If you’re thinking of transferring a UK pension into an Australian super fund, the process has become much more difficult in recent years, but not impossible.
Super and tax
A Super Guide
Superannuation is intrinsically linked with tax.
Super is a tax-effective investment vehicle designed to help fund your retirement by:
- having lower (concessional) tax rates for fund contributions and earnings
- generally providing tax-free withdrawals once you reach your preservation age and meet a condition of release
Super is typically taxed at three stages:
- when your contributions enter your fund,
- when your fund earns investment income, and
- when you withdraw benefits (though these are generally tax-free if you’re over 60).
Superannuation tax legislation can be complex. This section is designed to give you a general understanding of how super is taxed in Australia. It may also be worthwhile to seek independent professional advice based on your individual superannuation circumstances.
Note: It’s essential to provide your super fund with your tax file number, otherwise your fund is legally obliged to tax your contributions, fund earnings, and potentially withdrawals at the highest marginal tax rate (currently 47%).
The following sections focus on specific areas about tax and superannuation:
- Contributions tax
- Investment income tax (earnings tax)
- Retirement phase
- Superannuation benefit payments tax
- Superannuation death benefits
Learn more about the key aspects about tax and super in the following SuperGuide articles:
Set out below are all SuperGuide articles that relate to Super and tax.
Case studies: How is the Age Pension assessed?
In this article we detail how the Age Pension is assessed, how the income and assets tests work, and illustrate with case studies for a Single and a Couple.
Key superannuation rates and thresholds (2019/2020 year)
From tax on super lump sums to the transfer balance cap, there are a range of rates and thresholds that can affect your super. In this article we provide an overview of the key aspects of each of these rates and thresholds for 2019/20.
Guide to transition to retirement pensions (TTRs or TRISs)
Transition to retirement income streams (or pensions) allow you to gradually draw on your super benefits while you’re still working and moving towards your retirement.
How does SAPTO work? (Senior Australians and Pensioners Tax Offset)
The Senior Australians and Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO) won’t shower you in riches. But depending on your age, relationship status and income, it could provide a handy tax offset of up to $2,230.
Super to income Reckoner
SuperGuide’s Super to income Reckoner can help you quickly and simply understand approximately how much retirement income your super savings might be able to generate.
Income from super Reckoner
SuperGuide’s Income from super reckoner can help you quickly and simply understand the approximate super savings you need to fund your desired retirement income.
How do tax-deductible superannuation contributions work?
Making a tax-deductible super contribution can be a great way to boost your retirement savings. Find out whether they could be the right strategy for you.
Definitive guide to the $1.6 million transfer balance cap
On 1 July 2017, the transfer balance cap was introduced for Australians in retirement. Find out how it works and whether it impacts you.
What on earth is an in-specie transfer?
Most super fund members are familiar with the process of making contributions to their super account. However, they may be less familiar with the process of transferring an asset such as property or shares in or out of their fund without any money changing hands. We take a look at the pros and cons of in specie transfers relating to SMSFs.
How does the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme work?
Saving a deposit to buy your first home is a tough task, and purchasing an affordable first home can be an even greater challenge. The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme developed by the Australian Government is one solution, but it’s not for everyone. To help you get your head around whether the FHSS Scheme is for you, check out our 10-point guide.
Salary sacrifice and super: How does it work?
From 1 January 2020, your salary sacrificed super contributions can’t be used by your employer to reduce their SG payment obligations, regardless of the amount you elect to salary sacrifice.
10 hidden perks that make your super account even better
Besides being a great way to save for retirement, Australia’s super system offers some valuable – but little-known – benefits for super fund members. Here’s our list of the top 10 super benefits and how they can help improve your financial situation.
Making downsizer super contributions: 10 things you need to know
For some retirees, selling the family home can also be a great way to release built-up equity and make an extra contribution to their super account.
What is myGov and how do I use it?
Instead of rolling up to your local Centrelink, ATO or Medicare office to ask a question or get some help, we now deal with the government via our myGov account. Here we provide a simple guide to the myGov portal.