Posted on December 12, 2021 by admin
There are plenty of ways to maximise your superannuation contributions prior to your retirement at any time of your life. As the means of funding your nomadic lifestyle, your seachange or your downtime after retiring, you want to make sure your superannuation is equipped to handle it.
The Australian Taxation Office recommends that you should check how you can maximise your super at the bare minimum of 10-15 years before the age that you hope to retire so that you have the time you need to make a difference to your final super balance.
So, if you were thinking of retiring at your preservation age (which is the age that you can access your super), your superannuation should reflect the amount that you want to be able to access to fund that retirement.
While starting earlier does mean it may be easier to accumulate what you need to retire by the time of it occurring, it doesn’t mean that there’s a cutoff date or a deadline to have contributions in for maximised profits.
Here are 3 simple ways that you can make a difference to your superannuation fund which could impact your balance for retirement in the long-term(and the sooner you try them, the better).
Your employer is required by superannuation law to contribute 10% of your taxable income to your super each year. This allows you to build up a steady balance as you work without having to actively contribute yourself.
However, if you have a position that pays well enough and allows you to do so, you may also be able to speak with your employer about arranging for some of your income to be ‘sacrificed’ to your superannuation, and contribute additionally to the balance yourself. These are known as concessional contributions.
So, for example, your employer may pay you $1,500 as your base salary pay. They also make the 10% contribution for your superannuation and pay $100 in tax. That leaves you with $1350. If you elect to salary-sacrifice, you might wish to pay $100 from your before-tax income. This means that instead of being taxed at a $1,500 base salary, you’ll only be taxed from the $1,400.
There have been measures enacted to prevent additional super funds from being created for new employees who don’t elect to nominate a super fund – for those who may have existing multiple super accounts, it’s time to consolidate and combine them.
You can increase the rate that your super grows each year as a result of the compounding effect of additional funds and fewer fees, and ensure that your nest egg is nurtured by a provider that aims to grow. You just need to be sure to check that you don’t lose out on any benefits by transferring or consolidating to your chosen fund.
If you are willing and ready to start saving, your superannuation can become a tax deduction gold mine (if you are eligible for the deductions that you are applying for.
One such deduction is the spousal contribution deduction.
If you make a contribution to your spouse’s super (and they earn less than $37,000 per year) any contributions that you make to their super can provide you with a tax rebate of up to $540. You can also claim back on any contributions that you may have made directly from your bank account to your super until you reach the contributions limit (known as a cap).
Discussing with a specialist or your super provider about the best course of action for you and your needs may be the step that you need to take to ensure the potential growth of your fund.
Posted on April 14, 2024 by admin
For businesses in Australia, providing fringe benefits to employees can be a valuable way to attract and retain talent, as well as incentivise performance.
However, employers need to understand their obligations regarding Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers FBT, a tax on certain non-cash benefits provided to employees in connection with their employment.
Let’s explore the types of fringe benefits subject to FBT to help businesses navigate this complex area of taxation.
One common type of fringe benefit is the provision of a car for the private use of employees. This includes company cars, cars leased by the employer, or even reimbursing employees for the costs of using their own cars for work-related travel.
Employers may provide housing or accommodation to employees as part of their employment package. This can include providing rent-free or discounted accommodation, paying for utilities or maintenance, or providing housing allowances.
Expense payment fringe benefits arise when an employer reimburses or pays for expenses incurred by an employee, such as entertainment expenses, travel expenses, or professional association fees.
If an employer provides loans to employees at low or no interest rates, the difference between the interest rate charged and the official rate set by the ATO may be considered a fringe benefit and subject to FBT.
Providing employees with property, such as goods or assets, can also result in fringe benefits. This can include items such as computers, phones, or other equipment provided for personal use.
When employers provide allowances to employees who need to live away from their usual residence for work purposes, such as for temporary work assignments or relocations, these allowances may be subject to FBT.
Entertainment fringe benefits arise when employers provide entertainment or recreation to employees or their associates. This can include meals, tickets to events, holidays, or other leisure activities.
Residual fringe benefits encompass any employee benefits that do not fall into one of the categories outlined above. This can include many miscellaneous benefits, such as gym memberships, childcare assistance, or gift vouchers.
Employers must understand their FBT obligations and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. This includes accurately identifying and valuing fringe benefits, keeping detailed records, lodging FBT returns on time, and paying any FBT liability by the due date.
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is an essential consideration for businesses that provide non-cash benefits to employees.
By understanding the types of fringe benefits subject to FBT, employers can ensure compliance with tax obligations and avoid potential penalties or liabilities.
Seeking professional advice from tax experts or consultants can also help businesses navigate the complexities of FBT and develop strategies to minimise tax exposure while maximising the value of employee benefits. Why not start a conversation with one of our trusted tax advisers today?
