Question

What is super money and how it is taxed?

Answer 1

When you retire, your superannuation is likely to be an important, and possibly your main source of income. That’s why it’s a good idea to top it up while you’re still working.

But did you know, there are also some excellent tax benefits you can take advantage of right now – just by making your own voluntary superannuation contributions?

There are two main ways to add to your super:

1. Before-tax contributions through an agreement with your employer. This is called salary sacrificing
2. After-tax contributions from your take-home pay

Your super money can be taxed at three stages: when it goes into the fund (contributions), while it is in the fund (investment earnings) and when it leaves the fund (super benefits).

Super can be taxed at three possible stages:

1. When your employer makes a super contribution, and you when you make a before-tax contribution – 15% tax
2. As your super investments grow (tax on earnings only) – 15% tax
3. If you withdraw from your super funds before you turn 60 years of age – but remember once you turn 60 your pension payments are tax free.