Want to know more?

Leave your details below and we'll get in touch! Alternatively you can also make a written enquiry via our Contact form.

×

Update of Superannuation contribution rules from July 1, 2020.

The rules around Superannuation contribution change almost every year, so it is important that taxpayers know what these changes mean to them.

         

The following outlines what has changed.

An increase in the age required for the work test.

From July 1, 2020, the age required rose from 65 to 67. The main benefit of this change is that it provides, where possible, an additional opportunity to implement voluntary super contribution strategies.

What taxable contributions can be made for the year ending June 30, 2021?

There is a cap of $25,000 per person for those able to make extra contributions to their super during the 2020/21 financial year. Any excess over this concessional contribution (CC) cap is taxed at the individual’s marginal tax rate.

CCs are contributions where a tax deduction is claimed and include:

  • Superannuation guarantee contributions (SGCs)
  • Employer voluntary / extra contributions like salary sacrificing
  • Member taxable contributions claimed as a deduction in personal ITR.

The CC cap will, in most cases, exceed employer contributions in 2020/21. If this is the case, then consideration could be given to adding personal taxable contributions to get you up to the $25,000 limit.

The higher your income, the greater the tax savings and keep in mind that there is no upper age limit for being eligible to receive SGCs.

Carry forward provisions

An individual can carry forward CCs if their total superannuation balance (TSB) is less than $500,000.

Unused contributions can be carried forward for five years. This option came into effect in 2019/20.

An important consideration prior to June 30, 2021 is to see if you can utilise this carry forward option to bolster your CCs before the date noted.

Work test

If an individual is under 67, there is no work test required to be able to make a contribution.

The work test is where, once you turn 67, you must be able to show that you have been gainfully employed for 40 hours or more in any 30-day period in a financial year.

If an individual is between the ages of 67 to 74, they must meet the work test in order to make a contribution.

Splitting of contributions

An individual can split their CCs that are made on their behalf to a spouse but they need to meet certain requirements.

The main reasons to split contributions are to:

  • Assist with the limit of only being allowed to have $1.6 million to start an account-based pension with
  • Assist with ability to make non-concessional contributions (NCC) given the cap limit also of $1.6 million
  • Assist with the ability to use the carry forward provisions given the member balance cap of $500,000
  • Address age differences between spouses and the ability to access benefits at an earlier date
  • Access Centrelink advantages by minimising a member’s account
  • Allow a member to have sufficient superannuation to be able to pay life insurance.

Spouse rebate for super contributions

A spouse rebate, up to a maximum of $540, can be claimed for superannuation contributions for the year ending June 30, 2021.

If your spouse earns less than $37,000 per year and you contribute $3,000 into superannuation for them, you can claim a tax rebate of $540.

Spouse contributions can be made if you are aged under 75 from July 1, 2020.

What tax-free contributions can be made for 2020/21?

Non-concessional contributions (NCC) are those contributions made into a super fund from after tax income. In this case, an individual is not claiming a tax deduction. There is a cap for NCCs of $100,000 for the 2020/21 year.

Members under 65 have an option to contribute up to $300,000 over a three-year period, depending on their total superannuation balance (TSB). The rule works as follows:

TSB                        NCC and bring forward amount

< $1.4M                 $300,000 over 3 years

> $1.4 & < $1.5M   $200,000 over 2 years

> $1.5 & < $1.6M   $100,000 over 1 years

> $1.6M                $0 (nil)

To be able to make an NCC, a member must meet the work test, as described above.

The increase from age 65 to 67 also impacts on the ceasing work contribution rule as of July 1, 2020 by given more time to make a NCC.

NCCs can be made on a once-off basis in the financial year after you have ceased employment if your TSB is less than $300,000 as of June 30 in the previous financial year. You also need to be under 75.

Downsizing contributions and how this applies to those over 65 years of age.

From July 1, 2018, anyone 65 years or older can make a downsizer contribution of up to $300,000 from the proceeds of selling their residential home.

