Additional tax on superannuation contributions at the rate of 15% is imposed on individuals whose combined income and contributions are greater than a certain threshold. This threshold is $250,000 and for affected individuals, this effectively increases the rate of tax on their superannuation contributions from 15% to 30%.

The additional tax can be paid personally by the taxpayer or the taxpayer can apply to his/her superannuation fund to have the necessary amount released and paid to the ATO.