![](/images/7312_transform.jpg)
One the great furphies of superannuation that has (tragically) become widely believed – often by people who should know better – is that self-managed funds have a tax advantage over APRA-regulated funds.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that on all of the key tax measures for superannuation, the 15% rate on concessional contributions, the 15% tax rate in the accumulation phase and tax-free pension income, are exactly the same for SMSFs and APRA funds. End of story.
In regards to capital gains tax (CGT), the same small business concessions are available to SMSF members and APRA-regulated fund members, and SMSFs holding business real property are subject to the same CGT rules as other funds holding property investments. The only slight difference between APRA funds and SMSFs in regards to CGT is that the former can enjoy having capital gains and losses rolled-over where they merge with other funds. There is no equivalent roll-over for SMSFs that merge.
In other words, the only difference between APRA funds and SMSFs on tax issues is one that advantages the former. Perhaps the more pertinent question to ask is why this perception of SMSFs getting tax advantages is so widespread.
![Is my SMSF being taxed differently to other super funds?](/images/resize/7312_transform_3339.jpg.webp)
Leaving aside the issue of certain vested interests pushing this line, perhaps it’s best explained by the Labor’s Party’s recent proposal to impose a 15% tax on earnings above $75,000 in the pension phase. When this was announced many assumed it only targeted SMSFs, when, in fact, it covered anyone in the pension phase irrespective of what type of fund they had. What this suggests is that because changes to the tax rules relating to superannuation can often have a disproportional effect on SMSFs because of their larger balances, then it is simply assumed their tax treatment does differ.
Having different regulators (SMSFs come under the umbrella of the ATO) probably encourages this false assumption. The simple fact is all funds fundamentally have the same tax treatment, a state of affairs the SMSF Association fully endorses.
Jordan George, SMSF Association.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/momentum-media-group-pty-ltd/image/upload/v1699325858/navigating_tax_laws_for_capital_gains_in_2023_cp5mri.png)
Tax saving
Navigating tax laws for capital gains in 2023
The landscape of Australian tax laws surrounding capital gains is ever-changing, with 2023 being no exception. Read more
![What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto](/images/resize/Crypto-Monero-ne_03dd.jpg.webp)
Tax saving
What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto
One million Aussies are now invested in crypto, but many have not thought about how these investments will affect them at tax time. Read more
![Centrelink](/images/resize/Centrelink-signage-ne_509c.jpg.webp)
Tax saving
Welfare overhaul could give recipients a leg-up
Australia’s Centrelink recipients who’ve been doing it tough are in for a potentially easier time if the federal government pursues ambitious reforms that could provide sturdier safety nets. Read more
![Students should think twice before tapping into their super](/images/resize/2018-05-09_b860.jpg.webp)
Tax saving
Students should think twice before tapping into their super
Former students might want to think carefully before they look to take advantage of the federal government’s biggest first home buyer incentive. Read more
![tax cuts](/images/resize/cut-taxes-ne_829c.jpg.webp)
Tax saving
Advocates call for an end to tax cuts
Social services sector advocates have warned that further tax cuts may make solving Australia’s biggest challenges much harder. Read more
![ATO and AUSTRAC](/images/resize/ATO-new-still2-ne_8294.jpg.webp)
Tax saving
ATO and AUSTRAC may gain new phone-tapping powers
A proposed update to electronic surveillance legislation could see the ATO armed with new powers that would allow the agency to bug phones and intercept online communications. Read more
![Over 2m Aussies asked the TPB for help during the last year](/images/resize/tax-receipts-calculate-ne_4817.jpg.webp)
Tax saving
Over 2m Aussies asked the TPB for help during the last year
As the economy recovers, Australia’s tax regulator says it’s planning to put unregistered practitioners under the microscope. Read more
![pay higher taxes](/images/resize/tax-receipts-calculate-ne_4817.jpg.webp)
Tax saving
Will you pay higher taxes due to bracket creep?
Bracket creep will see Australians paying more tax on average, unless further cuts are introduced in the future. Read more