Estimate your 2026-27 First Home Super Saver release, ATO withholding and FHSS advantage against bank savings. Uses the $15,000 annual and $50,000 lifetime contribution limits.
01 —INPUTS
Sets the resident tax rates and the SIC estimate used for the withdrawal-phase estimate.
Voluntary FHSS contribution only; employer SG does not count.
85% released, taxed at 15% instead of marginal rate
Per person. Used to estimate the contribution-phase tax difference.
Your income in the year you withdraw FHSS funds
Per person—not your super balance or prior associated earnings.
Change this assumption to match the savings account you would use instead.
→Contribution treatment: Eligible concessional contributions are generally taxed at 15% in super; Division 293 or other contribution rules can change the overall benefit
→30% tax offset on release: The assessable FHSS released amount receives a non-refundable 30% tax offset in the year you request release
→Deemed earnings: The ATO calculates associated earnings from the first day of each contribution month using quarterly SIC rates; the current July–September 2026 rate is 7.43%
FHSS contribution limits
Limit type
Amount
Notes
Per year
$15,000
Per person, from voluntary contributions only
Lifetime
$50,000
Per person, contributions made since 1 July 2017
Couple combined
$100,000
Each partner can access their own $50,000 limit
The 85% rule & withdrawal tax
For an eligible concessional contribution, 85% of the contribution counts toward the releasable contribution amount. The ATO then adds the associated earnings calculated on those releasable contributions. Example: a $15,000 eligible concessional contribution contributes $12,750 to the releasable amount, before associated earnings are added.
Release component
Included in payment
Included in assessable FHSS amount
Eligible concessional contributions
85%
Yes
Eligible non-concessional contributions
100%
No
Associated earnings
100%
Yes
The ATO generally withholds from the assessable amount using your expected marginal rate including Medicare levy, less the 30% offset. If it cannot estimate that rate, it withholds 17%. Your final tax is reconciled when you lodge.
FHSS vs regular savings — example
Saving $15,000 per year for 3 years on a $90,000 salary:
Method
FHSS scheme
Bank account
Gross savings per year
$15,000
$15,000
Tax on contributions
15% ($2,250)
32% ($4,800)
Net into savings
$12,750
$10,200
After 3 years + estimated earnings
$42,984
$32,090
Estimated final release tax impact
$860
$0
Estimated after-tax amount
$42,124
$32,090
Estimated FHSS advantage
$10,034
Assumptions: contributions are spread monthly, the current 7.43% SIC and a 4.5% bank rate stay constant, and Division 293, HELP and Medicare levy surcharge are excluded. Change the bank rate in the calculator for your own comparison.
Eligibility & timeframes
Eligibility requirements
→Must be 18 or older to request a FHSS determination
→Must never have owned property in Australia (including investment property)
→Must never have previously requested a FHSS release
→Australian citizenship or tax residency is not required
→Must intend to live in the property for at least 6 months within the first 12 months
Important timeframes
→Request a FHSS determination from the ATO before requesting a release
→You have 12 months from requesting a release to sign a contract
→For determinations made from 15 September 2024, request release within 90 days after signing if you did not request it before the contract
→Notify the ATO within 90 days of signing when using a determination made from 15 September 2024
→Funds typically take 15–20 business days to reach your bank account
Combine FHSS with state first home buyer benefits
FHSS works alongside state government first home buyer schemes. Use our stamp duty calculators to see your total savings:
Up to $50,000 of eligible voluntary contributions per person can count toward FHSS, subject to a $15,000 limit in each financial year. The releasable contribution component is 85% of eligible concessional contributions or 100% of eligible non-concessional contributions, plus associated earnings. Each member of a couple has their own limits.
Why do I only get 85% of my contributions?
When you make concessional (before-tax) contributions to super, 15% is withheld as contributions tax. The remaining 85% is what's available for release under FHSS. This is still beneficial because 15% tax is much lower than most people's marginal tax rate.
How is the FHSS withdrawal taxed?
The assessable FHSS released amount receives a 30% non-refundable tax offset. The ATO generally withholds at your expected marginal rate including Medicare levy, less 30%, or at 17% if it cannot estimate your rate. Your tax return reconciles the final liability using your actual income for the year you requested release.
Can couples both use FHSS?
Yes, if you're buying a home with your partner, you can each use your own FHSS entitlements. Each person can contribute up to $15,000 per year and $50,000 lifetime, meaning a couple could potentially access up to $100,000 (before tax) for their deposit.
Is FHSS worth it?
It depends on your contribution type, income, timing, bank alternative and whether extra taxes such as Division 293 apply. The calculator compares the estimated after-tax FHSS result with the same saving effort outside super, but an ATO FHSS determination is the authoritative release amount.
What are 'associated earnings' in FHSS?
Associated earnings are a deemed amount calculated by the ATO from the first day of the month each eligible contribution was made, using the applicable shortfall interest charge rates. The July–September 2026 SIC rate is 7.43% a year and compounds daily. The calculator spreads planned contributions monthly and holds that current rate constant, so your determination will differ.
Tax Accuracy & Sources
Reviewed: 15 July 2026 · Tax year: 2026-27
This 2026-27 planning estimate supports concessional and non-concessional FHSS contributions. It assumes monthly contributions, starts earnings from the first day of each contribution month, holds the current 7.43% SIC constant and estimates tax for an Australian resident individual. The ATO determination applies the SIC rates for the relevant periods. The estimate excludes Division 293, HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, spouse-specific tax circumstances, contribution-cap interactions, debts offset by the ATO and state or territory buyer benefits.
