Many people have shares in their superannuation funds. Superannuation is subject to a different taxation scheme than that which is applicable to individuals. Your age and the total amount of your superannuation will determine how much tax you pay on it.
Investment earnings are taxed at a maximum rate of 15% while you are working and paying superannuation payments. If any sold assets were kept for more than a year, superannuation funds also profit from a reduction on capital gains. Effectively, the tax on these gains is decreased to 10%.
Whether you withdraw your superannuation as a lump sum payment or an income stream will determine how much tax you must pay. A superannuation income stream withdrawal is typically tax-free if you are 60 years of age or older (as instead of taking payments in instalments, you can withdraw a lump sum amount). If you start with a super fund that is subject to tax, such as a public sector fund, you won’t have to pay any tax.
When you reach retirement age, you are permitted to keep a tax-free amount in the retirement phase up to the transfer balance limit. The transfer balance cap is $1.7 million at the moment. Transfers into the retirement phase are permitted, provided you stay below the transfer balance cap.