Author: RachATO(Community Support)Community Support 13 May 2021
Hi @tomksport,
I believe you're referring to the COVID-19 early release of super scheme as the other super withdrawal option that became available around March 2020.
Both options had a different application process, and the applications were made through a different entity depending which release option was being pursued.
The COVID-19 super release was tax-free, and applications needed to be made through an individual's ATO link on myGov.
The severe financial hardship release is applied directly through the super fund, and this is generally taxed as a super lump sum payment.
Unfortunately, if you had completed an application for one option and the amount has been released under that option, the outcome and any associated tax obligations can't be altered. As I mentioned just above, hardship applications are processed directly through the superfund, and they withhold a taxable component of the payment as part of the condition of releasing the payment. Even if your intention was to apply for the COVID-19 release, because a hardship super request had been submitted and released to you, a refund of the taxed component is not able to be processed as they are two separate release conditions.
Hopefully this all makes sense, and unfortunately we aren't able to alter the outcome in this situation.
COVID-19 Early release of super
Severe Financial Hardship early release of super
RachATO