General Transfer Balance Cap – Increase to $2 million

The maximum balance a superannuation member can move into the tax-free retirement (pension) phase is presently $1.9 million. This is due to a limit introduced in 2017 known as the Transfer Balance Cap (TBC). Indexation of the general TBC to $2 million will occur on 1 July 2025. We explore some of the implications below.

Testamentary Trusts

A testamentary trust is a type of trust that is created through a person’s Will and takes effect upon death. Depending on your financial circumstances, this structure can provide the beneficiaries certain advantages in addition to an inheritance

Transition to Retirement Income Streams (TRIS)

Due to changes implemented in 2017 to limit the tax benefits of a transition to retirement pension, this strategy has received less attention in recent years. However, it remains a strategy that can assist those who have reached their ‘preservation age’ to have access to superannuation benefits without the requirement to leave a job or fully retire. Furthermore, a transition to retirement strategy can be used to manage ongoing cash flow, or to assist in executing extra tax-effective contributions to superannuation in the lead up to retirement.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is a federal government concession for self-funded retirees, allowing access to cheaper health care and other discounts. The card is income tested and valid for a 2 year period once granted.

Super on Paid Parental Leave

Legislation enabling super to be paid on Commonwealth funded Paid Parental Leave has now passed. First announced earlier in the year (2024), the payment of superannuation aims to assist in reducing the impact of parental leave on retirement outcomes. This additional initiative expands on the improved Paid Parental Leave scheme and is summarised below.

Downsizer Contributions

Back in 2018 the government introduced the ‘Downsizer Contribution’ to enable home owners to contribute up to $300,000 into superannuation following the sale of their residence. This was originally subject to a minimum eligibility age of 65, however over time this condition has been reduced to age 55. Accordingly, given the opportunity available, according to recent statistics collected by the ATO, approximately $20 billion has now been contributed under these provisions over the previous 6 completed financial years.

Binding Death Benefit Nominations

The total value of the superannuation pool has been growing significantly. With this comes a typical question covered in financial advice circles; ‘How does my superannuation get paid in the event of death’. A common misconception is that a will automatically deals with an individual’s superannuation assets. So how can you ensure that your retirement assets follow a desired outcome?

Division 293 Tax

High income earners will be familiar with the somewhat dreaded ‘Division 293 tax’. However, Division 293 tax does not only apply to those people who derive substantial income from employment or self-employment. The additional tax bill can crop up as a result of taxable income from other sources, including investment income, capital gains and other one-off events or payments (e.g. employment termination payments).

Government Co-Contribution

With 2023/24 done and dusted and the new financial year upon us, it is a great time to review and kick start some financials goals. The new financial year brings income tax cuts under the rollout of the revised Stage 3 plan. In addition, the concessional and non-concessional contribution caps have lifted. However, how can low and middle income earners benefit their superannuation position in juggling the above? The government super co-contribution scheme provides an option. This is explored below.

Deductible Gifts or Donations

The 30^th of June is fast approaching. However, as we have yet to reach the end of the financial year, it’s not too late to think about generating some additional tax deductions for the 2023/24 year. If you expect your marginal tax rate to reduce from July 2024 as a result of the stage 3 tax cuts, bringing forward deductions to the current financial year could provide greater overall benefits.