Confusion often exists surrounding the rules that apply to those wishing to make super contributions when they reach the age of 65.

Here are five tips to help meet the super contribution rules for those who are 65 years of age or older.

1. Those aged 65 or older must satisfy a work test and be ‘gainfully employed’ before they can contribute to super. To do so, individuals must work for at least 40 hours during a period of no more than 30 consecutive days in the year in which they plan to make a super contribution.
2. Gainfully employed means a person is employed or self-employed for gain or reward in any business, trade, profession, vocation, calling, occupation or employment.
3. People aged 75 or older cannot contribute to a super However, since July 2013, an employer must pay Superannuation Guarantee contributions to employees beyond the age of 70 and over (if the employee is eligible).
4. Those intending to claim a tax deduction for concessional super contributions need assessable income, such as employment or business income, to justify the tax deduction.
5. Individuals can satisfy the work test when their employment involves receiving remuneration for their efforts, including work such as cleaning, babysitting, gardening, lawn mowing and paid Volunteer work does not count towards the 40-hour work test.