This paper is designed to provide readers with a summary of superannuation taxation, contribution, preservation and payment rules. It covers, amongst others, the following topics:

• the taxation of superannuation contributions and benefits

• the level of superannuation contributions that employers must make (Superannuation Guarantee) (SG)

• the ability of superannuation fund members to direct contributions and benefits to different funds, such as choosing the destination fund for the SG contributions made on their behalf (Choice rules)

• the government co-contributions scheme for low income earners

• the ability to split superannuation contributions with a person’s spouse

• taxation of superannuation fund income

• the preservation rules that came into operation on 1 July 1999

• the application of the goods and services tax (GST) to superannuation, and 

• self managed superannuation funds.