Other recent changes
A number of changes announced in both Federal Budgets last year have also been slowly introduced over the past 12 months.
In one major change, the minimum age was lowered for those able to invest some of the proceeds of the sale of their homes into super, known as a ‘downsizer contribution’.
From 1 January 2023, if you are aged 55 or older, you can now contribute to your super up to $300,000 (or $600,000 for a couple) from the sale of their home.
The home must be in Australia and owned by you for at least 10 years.
In another residential property initiative, a scheme that allows investors to use their super fund to save for their first home has been expanded.
The First Home Super Saver Scheme was last year increased from $30,000 to $50,000.
The Scheme allows you to make contributions into your super then apply to release them when you want to purchase your first home, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Another significant reform for many has been the removal of the work test for those under 75, who can now make or receive personal super contributions and salary sacrificed contributions. (Although the ATO notes that you may still need to meet the work test to claim a personal super contribution deduction.)
Previously if you were under 75, you could only make or receive voluntary contributions to super if you worked at least 40 hours over a 30-day period.
A further change introduced last year was the removal of the $450 per month threshold for super contributions.
Employers must now pay the super guarantee to all employees regardless of their earnings however, employees who are under 18 still need to work more than 30 hours in a week to be eligible.
While caps have been lifted and programs expanded, at least one scheme has not changed. The Low Income Super Tax Offset (LISTO) threshold remains at $37,000. LISTO is a government payment to super funds of up to $500 to help low-income earners save for retirement.
If you earn $37,000 or less a year you may be eligible a LISTO payment. You don’t need to do anything other than to ensure your super fund has your tax file number.
Finally, a project that may pay off down the track, the Federal Budget included continued funding for a superannuation consumer advocate to help improve investors’ outcomes.
Expert advice is important to help navigate these changes over the coming year. Call us for more information.
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