The contribution is not an NCC and does not count towards the contribution caps, so it goes into superannuation as a tax-free contribution.

If a member has more than $1.6 million in superannuation, they are still allowed to make a downsizer contribution.

If the downsizer contribution is made and is placed into retirement phase, it will count towards a member’s transfer balance cap, which is $1.6 million.

If you are thinking of downsizing then speaking to a financial planner will help clarify eligibility requirements.

Get more from your super

If you have any questions on the above then simply ask us.

 

 


David Forrest Download David's Adviser Profile

David Forrest

Director
BEc (Acc), MBA, CPA, FFin

David has been in the Financial Services Industry for nearly 30 years. He was one of the founding Directors of the successful Financial Planning and Stockbroking Practice, Henderson Gregory Forrest, for a decade. Prior to that, he held senior roles in companies such as ING, KPMG Accountants and AMP. David was previously Chairman of OAMPS Superannuation Trustee Board and currently serves as an independent Board Director for several companies.

David’s extensive experience in all forms of superannuation, including Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF), Defined Benefit Funds, retirement funding through Account Based Pensions, stockbroking with a focus on Direct Share Investment, Taxation/Remuneration Planning, Centrelink, Aged Care and business management, equip him to advise expertly on all aspects of Financial Advice.

Those with a particular interest in superannuation/SMSFs, direct share investment, salary packaging or applying for the Centrelink Pension will find his knowledge and ability in formulating and implementing creative, logical and simple wealth creation strategies a valuable asset.

David maintains a strong personalised client service focus, providing tailored solutions for clients.

Qualifications:

Memberships:

Contact:

David Forrest is an Authorised Representative of Integrity Financial (SA) Pty Ltd ABN 16 133 921 187 — AFSL No 334846

Michelle Forrest

Michelle Forrest

Business Finance Manager
B Bus (Acc), CPA

Michelle’s career has spanned across the Financial Services, Retirement Living and Aged Care industries working in the private sector, not for profit and more recently with the state government for over 20 years. Her experience extends to many facets of the financial services industry, having worked in superannuation administration, technical support and financial planning practice administration.

Commencing with AMP and subsequently working in commerce and accounting roles with companies such as Brambles, Adelaide Bank Retirement Services, ECH Inc and SA Health and Wellbeing, Michelle returns to financial services after working in practice financial management at Henderson Gregory Forrest. This wide range of experience from senior accounting and management roles has provided Michelle with a strong background in business administration.

With an astute financial acumen and keen interest in business improvement strategies, Michelle ensures the smooth running of the Integrity Financial Advisory practice providing valued management support to our personalised client service focus.

Qualifications:

Memberships:

Contact:

Darren Chalk Download Darren's Adviser Profile
Natasha Bartlett
Kelly Collins
Jasmine Smith

Jasmine Smith

Client Service Manager

Jasmine has worked in the financial services industry for over 12 years in all areas of client administration, working with David since 2013.

Jasmine has extensive knowledge and experience in client service including implementation of advice, portfolio reporting, assisting with the establishment of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), term deposit management and a long history of helping clients with their enquiries.

Jasmine’s attention to detail, yet gentle approach, means she is able to solve the trickiest of questions for our client community.

Jasmine has gained her Certificate III in Financial Services qualification.

Contact:

Merrilyn Smith

Merrilyn Smith

Senior Client Service Manager

Merrilyn has worked in the financial services industry for over 11 years in all areas of client administration, and is a new addition to our client services team, returning from Melbourne to join the team in June 2019.

Merrilyn has extensive knowledge and experience in client service including implementation of advice, managed fund administration, assisting with the establishment of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) and process improvement for the previous practices she has worked with. Merrilyn’s experience with direct shares constitutes the other part of our administrative support for direct equity investments.

Merrilyn’s warm and caring nature continues to endear her to our clients and she has already established herself as a valued member of our team.

Contact: