What is the intent to claim form NAT71121

Learn how claiming personal super contributions can reduce your tax bill

What is a Superannuation Tax Deduction?

When you make personal contributions to your superannuation fund from your after-tax income, you can claim these contributions as a tax deduction on your tax return. This effectively converts your after-tax contribution into a before-tax contribution, reducing your taxable income.

Example: If you contribute $5,000 to super and you're in the 32.5% tax bracket, you could save up to $1,625 on your tax bill.

Why Must You File the NAT 71121 Form?

The Notice of Intent to Claim a Deduction (NAT 71121) is a mandatory ATO form that you must submit to your super fund before claiming the deduction on your tax return.

Legal Requirement

  • ✓ Required by Australian tax law
  • ✓ Must be submitted before tax return
  • ✓ Validates your right to claim the deduction

Without This Form

  • ✗ ATO will reject your deduction claim
  • ✗ Risk of penalties and interest
  • ✗ May trigger tax audit

How the Process Works

1

Make Contribution

You contribute your after-tax money to your super fund

2

Submit NAT 71121

Complete and send the form to your super fund (use our tool!)

3

Claim Deduction

Add the contribution to your tax return and save money

Key Rules and Deadlines

Contribution Caps

  • Concessional cap: $27,500 per year (2023-24)
  • Includes employer super + your claimed contributions
  • Excess contributions face penalty tax
  • Carry-forward unused cap from previous 5 years (if eligible)

Critical Deadlines

  • NAT 71121 deadline: Before lodging tax return OR by June 30 (whichever is earlier)
  • Tax return lodgment: October 31 (or April 30 via agent)
  • Late submission = no deduction allowed

Who Can Claim This Deduction?

✓ You CAN claim if you:

  • Are under 75 years old
  • Made personal (after-tax) contributions
  • Submit NAT 71121 on time
  • Don't exceed contribution caps

✗ You CANNOT claim if:

  • You're 75 or older (with exceptions)
  • Contributions were made by employer
  • You missed the NAT 71121 deadline
  • You've exceeded contribution caps

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Timing Errors

  • Lodging tax return before submitting NAT 71121
  • Missing the June 30 deadline
  • Not allowing processing time

Form Errors

  • Incorrect super fund details
  • Wrong contribution amounts
  • Missing required signatures

Tax Benefits Calculator Example

Tax Bracket$1,000 Contribution Saves$5,000 Contribution Saves$10,000 Contribution Saves
19% ($18,201 - $45,000)$190$950$1,900
32.5% ($45,001 - $120,000)$325$1,625$3,250
37% ($120,001 - $180,000)$370$1,850$3,700
45% ($180,001+)$450$2,250$4,500
Note: Actual savings depend on your specific tax situation. Medicare levy and other factors may apply.

Ready to Claim Your Super Deduction?

Use our free tool to generate your NAT 71121 form in under 1 minute

Generate My Form Now

No signup required • Your data is never stored • 100% free