Category: Superannuation
More women using ‘downsizer’ contributions to boost super
More women using ‘downsizer’ contributions to boost super If you are aged 55 years or older, the downsizer contribution rules enable you to contribute up to $300,000 from the proceeds of the sale of your home to your superannuation fund (eligibility criteria applies). In 2023-24, over 57% of people making a ‘downsizer’ contribution to super...
Payday super: the details
‘Payday super’ will overhaul the way in which superannuation guarantee is administered. We look at the first details and the impending obligations on employers. From 1 July 2026, employers will be obligated to pay superannuation guarantee (SG) on behalf of their employees on the same day as salary and wages instead of the current quarterly...
Mortgage vs super – where should I put my extra cash?
Many of us wonder about the best vehicle to use for our extra savings. Is it better to direct extra savings to your mortgage or superannuation? As with most financial decisions, there is no one-size-fits-all approach as it depends on a number of factors for each individual. Paying extra off the mortgage The priority for...
Six super strategies to consider before 30 June
With the end of financial year fast approaching, now is a great time to boost your superannuation savings and potentially save on tax. Below are six superannuation strategies to consider before 30 June 2024. Tip 1 – Use the carry forward concessional contribution rules If you want to make up for lost time and make extra...
SMSF trustees illegally accessing super
The ATO has released findings on how much super from SMSFs has left the system before trustees have met a condition of release. Super must remain preserved One of the main features of superannuation is that you typically can’t access your money until you reach age 65 or when you retire after reaching your preservation...
Super contribution caps to increase on 1 July
For the first time in three years, the superannuation contributions are set to increase from 1 July 2024. Contribution caps to increase Due to indexation, the contribution caps will increase on 1 July 2024 as follows: Concessional contributions cap – from $27,000 to $30,000 Non-concessional contributions cap – from $110,000 to $120,000 The maximum non-concessional...
Gifting and the age pension
Many people gift assets to their family or friends to give them a helping hand. However care must be taken to ensure any gifting does not impact your current or future social security entitlements, such as the age pension. What are the gifting rules? For Centrelink purposes, gifting refers to selling or transferring income or assets...
Returning to work after retirement
Most people look forward to retirement as it is a chance to finally take time to relax, enjoy life and do things they never had time for when they were working. But sometimes things change and some people feel the urge to return to work. If a return to work is inevitable, it is important...
Using super to pay the mortgage
Have you reached preservation age and still have a mortgage? If so, you may be able to use your super to deal with your rising mortgage repayments if you meet certain conditions. Introduction The constant increase to interest rates over the last two years have left some borrowers strapped for cash. Fortunately, those that have...
The taxation of super death benefits
Wondering if your beneficiaries will pay tax on your superannuation death benefits? The answer is it depends on a number of important factors. Most people will have heard of Benjamin Franklin’s quote “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes”. He raises a valid point as the tax office will be ready to...