IGR hints at tax changes to super

Mr Agland referred to page IXI of the IGR which stated “the government will consider several aspects of the superannuation system as part of the review of the tax system”.

He told SMSF Adviser while it’s still unclear exactly what these aspects will be, one change the government may consider is capping non-concessional contributions in order to address some of the perceived concerns about members putting too much into super.

“They might also look at taxing income in super but I don’t think that’s something they’ll take to the next election as they’ll risk losing votes,” said Mr Agland.

“The white paper will also discuss a whole range of different proposals so I wouldn’t be surprised as that comes back as a discussion.”

Mr Agland said it will be a matter of what is easiest for the government to implement in the current political environment.

“I don’t think there’ll be anything in this year’s Budget but going to the next election I think both major parties will propose something in relation to taxing super,” he said.

“One thing is clear – the Treasury have got into the ear of the Treasurer that he needs to do something about what it sees as the ‘generosity’ of the superannuation system.”