What it does
Each person has a transfer balance account. Starting a retirement-phase pension is a credit; commutations are debits. If credits exceed your personal cap, you must remove the excess and pay tax on notional earnings.
Personal caps differ
If you started a retirement pension before, your personal cap may be lower than $2.1 million, because only the unused share is indexed. Check yours in myGov via ATO online services.
Why it also matters for contributions
Your total super balance at 30 June is compared with the general transfer balance cap to decide if you can make non-concessional contributions next year. See 2026–27 contribution caps.
Quick answers
What is the transfer balance cap for 2026–27?
$2.1 million (general cap), per the ATO.
Sources
General advice warning. This article is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Rules and thresholds change; check the sources above. Consider the relevant PDS and our Financial Services Guide and seek personal advice before acting. FinForce is authorised under Financial Force Pty Ltd AFSL 238337. Shay has been authorised since 18 October 2011.