Important disclosure
Commonwealth Bank superannuation
Commonwealth Bank, CommBank or CBA as it is commonly known as operates internationally with businesses in New Zealand, Asia and the United Kingdom. Commonwealth Bank was founded in 1911 by the Andrew Fisher Labour Government. Unlike any other financial institutions in Australia, it was the first and only bank in Australia to receive a Federal Government guarantee which provided security for the Bank to carry out both savings and general bank trading business. The Bank became a public company in 1991 and underwent three stages of privatisation until 1996. The Commonwealth Bank brand has grown to become one of the best recognised in the financial services industry. Their other award-winning brands include Colonial First State investments and retail broker Commonwealth Securities (CommSec). The Bank has positioned itself for future growth as it continues to provide a full range commercial and of retail banking services including home loans, credit cards, personal loans, term deposits, transaction accounts and car insurance.
Car Loans Disclaimer: Applications are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval. Apply and fund a new Secured Car Loan by 31 July 2016 to receive a 1% discount on your approved interest rate.
Commonwealth Bank superannuation rates
Product Commonwealth Essential Super | Past 5-year return New % p.a | FYTD return -0.41 % p.a | Company | Calc fees on 50k $335 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards  | Go to site | ||
Product Commonwealth Essential Super - MySuper | Past 5-year return New % p.a | FYTD return -0.41 % p.a | Company | Calc fees on 50k $335 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards  | Go to site |
Commonwealth Bank top superannuation products
Commonwealth Essential Super -
$60
$335
Advisory services
Death insurance
Variety of options
% p.a
Commonwealth Essential Super - MySuper -
$60
$335
Advisory services
Death insurance
Variety of options
% p.a
Learn more about superannuation
What are ethical investment superannuation funds?
Ethical investment funds limit themselves to making ‘ethical’ investments (which each fund defines according to its own principles). For example, ethical funds might avoid investing in companies or industries that are linked to human suffering or environmental damage.
Am I entitled to superannuation if I'm a contractor?
As a contractor, you’re entitled to superannuation if:
- The contract is mainly for your labour
- You’re over 18 and earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
- You’re under 18, you work more than 30 hours per week and you earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
Please note that you’re entitled to superannuation even if you have an Australian business number (ABN).
How much extra superannuation can I add to my fund?
There is an annual limit of $25,000 for concessional contributions – that is, money paid by your employer and extra money you pay into your account through salary sacrificing. There is also a limit on non-concessional contributions. Australians aged between 65 and 74 have a limit of $100,000 per year. Australians aged under 65 have a limit of $300,000 every three years.
Is superannuation paid on overtime?
As the Australian Taxation Office explains, there are times when superannuation is paid on overtime and times when it isn’t.
Here is the ATO’s summary:
| Payment type | Is superannuation paid? |
|---|---|
| Overtime hours – award stipulates ordinary hours to be worked and employee works additional hours for which they are paid overtime rates | No |
| Overtime hours – agreement prevails over award | No |
| Agreement supplanting award removes distinction between ordinary hours and other hours | Yes – all hours worked |
| No ordinary hours of work stipulated | Yes – all hours worked |
| Casual employee: shift loadings | Yes |
| Casual employee: overtime payments | No |
| Casual employee whose hours are paid at overtime rates due to a ‘bandwidth’ clause | No |
| Piece-rates – no ordinary hours of work stipulated | Yes |
| Overtime component of earnings based on hourly-driving-rate method stipulated in award | No |
Can my employer use money from my superannuation account?
No, your employer can’t touch the money that is paid into your superannuation account.
What are reportable employer superannuation contributions?
Reportable employer superannuation contributions are special contributions that an employer makes on top of the regular compulsory contributions. One example would be contributions made as part of a salary sacrifice arrangement.
What are reportable superannuation contributions?
For employees, there are two types of reportable superannuation contributions:
- Reportable employer super contributions your employer makes for you
- Personal deductible contributions you make for yourself
What will the superannuation fund do with my money?
