2020 Super top up strategy
Unused concessional cap carry forward Potentially top-up super 2020 concessional contributions with any unused gap from the 2019 year. From 1 July 2018, if you have a total superannuation balance of less than $500,000 on 30 June of the previous financial year, you may be entitled to contribute more than the general concessional contributions cap and make […]
Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Package UPDATE
Supporting Australian workers and business The Commonwealth Government has released the second stage of its stimulus plan to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus and help build a bridge to recovery. A total of $189 billion is being injected into the economy by all arms of Government in order to keep Australians in work […]
SMS for SMSF
ATO to email, SMS SMSF changes In the interests of protecting self-managed super fund (SMSF) members and their retirement savings from fraud and misconduct, the ATO has announced it will send out an email and/or a text message via an SMS when changes are made, including updates to the SMSF financial details or member information. […]
Other superannuation legislation
Government passes other superannuation legislation The Government has recently passed legislation requiring insurance in superannuation for new members under 25, and members with low balance accounts, to only be offered on an opt-in basis from 1 April 2020. Importantly, low balance account holders and young members will still be able to opt in if they […]
Taxpayer liable for excess transfer balance tax
Taxpayer liable for excess transfer balance tax despite commutations A taxpayer has unsuccessfully tried to challenge an excess transfer balance tax liability, despite following the ATO’s instructions. The taxpayer was receiving three pensions in 2017, including two capped defined benefit income streams and one account based pension. Based on information reported by the super funds, […]
Super dependants
If you have a super fund, you’ve probably been asked to nominate your beneficiary But, super fund trustees can only pay your super death benefit to eligible dependants* or to the legal personal representative (LPR) of your estate. If you haven’t elected a valid beneficiary the super fund trustee generally decides who your super goes […]
A super tax opportunity
Super is one of the most tax-effective ways to save You could be thousands of dollars better off by making ‘concessional contributions’ to your super. And, putting more money into your super now could make a big difference to your retirement later on. So, this tax time, ensure you make the most of your concessional […]
Backpacker superannuation
Paying super to backpackers The ATO has issued the following reminders to employers, that backpackers on working holidays: are considered temporary residents, and are entitled to superannuation guarantee if they are paid $450 or more before tax in a calendar month; and who leave Australia can claim the super paid to them as a Departing […]
Federal Election called
2019/20 Budget Update The Federal Election called for 18 May 2019, and the Governor-General has ‘prorogued’ the Parliament from 11 April until 18 May 2019 and dissolved the House of Representatives. The election will also be for half the Senate. As a result, all outstanding Bills have also lapsed (so any measures not yet passed […]
Other Federal Budget changes
Other announced changes Increased refunds for eligible primary producers and tourism operators The Government will provide further relief to farmers and tourism operators by amending the luxury car tax refund arrangements. For vehicles acquired on or after 1 July 2019, eligible primary producers and tourism operators will be able to apply for a refund of […]
