Until we achieve immortality, we have to deal with death and taxes. But take comfort, at least Australia doesn’t have a death tax — or does it?

Many of us will leave a substantial superannuation balance when we go. While we’re busy being buried, the government will help itself to what’s left of our retirement savings by taxing superannuation death benefits.

By law, we can only leave our superannuation to a spouse, child, or dependent partner.