes, employers must pay superannuation contributions each payday, rather than quarterly, with payments generally required to reach employees’ super funds within seven business days.

The reforms are designed to make it easier for workers to monitor their contributions and allow the ATO to identify missing payments sooner.

“More frequent payments mean employees receive their super sooner, giving their savings more time to grow,” Mr Kelly said.

The ATO said early evidence suggested employers were already making super payments more frequently, while the number of rejected contributions had fallen despite an increase in payment volumes.

For workers approaching retirement, recovering unpaid super can make a meaningful difference, particularly when missed contributions have accumulated over several years.

The tax office has encouraged Australians to regularly check their superannuation accounts to ensure their employers are making the required contributions.

Workers can review their super details through their fund or the ATO’s online services via myGov.

“Every dollar of unpaid super is money that should be helping Australians build their retirement savings,” Mr Kelly said.

The ATO said it would continue monitoring employer payroll data and taking action against businesses that failed to meet their superannuation obligations.