No Superannuation Tax or Favours — No Needs Tests Either!

Abstract

This paper looks at resource transfers effected by superannuation tax favours — and finds them substantial and directed towards high earners.

• It looks at five common defences of this tax favouring — and finds them inadequate.

• It sees the tax favours as one prong of national superannuation — and the Age Pension as the other.

• It looks at the Age Pension system — and finds it a poor device for making transfers in accordance with needs.

• It recommends that we discard the "needs" aim — and restructure national superannuation by removal of needs tests, tax favours, and tax on superannuation benefits.

• It sees significant benefits arising from such changes — and national superannuation better fitted to our employment future.