Generally, all withdrawals over age 60 from superannuation are received completely tax free. The only exception is if your balance includes a taxable (untaxed) element.
If you're 60 and over, the income will generally be tax-free. If you're between your preservation age and 59, the components of your super will dictate how it will be taxed.
For tax purposes you're a minor if you are under 18 years old at, 30 June in the income year. Minors pays the same individual income tax rates as an adult if they're either: an excepted person. receive excepted income.
Super is a great way to save money for your retirement. It is generally taxed at a lower rate than your regular income. You typically pay 15% tax on your super contributions, and your withdrawals are tax-free if you're 60 or older.
If you are over age 60, any benefits paid to you (as a lump sum or, if applicable, as a pension) are tax-free and not assessable for income tax purposes. If you are under age 60, all benefits are subject to Commonwealth benefits or income tax.
The Age Pension forms part of your taxable income. However, if it is your only source of retirement income, you will pay no tax. If you're on the Age Pension, you also receive health benefits and reduced charges on rates, telephones, gas and electricity, car registration and public transport.
You can access your super when you: reach your preservation age and retire. reach your preservation age and choose to begin a transition to retirement income stream while you are still working. are 65 years old (even if you have not retired).
Once you reach age 65, you can access your Super Benefit at any time whether you have retired or not. There are absolutely no restrictions to accessing your Super Benefit when over 65. Your Super Benefit can be accessed as either a Pension or Lump Sum withdrawal.
Can I access super at 65 and keep working? Yes. You can access your super when you turn 65 regardless of whether you're still working. You can also make certain types of super contributions up until you turn 75, even if you're retired and drawing a super pension.
There are absolutely no restrictions to accessing your Super Benefit when aged between 60 and 64 after you are retired. There are two ways you can access your Super; either as a lump-sum payment or as a pension.
For Australian residents the tax-free threshold is currently $18,200, meaning the first $18,200 of your income is tax free, but you are taxed progressively on income above that amount. The tax-free schedule is due to stay at $18,200 until at least 2024–25.
Whether the money in your super account is tax-free or taxable when you withdraw it generally depends on the type of contributions made and whether tax was paid on it. Non-concessional (after-tax) contributions – those made from income after you paid tax on it – are tax-free when withdrawn from your super account.
Tax returns for Age Pension recipients
If you receive the Age Pension (either full or part) and received income from other sources and Centrelink is withholding tax from your pension payments, it is compulsory to lodge a tax return each year.
When you turn 60, your pension payments (or any lump sum withdrawals) are usually tax free. All lump sums and pension payments are tax-free after age 60.
As a general rule, most people will need 70% of their take home pay to maintain their lifestyle in retirement. And since we're living longer, which is great, your super may need to last for 30 years or more after you retire.
The minimum amount that can be withdrawn is $1,000 and the maximum amount is $10,000. If your super balance is less than $1,000 you can withdraw up to your remaining balance after tax.
The Government Age Pension is an income support payment to help eligible older Australians afford their basic living expenses in retirement. More than 60% of Australians over the age of 65 receive extra income from the Government Age Pension.
Taking money out of superannuation doesn't affect payments from us. But what you do with the money may. For instance we'll count it in your income and assets tests if you either: use it to buy an income stream.
How much super you'll need in retirement depends on the lifestyle you want. According to the government's MoneySmart website, if you own your home, the rule of thumb is that you'll need two-thirds (67%) of your current income each year to maintain the same standard of living.
The disadvantages of early access to super
Getting money from you super may result in you: paying more tax. paying more child support. getting lower Centrelink payments.
The Bottom Line. For some, a lump-sum pension payment makes sense. For others, having less to upfront capital is better. In either case, pension payments should be used responsibility with the mindset of having these resources support you throughout your retirement.
If you want a lump sum superannuation withdrawal at age 60, you will need to retire fully. You'll also need to submit a declaration to your super fund that you are retiring permanently, with no intention of returning to gainful employment - either part-time or full-time.
For example, if you are under 65 years old, you can access between 4–10% of the balance of money in your super account each financial year. Once you have met a condition of release with a nil cashing restriction, you can access your super benefits in other ways and don't need a TRIS.