Superannuation

If you earn less than $48,516 per year (before tax) and make after-tax super contributions, you are eligible to get matching contributions from the government. The amount of the co-contribution reduces the more you earn over $33,516. To work-out how much co-contribution you are eligible for, try MoneySmart’s Calculator.

If you have a superannuation pension there are minimum withdrawals that you must make from your account each year, in order to maintain the tax-exempt status on your earnings in the superannuation account. For the last 5 financial years, the Federal Government reduced the minimum pension withdrawals, due to the volatility of the investment markets. The reduction in minimum annual... Read more

From this year, lost super accounts will be closed and transferred to the ATO more quickly than before.  Inactive accounts of “uncontactable” members will be transferred to the ATO if the balance is less than $2,000 (up from $200). Inactive accounts of “unidentifiable” members will be transferred to the ATO after 12 months of inactivity (down from 5 years). An... Read more

How do tax credits work? Tax credits are received by the shareholder with franked dividends. This is a credit for tax that has already been paid by the company at the rate of 30%, before the company’s profit was distributed as dividend. The shareholders income from dividends will only be taxed at the difference between their marginal tax rate and... Read more

Brendon Vade, Financial Planner at Edney Ryan Wealth Management has recently obtained accreditation from the Self-Managed Super Funds Professionals’ Association of Australia Limited (SPAA). SPAA is recognised as the leading association within the SMSF industry in Australia.  Brendon’s accreditation demonstrates his committment to providing industry-leading advice to clients with SMSF’s. If you have SMSF-related enquiries, contact Brendon to discuss.

As part of the Stronger Super measures, the Government recently introduced new obligations for SMSF Trustees. In addition to requiring a regular review of the fund’s investment strategy, trustees need also consider insurance cover for the fund’s members. Insurances may include life, TPD (total and permanent disablement), trauma and income protection. There is no obligation to take out a particular... Read more