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Latest estimate and trends for the large super funds income tax gap

Compare the 2022–23 large super funds income tax gap with trends from previous years.

Published 3 November 2025

Net gap estimate

For 2022–23, we estimate a net gap for large super funds of 1.4% or $174 million. This means we expect to collect over 98% of the income tax that should be paid for the 2022–23 financial year.

Large super funds population

In tax gap estimates, the large super population is all super funds, other than the self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and small Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) funds. Large super funds have thousands or millions of members. Small APRA funds (not included in this analysis) have no more than 6 members and have similar characteristics to SMSFs. These funds are covered in our Small super funds income tax gap.

This gap forms a part of our overall tax performance program. Find out more about the concept of tax gaps and the latest gaps available.

Overview of the latest estimate

For 2022–23, we estimate a gross gap of 2.2% or $287 million, which is the gap prior to considering the impact of engagement with the ATO. It means almost 98% is expected to be collected voluntarily from large super funds, or around $12.5 billion of income tax.

The net tax gap estimate is 1.4%, which means expected collections from large super funds, after amendments, is approaching 99%. Key drivers of these amendments include:

  • structured arrangements providing imputation benefits from Australian shares not held (including enhanced share buy backs participation arrangements)
  • foreign income tax offsets and source of hedging gains
  • apportionment of non-deductible expenses.

Table 1 shows the tax reported, adjustments, gross and net gaps from 2017–18 to 2022–23.

Table 1: Income tax gap – large super funds, 2017–18 to 2022–23

Element

2017–18

2018–19

2019–20

2020–21

2021–2022

2022–23

Population

266

246

227

213

191

154

Gross gap ($m)

273

758

444

435

265

287

Amendments ($m)

171

463

265

206

104

113

Net gap ($m)

102

295

179

229

162

174

Expected collections ($m)

12,075

8,756

11,847

22,082

13,451

12,636

Theoretical liability ($m)

12,177

9,051

12,026

22,311

13,613

12,810

Gross gap (%)

2.2%

8.4%

3.7%

1.9%

2.0%

2.2%

Net gap (%)

0.8%

3.3%

1.5%

1.0%

1.2%

1.4%

Figure 1: Gross and net income tax gap percentage – large super funds, 2017–18 to 2022–23

The gross and net gap in percentage terms, as outlined in Table 1.

For previously published tax gap figures, see Australian Tax Gaps - Data.gov.auOpens in a new window

 

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