Superannuation checklist¶

Super can feel like something to sort out "later". A short check-up now, though, can save you money and worry down the track. This checklist pulls the module together into a few simple things worth doing.

Take it one point at a time. None of it is urgent, and none of it is hard.

In one line

A short, friendly check-up — know where your super is, check it is being paid, keep your details current, and know when you can access it.

Why this matters¶

Super is often one of the biggest amounts of money you will ever have, yet it is easy to lose track of. The ATO suggests a regular super health check so small problems — wrong details, missing contributions, forgotten accounts — get caught early.

What you will learn¶

How to run a simple check-up on your own super
What to confirm with your employer and your fund
Where to look up your preservation age

Understanding the concept¶

Work through the checklist below. You do not have to do it all at once.

Know where your super is. Make sure you know which fund (or funds) holds your super and how to log in. The ATO's online services through myGov can show your super accounts in one place.
Check your fund details are correct with your employer. Confirm your employer has the right super fund and member details for you, so your contributions land in the right account.
Check contributions are being paid. Look at your super statement or your fund's app to see that contributions are arriving. If something looks missing, raise it with your employer first, then your fund.
Consider consolidating multiple accounts. If you have more than one account, Moneysmart notes that combining them can mean paying just one set of fees. Before you do, check for any insurance or benefits you might lose, and any exit fees.
Keep your details up to date. Make sure your fund has your current name, address and contact details so you do not lose touch with your super.
Know your preservation age. This is the age you can start to access your super (along with meeting a condition of release). Moneysmart explains it depends on when you were born.

For accountants & bookkeepers

Before consolidating, the member should confirm any insurance cover held in the fund being closed and check whether the employer contributes to a particular fund, as these can be lost on transfer. Contribution timing can be checked against the fund's records; the ATO's super health check and myGov online services are the member-facing tools. Attribute these facts to the ATO or Moneysmart.

Example¶

Tom is a small business owner who also wants to sort out his own super. He logs in to check where his super sits and finds two old accounts from previous jobs. He confirms his current employer has the right fund details for him, then looks at his statement to see contributions arriving. He consolidates the two old accounts into his main one after checking he will not lose any insurance. Finally, he updates his address with the fund and notes down his preservation age so he knows when he could access his super.

Common mistakes¶

Never checking, and only finding a problem years later.
Consolidating without first checking for insurance or benefits you might lose.
Letting your contact details go stale, so your fund cannot reach you.

How this works in myaccountant¶

In the app — myaccountant is not a super fund, so it does not hold or track your personal super. For employers, it stores each employee's super fund details, verifies them, works out the super owed on each pay run and pays it to the right fund. Employees can view their recorded super details in the employee portal.

Key points¶

Know which fund holds your super and how to log in.
Confirm your employer has your correct fund and member details.
Check that contributions are actually arriving.
Consider consolidating extra accounts — after checking insurance and fees.
Keep your contact details current, and know your preservation age.

Learn next¶

General information only — not tax, super or financial advice.

Did this answer your question?