The Super Fund Co. Blog

As a large majority of working and retired Australians already know, in late 2016 a raft of changes to the superannuation rules was legislated. Most come into effect from 1 July 2017. The greatest impact will be on high-income earners and individuals with large superannuation balances. If this is you, read on.

Let’s begin with the key modifications:

• A new cap of $1.6 million on the amount that can be transferred into tax-free pensions.
• The income threshold, including concessional (pre-tax) superannuation contributions, at which contributions are taxed at 30% will reduce from $300,000 to $250,000 per annum.
• The non-concessional (post-tax) contributions limit falls from $180,000 to $100,000 per annum, or $300,000 within three years.
• The cap on concessional contributions reduces from $30,000 (or $35,000 for over-50s) to $25,000 per annum.

These changes further restrict the amount of money that can be built up within the low-tax superannuation environment, spurring the search for alternative, tax-advantaged investment structures. So, what are the options?

Don’t dismiss super

While continuous changes make it natural to be wary about super, it’s still worth utilising its concessional tax rates up to the limits allowed. For example, if you have an existing tax-free pension with a balance of more than $1.6 million on 1 July 2017, the surplus will need to be rolled back into the accumulation phase or withdrawn from super. While earnings in the accumulation phase are taxed at 15% (10% for capital gains on assets held for over 12 months), that’s substantially lower than the tax rates that apply to alternative investment vehicles, and depending on other income, may be below your marginal tax rate.

As for the additional 15% tax on contributions for those earning $250,000 pa or more, remember that the subsequent earnings on those contributions are only taxed at 15%. That means it may still be worthwhile to maximise concessional contributions within permitted limits.

Upgrade the family home

Many would argue the family home is not an investment. Nonetheless, while it’s not an income-producer, a principle residence could still generate attractive, tax-free capital gains. Whether it’s through extensions and renovations or upsizing to a new home, investing in the roof over your head can sometimes be a financially viable strategy.

Trusts and companies

Family trusts and private companies can provide opportunities to:

• Split income with family members on a lower marginal tax rate.
• Allow funds to accumulate in a lower tax environment.
• Defer some tax, possibly until beneficiaries or members are on a lower marginal tax rate (e.g. after retirement).

Whether trusts or companies are suited to a particular investor depends very much on personal circumstances and on whether the benefits outweigh the complexities and associated costs.

What about other investments?

There are a number of other managed investment options depending upon your circumstances, which your adviser can speak to you about.

Advice is essential

The latest changes do nothing to simplify the superannuation system while introducing additional pitfalls for the unwary. Expert advice and forward planning is essential, so don’t delay in talking to us about how best to respond to the new rules.