• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
SuperGuide

SuperGuide

Superannuation and retirement planning information

  • Join Premium
  • Account
  • Log In
  • How super works
      • Super for beginners
      • Employers guide to super
      • Women and super
      • Super rules
      • Super contributions
      • Super and tax
      • Accessing super
      • Super news
      • Super glossary
  • Super funds
      • Best performing super funds
      • Best performing pension funds
      • Super fund rankings
      • Pension fund rankings
      • Super fund profiles
      • Super fund comparison
      • Super fund average returns
      • Super investing strategies
      • Comparing super funds
      • Choosing a super fund
      • Super fund fees
      • Insurance and super
  • SMSFs
      • SMSFs for beginners
      • SMSF strategies
      • SMSF checklists
      • SMSF Q&As
      • SMSF administration
      • SMSF compliance
      • SMSF investing
      • SMSF pensions
  • Plan your retirement
      • Retirement planning for beginners
      • When should I retire?
      • How long will I live?
      • Will I have enough super?
      • Will I get the Age Pension?
      • How much will I spend in retirement?
      • Financial advice
      • Retiring overseas
      • Preparing for retirement
      • Retirement planning strategies
      • Retirement calculators and reckoners
  • In retirement
      • Income in retirement
      • Super lump sums
      • Super pensions
      • Age Pension
      • Working in retirement
      • Life in retirement
      • Seniors concessions and services
      • Aged care
      • Estate planning
      • Super death benefits
  • Special Features
    • Tips and strategies
    • Calculators and reckoners
    • Checklists and how-to guides
    • Case studies
    • Super quizzes
    • Newsletter archive

Home / How super works / Super rules

Super rules

Super rules

For a system that’s simply meant to provide Australians with retirement income, there is nothing simple about superannuation.

There are rules for everything. From how much money you can put in to how and when you can take it out. There are rules governing how much you can have in super before being penalised, and rules relating to tax, death and divorce. And these rules are continually being updated…

Yes, it’s a chore. But as super remains the most tax-effective vehicle for retirement savings, it’s worth knowing the rules and making the most of them.

Learn about the key aspects of the super rules in the following SuperGuide articles:

Premium Superannuation rule changes from July 2022 (and previous years)

Superannuation rule changes from July 2022 (and previous years)

In your 20s, 30s or 40s? The super rules that apply to you

In your 20s, 30s or 40s? The super rules that apply to you

Premium In your 70s? The super rules that apply to you

In your 70s? The super rules that apply to you

Premium In your teens? The super rules that apply to you

In your teens? The super rules that apply to you

Premium In your 50s? The super rules that apply to you

In your 50s? The super rules that apply to you

Premium In your 60s? The super rules that apply to you

In your 60s? The super rules that apply to you

Premium Key superannuation rates and thresholds for 2021–22

Key superannuation rates and thresholds for 2021–22

Set out below are the latest articles that relate to super rules.

PremiumDivorce and superannuation: How it works

Divorce and superannuation: How it works

April 19, 2022

Super is an increasingly important marital asset and one that should not be overlooked when couples divorce.

PremiumSuperannuation rule changes from July 2022 (and previous years)

Superannuation rule changes from July 2022 (and previous years)

April 4, 2022

Navigating your way around the constant rule changes in the super system is tricky, so here’s our annual list of the modifications you need to know about.

PremiumTips to make the most of the new super rules

Tips to make the most of the new super rules

April 3, 2022

From 1 July 2022, changes to the super rules create new opportunities for older Australians to top up their retirement savings.

PremiumUnderstanding the difference between your total super balance and your transfer balance cap

Understanding the difference between your total super balance and your transfer balance cap

March 14, 2022

Your TSB and TBC may have the same dollar cap amounts, but that’s where the similarity ends.

In your 20s, 30s or 40s? The super rules that apply to you

In your 20s, 30s or 40s? The super rules that apply to you

February 28, 2022

In the early years of your career, there’s a lot competing for your hard-earned dollars. But your super is important too, so here’s the lowdown.

PremiumIn your 70s? The super rules that apply to you

In your 70s? The super rules that apply to you

February 28, 2022

Although some people are still working in their 70s, making super contributions becomes more difficult, so it’s important to know the rules.

PremiumIn your teens? The super rules that apply to you

In your teens? The super rules that apply to you

February 28, 2022

That first job can be exciting, but it’s important to remember that your weekly pay comes with super contributions. Here’s the key rules that apply to you.

PremiumHistory of superannuation: Is it getting better?

History of superannuation: Is it getting better?

February 16, 2022

If you thought governments were constantly tinkering with super, you’re right. Here’s your guide to the good, the bad and the ugly super changes so far.

PremiumHow do I transfer a UK pension to an Australian super fund?

How do I transfer a UK pension to an Australian super fund?

November 10, 2021

It can make sense to bring your UK pension funds home to Australia, but the process is far from straightforward. We explain how it’s done.

PremiumSuperannuation for the self-employed

Superannuation for the self-employed

August 4, 2021

Super may not compulsory for the self-employed, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.

PremiumIn your 50s? The super rules that apply to you

In your 50s? The super rules that apply to you

July 7, 2021

When you reach your 50s and retirement beckons, it’s time to get serious about your super. Here are the key rules that apply to this age group.

PremiumIn your 60s? The super rules that apply to you

In your 60s? The super rules that apply to you

July 7, 2021

When you reach your 60s, the rules around making contributions and withdrawals from your super account start to change, so it’s important to know what’s what.

PremiumTotal Superannuation Balance: When it applies and what is included

Total Superannuation Balance: When it applies and what is included

July 1, 2021

Recent increases to contribution caps also impact your total super balance. Here’s how it works.

PremiumTransfer balance cap for super pensions: How it works

Transfer balance cap for super pensions: How it works

July 1, 2021

The amount you can have in a super pension account (known as the transfer balance cap) just increased, but so did the complexity of the rules.

PremiumKey superannuation rates and thresholds for 2021–22

Key superannuation rates and thresholds for 2021–22

July 1, 2021

With so many recent changes to super, we’ve compiled this handy list of the rates, caps and thresholds that now apply.

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page →

Footer

SuperGuide is Australia’s leading superannuation and retirement planning website.

Superguide Pty Ltd ATF Superguide Unit Trust as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Financial Advisers Australia, AFSL 464629.

  • Level 23, 520 Oxford St, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
  • 1800 955 753

Company

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact us
  • Copyright Policy
  • Editorial Policy and Complaints
  • Sitemap

SuperGuide Premium

  • Free SuperGuide newsletter
  • New to SuperGuide?
  • Pricing
  • Subscriber feedback
  • Support
Google Rating
4.9
Based on 35 reviews
js_loader

Important: Disclaimer

All information on SuperGuide is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether any information on SuperGuide is appropriate to you before acting on it. If SuperGuide refers to a financial product you should obtain the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or seek personal financial advice before making any investment decisions.

© Copyright SuperGuide 2009-22

  • Full SuperGuide disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions of Use
  • Financial Services Guide
  • Privacy Policy and Privacy Collection