It may sound like an alien abduction, but in specie transfers have a more down-to-earth meaning in superannuation parlance. 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 ... Read more
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.
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 or not the FHSS Scheme ... Read more
Salary sacrifice and super: How does it work?
While the sacrificing bit might sound painful, salary sacrifice is really just about giving up something now to get a financial benefit later on. Often called salary packaging, many employees choose to set up these types of arrangements with their employer to forgo part of their salary or wages to help pay for a range ... Read more
Key superannuation rates and thresholds (2019/2020 year)
There are a range of key rates and thresholds that can affect your super, including: Concessional contributions cap Non-concessional contributions cap Division 293 tax Superannuation guarantee (SG) Superannuation co-contributions Tax offset for super contributions on behalf of your spouse Low-income ... Read more
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. If you’re in the right super fund, there is a swag of freebies and helpful services you can receive – often without having to lift a finger. Here’s SuperGuide’s list of ... Read more
Making downsizer super contributions: 10 things you need to know
Once you reach age 65, you often find yourself wanting a smaller home or one more suited to your empty-nest requirements. 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. Under the downsizer contribution rules, your ... Read more
What is myGov and how do I use it?
These days, rolling up to your local Centrelink, ATO or Medicare office to ask a question or get some help is a thing of the past. Instead of talking to real people, we now have to deal with the government via our myGov account. But using myGov is not always a smooth process, so here’s SuperGuide’s simple guide to the ... Read more
SMSFs: What advice can your accountant provide?
Being the trustee of an SMSF can be challenging. But while many SMSF trustees turn to their accountant for assistance, they can only provide advice on some SMSF-related matters. To keep your fund compliant, you need to ensure you are getting assistance from someone licenced and qualified to do so. But what matters can ... Read more
How accurate is your ‘retirement estimate’? 7 assumptions you need to understand
When opening their annual member statement, many super fund members see a comforting projection of how much their account balance is likely to be when they retire, and how much income it will provide in retirement. According to super industry researcher SuperRatings, 42% of super funds now provide retirement ... Read more
Definitive guide to the $1.6 million transfer balance cap
One of the most significant changes to superannuation – the introduction of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap – became effective on 1 July 2017. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) estimates the changes will impact only 1% of Australian superannuants, however that 1% needs to be clearly across the Treasury ... Read more
10 ways myGov can help you master your super
Knowing how much you have in your super account and if your employer has been making regular contributions are important pieces of information when it comes to managing your financial affairs. That’s now much easier to do thanks to upgrades to the ATO’s online services and the government’s myGov portal. By linking your ... Read more
How to structure your super if you’re going overseas
There are lots of rules that apply to your super if you’re going overseas for work or play for an extended period. If you are a member of an SMSF, it’s essential you understand the restrictions that apply to the fund under these circumstances or you could potentially face a serious reduction in your wealth. The rules ... Read more
How does SAPTO work? (Senior Australians and Pensioners Tax Offset)
A tax offset can reduce the amount of income tax you pay, but it doesn’t mean you get a refund. You’ll also still need to pay the Medicare Levy if you’re not eligible for an exemption or reduction. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) assesses your eligibility when you submit your tax return. BackgroundThe Senior ... Read more
How to teach your kids about super
It’s safe to say that young adults in Australia today are unlikely to have a burning interest in super and who could blame them. Travel, study, first love, first job, first home are way more pressing issues. But if you are a parent of one of these young adults – or a grandparent, aunt or uncle – you probably wish you ... Read more
Guide to transition to retirement pensions (TTRs or TRISs)
If you’re on the final stretch to retirement and would love to start winding back your working hours but you don’t think you can afford it, listen up. Ditto if you plan to keep working full-time for a while longer and want to boost your super but haven’t got the ready cash to make extra contributions. Help could be at ... Read more