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.

End of Financial Year Checklist

The End of Financial Year (EOFY) is once again fast approaching – providing an opportunity to review your position ahead of the new year to come. Given the inevitable June end rush, as well as processing and cut-off times, we believe it prudent to consider important actions in advance of deadlines. The following is an outline of key planning strategies that may require review. However, this may not cover all of your EOFY planning requirements – where appropriate please consult with your accountant or licenced tax adviser.

Minimum Pension Payments

As part of the government’s response to the financial impacts of COVID-19, a temporary reduction to the minimum pension drawdown requirements were implemented. During the previous four financial years, minimum drawdown rates were halved. This is the first financial year since 2018/19 that minimum pension payments return to their normal calculations.

Contribution Caps

Outside of relying on investment returns, the best way to ensure that your retirement assets grow over time is through superannuation contributions. There are two main types of contributions – concessional and non-concessional. Following the release of Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) data, the required increase has occurred such that the contribution caps will be lifted from 1 July 2024.

Concessional Contributions

As we move closer to the end of the financial year, attention often turns towards personal tax planning. This is where the use of concessional contributions and even carry forward concessional contributions can be particularly useful. With income tax cuts beginning 1 July 2024 on the horizon, the flexibility afforded with the current rules are discussed within the below.