Super for same-sex couples and their children (individuals)

Changes to the law mean same-sex partners can now have their relationship recognised by their superannuation fund. The changes amend tax and super laws affecting super death benefits, death benefit termination payments, making contributions for your spouse and other aspects of the super system.

The result is that:

• the definitions of 'spouse', 'child' and 'relative' in the super laws include same-sex partners and their children
• the definitions of 'dependant' and 'spouse' in the income tax laws include same-sex partners and their children
• same-sex partners and their children under 18 years are treated as dependants for the purposes of taxing super death benefits and death benefit termination payments.

What are the changes?

Sections within What are the changes?

• Taxing death benefits
• 'Spouse' redefined – and its effects

Last Modified: Monday, 1 February 2010