Your money will be invested in an investment option of your choosing.
Do I have to pay myself superannuation if I'm self-employed?
No, self-employed workers don’t have to pay themselves superannuation. However, if you do pay yourself superannuation, you will probably be able to claim a tax deduction.
What is a superannuation fund?
A superannuation fund is an institution that is legally allowed to hold and invest your superannuation. There are more than 200 different superannuation funds in Australia. They come in five different types:
- Retail funds
- Industry funds
- Public sector funds
- Corporate funds
- Self-managed super funds
Retail funds are usually run by banks or investment companies.
Industry funds were originally designed for workers from a particular industry, but are now open to anyone.
Public sector funds were originally designed for people working for federal or state government departments. Most are still reserved for government employees.
Corporate funds are arranged by employers for their employees.
Self-managed super funds are private superannuation funds that allow people to directly invest their money.
What age can I withdraw my superannuation?
You can withdraw your superannuation (or at least some of it) when you reach ‘preservation age’. The preservation age is based on date of birth. Here are the six different categories:
| Date of birth | Preservation age |
|---|---|
| Before 1 July 1960 | 55 |
| 1 July 1960 – 30 June 1961 | 56 |
| 1 July 1961 – 30 June 1962 | 57 |
| 1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 | 58 |
| 1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 | 59 |
| From 1 July 1964 | 60 |
When you reach preservation age, you can withdraw all your superannuation if you’re retired. If you’re still working, you can begin a ‘transition to retirement’, which allows you to withdraw 10 per cent of their superannuation each financial year.
You can also withdraw all your superannuation once you reach 65 years.
How do you pay superannuation?
Superannuation is paid by employers to employees. Employers are required to pay superannuation to all their staff if the staff are:
- Over 18 and earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
- Under 18, work more than 30 hours per week and earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
This applies even if the staff are casual employees, part-time employees, contractors (provided the contract is mainly for their labour) or temporary residents.
Currently, the superannuation rate is currently 9.5 per cent of an employee’s ordinary time earnings. This is scheduled to rise to 10.0 per cent in 2021-22, 10.5 per cent in 2022-23, 11.0 per cent in 2023-24, 11.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 12.0 per cent in 2025-26.
Employers must pay superannuation at least four times per year. The due dates are 28 January, 28 April, 28 July and 28 October.
How is superannuation regulated?
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) regulates ordinary superannuation accounts. Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are regulated by the Australian Taxation Office.
What is the age pension's income test?
These are the rules for most people who want to claim the standard pension:
Single people
- If your income per fortnight is up to $168, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $168, your pension will reduce by 50 cents for each dollar over $168
Couples
- If your income per fortnight is up to $300, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $300, your pension will reduce by 50 cents for each dollar over $300
These are the rules for most people who want to claim the transitional pension:
Single people
- If your income per fortnight is up to $168, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $168, your pension will reduce by 40 cents for each dollar over $168
Couples
- If your income per fortnight is up to $300, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $300, your pension will reduce by 40 cents for each dollar over $300
For most people, the age pension cuts off if your fortnightly income exceeds these thresholds:
| Category | Fortnightly income |
|---|---|
| Standard pension for singles | $1,944.60 |
| Standard pension for couples living together | $2,978.40 |
| Standard pension for couples living apart due to ill health | $3,853.20 |
| Transitional pension for singles | $2,038.00 |
| Transitional pension for couples living together | $3,317.00 |
| Transitional pension for couples living apart due to ill health | $4,040.00 |
Is superannuation taxed?
Superannuation is taxed. It is generally taxed at 15 per cent. However, if you earn less than $37,000, you will be automatically reimbursed up to $500 of the tax you paid. Also, if your income plus concessional superannuation contributions exceed $250,000, you will also be charged Division 293 tax. This is an extra 15 per cent tax on your concessional contributions or the amount above $250,000 – whichever is lesser.
