Inactive super accounts

Stop your super being transferred to the ATO

Inactive super accounts with low balances are transferred to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) unless you act. This page explains what an inactive account is, why transfers happen, how to keep your money with First Super, and what to expect if your account is transferred.

What is an inactive super account?

An inactive super account is one with a balance under $6,000 that has not received a contribution for 16 months. Under government rules designed to reduce multiple low-balance accounts and protect retirement savings from fees, these inactive accounts are reported and transferred to the ATO twice a year: 30 April and 31 October.

Why transfers happen

The government introduced this measure to consolidate multiple small accounts, reduce duplicate fees and preserve retirement savings. Funds that meet the inactive criteria are reported and transferred to the ATO.

Six simple ways to keep your super with First Super

In just minutes, you can stay with First Super by keeping your account active using one of the below steps.

1. Contact us

Email mail@firstsuper.com.au, call 1300 360 988, or use the online chat to the right to confirm you want to remain with First Super.

2. Tell your employer

Ask your employer to pay your super into your First Super account by completing the Choice of Fund form.

3. Tell us who gets your super

Super isn’t automatically part of your Estate. Tell us who you want to receive your super and insurance benefits if you pass away.

4. Combine your super accounts

Merge other super accounts into First Super to avoid multiple fees. Log in to firstonline or use the First Super app: go to ‘My transactions’ then ‘Find and combine your super’¹.

5. Make a voluntary contribution

Add money to your super via firstonline, the First Super app, or by submitting a contribution form.

6. Complete an ATO declaration form

Complete the ATO declaration form to keep your account active for another 16 months.

What happens if my super account is transferred to the ATO?

Key impact

If transferred, you will lose insurance cover inside super and miss future investment returns available through First super.

Why stay with First Super

• Strong long-term performance. Our Balanced investment option delivered 8.52% over the last 5 years to 30 June 2025².
• We’re an Industry SuperFund. Our profits go straight back to members, not shareholders.
• Affordable insurance available through your super.
• Competitive fees, so more of your savings work for retirement.
• KiwiSaver transfers accepted. We’re one of only a few Australian superannuation funds that accept KiwiSaver transfers.
• Member support including local coordinators and financial advice as part of your membership³.

FAQS

What is the legislation and why was it introduced?

In 2019, the government introduced legislation to reduce how many Australians had multiple superannuation accounts. Having multiple accounts means paying multiple fees and charges which can erode retirement savings. The new legislation proactively brings together old low balance superannuation accounts with a member’s current one.

If you haven’t added money to your First Super account for 16 months and it has less than $6,000 in it, by law, First Super must send your superannuation account to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

However, you won’t be affected if any of the following actions have been taken within the 16-month period:

• contacted us to notify that you wish to remain with First Super
• made a contribution
• changed your investment option
• updated your insurance cover (e.g. increased cover amount)
• completed and submitted a binding Nomination of Beneficiary Form and/or
• completed and submitted an ATO Declaration Form.

How do I know if the ATO has my super and how do I get it back?

There are several reasons why your superannuation may have been transferred to the ATO including inactive low-balance super accounts. In general, you can claim or consolidate ATO-held super to a super fund of your choice.

• Sign into your myGov account to find if you have ATO-held super
• You can use ATO online services or ATO app to nominate a super fund you would like to transfer money to.
• Or contact the ATO over the phone if you don’t have access to their online services.

Find out more about ATO-held super.

When will my account be transferred to the ATO?

First Super is required to report and transfer inactive accounts to the ATO twice a year on 30 April and 31 October.

What happens if my First Super account is transferred to the ATO?

If your First Super account is transferred to the ATO, you will lose your insurance inside super and miss out on future investment returns.

These accounts won’t pay any fees on ATO-held amounts and will receive investment returns for interest paid based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). The ATO will proactively reunite unclaimed super money held for you into one of your active super accounts.

How can I check my First Super account?

Register and login into our firstonline or call our Member services team on 1300 360 988.

Firstonline is a safe and secure way for you to manage your First Super account online. With firstonline you can update your personal details, check your account balance, view your investment options, nominate beneficiaries and change your insurance cover.

We’re here to help. So let’s talk.

If you have any questions, simply call our Member Services  on 1300 360 988, email us, or use our online chat.

¹ Before making a decision to combine your super you should consider any costs, change to insurance cover, or loss of benefits that may apply and consider consulting a financial adviser.

² First Super’s Balanced investment option returned 8.52% over five years to 30 June 2025. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

³ Member and Employer Services Coordinators can provide factual information and general advice only. First Super Financial Planners are authorised representatives of Industry Fund Services Limited (ABN 54 007 016 195, AFSL 232514).