Tax treatment of pensions and pensioners

A significant number of countries offer tax relief for particular sources of retirement income. Relief from income tax for public pensions, either full or partial, is available in 14 OECD countries. For example, between 15% and 50% of income from public pensions (social security) in the United States is not taxed, depending on the total income of the pensioner. In Australia, for example, benefits derived from pension contributions and investment returns that have been taxed are not taxable in payment for over 60s. This therefore applies to the mandatory defined contribution scheme and voluntary contributions to such plans.