Claiming a tax deduction for personal super contributions

 

Notice of intent to claim or vary a deduction for personal super contributions

If you’ve made personal super contributions and intend to claim a tax deduction, the ATO requires you to complete a Notice of intent to claim or vary a deduction for personal super contributions.

This notice must be provided to your super fund, not the ATO.

What you need to do

Step 1 – Complete the notice of intent form

Complete the ATO‑approved Notice of intent to claim or vary a deduction for personal super contributions (NAT 71121).

This form is required whether you are:

  • claiming a deduction for the first time, or
  • varying a previously submitted notice.

Step 2 – Send the form to your super fund

Once completed, send the form directly to your super fund.

Do not send it to the ATO and do not include it with your tax return.

Your super fund must receive and accept this notice before the deduction can be claimed.

Step 3 – Wait for confirmation from your super fund

Your super fund will review the notice and issue a confirmation or acknowledgement once it has been processed.

You can only claim the deduction after your fund has acknowledged the notice.

Step 4 – Let us know once it’s processed

Once your super fund has confirmed the notice has been processed, please let us know.

This allows us to correctly include the deduction in your tax return.

Important timing rules

You must give the notice to your super fund on or before the earlier of:

  • the day you lodge your tax return for the year the contribution was made, or
  • the last day of the following financial year.

If the notice is late or invalid, the deduction cannot be claimed.

Common issues we see

  • The notice is sent after the tax return is lodged
  • The contribution has already been rolled over or withdrawn
  • The amount claimed exceeds the eligible contribution
  • The form is sent to the ATO instead of the super fund

These issues can prevent the deduction from being claimed.

ATO form and instructions

Use the official ATO form and instructions below.
Claiming a tax deduction for personal super contributions form

Need help?

If you’re unsure whether you should lodge this notice, or whether it has been processed correctly by your super fund, contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.