Federal Budget 2023-24 Summary

Federal Budget 2023-24 Summary

Lady Luck has once again looked down fondly upon Australia, creating the first Federal Budget surplus in 15 years, through a higher tax take on record export earnings and increasing income tax receipts from higher job numbers. But how long will the good times last? Domestic economic growth is expected to buckle under the weight of higher interest rates. As a result, annual gross domestic product is expected to fall to just 1.5 per cent in 2023 -2024, recovering slightly to just 2.25 per cent the following year. This low growth forecast, down from 3.25 per cent currently, comes despite an expected surge in immigration numbers to 300,000, while inflation is forecast to stay stubbornly close to the 6 per cent mark for 2022-2023. The Budget papers suggest inflation will eventually fall within the Reserve Bank‘s guidelines, but not for some time, raising the possibility of stagflation engulfing economic growth. At the same time, unemployment is expected to rise from its record low level of 3.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent the following year and remain at this level for the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, this is a true Labor Budget. The Federal Government will boost Job Seeker payments by $40 a fortnight, provide greater rent assistance and energy subsidies to low-income households, as well as lower medicine costs and provide cheaper doctor visits for all Australians. Increased wage payments for those working in the aged care sector and increased childcare subsidies should also help to reduce the pressure on working families struggling to deal with the recent uptick in cost-of-living pressures. An estimated 60,000 single parents will also be able to claim the Single Parent welfare payment benefit from September 1, with the Government lifting the eligibility age for the youngest child in a family from 8 to 14 years. The Government insists these measured spending increases are targeted and restrained and will work to reduce the rate of inflation. However, only time will tell if the Reserve Bank agrees that a lift in overall government spending via the Budget will work to bring down prices. The Government hopes to reduce housing pressures by encouraging investment in rental housing by lowering the annual profit on build-to-rent projects from 30 to 15 per cent. But beyond this, this Budget has very little to help struggling businesses. It does, though, include some $4 billion to encourage new green energy programs, including $2 billion to support large-scale hydrogen production and $1.3 billion to help households upgrade their existing homes through the Household Energy Upgrades Fund. At the same time, big-ticket items within the Budget just get bigger. There is a brave estimate that spending within the NDIS will be restrained, yet there is no actual strategy for achieving this other than to reduce waste. The cost of providing health services has never been higher, while defence spending is expected to surge to $20 billion over the next four years, including some $9 billion to be spent on the new AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. Little has been done to boost Government revenue beyond more fairly taxing windfall profits in the gas industry and increasing the tax bill for super accounts with more than $3 million in assets. Beyond this, nothing has been done to address the structural challenges within the Budget. Meanwhile, there is already unrest that the Job Seeker allowance is not being increased sufficiently to pull recipients out of poverty, with cost of living pressures at record highs for Australia’s most vulnerable people. All at a time when the Budget is in surplus.   The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

Director Identification Numbers – time is ticking!

Director Identification Numbers – time is ticking!

Do you have an SMSF with a corporate trustee or are you a director of a company? Do you know you have to register for a director identification number (director ID) by 30 November 2022? Legislation was previously introduced resulting in new obligations for company directors requiring them to obtain a personal director identification number (‘Director ID’) before 30 November 2022. As a company director, you are required to personally apply for a Director ID. Note this also includes where you are a director of a company acting as a trustee (such as the corporate trustee of your SMSF or family trust). While our office can help you in understanding your new Director ID obligations, unfortunately we cannot make the application on your behalf (although we are happy to assist if and when required). Please see below for the registration process to follow. Once you have successfully applied for, or if you have previously obtained, your Director ID, please supply a copy to our office.   How do I apply for a Director Identification Number? You can apply by calling 13 62 50 or online. To apply by calling 13 62 50: Call 13 62 50 (may be a wait time of around 5 mins) The overall process should not take more than 5 minutes, once your call is answered. You will need to have your personal TFN and ID ready. ID will need to be 1 Primary & 1 Secondary document (You will be asked for details on documents ie. Document numbers, expiry dates etc) Primary documents can be: • Australian full birth certificate (extracts and commemorative certificates are not acceptable) • Australian passport (including passports that have expired in the past two years) • Australian citizenship certificate or extract from a Register of Citizenship by Descent • ImmiCard • Visa (if you are using a foreign passport but you are still in Australia) Secondary documents can be: • Medicare card • Australian driver’s licence or learner’s permit. This must show your photo and signature, and the address on the card must match your details on the form. You will then be asked answer a couple of questions, such as; • The name of the bank where you hold an account that earned interest in the last 2 years • Your mobile phone number • The name of your Accountant This should then complete the process and you will be given your Director ID number. To apply online: There are 3 key steps to apply for your director ID online. Step 1: Set up myGovID If you do not already have a myGovID you will need to set this up before you can apply for your director ID online. You can find information on how to setup your myGovID by downloading the app at: https://www.mygovid.gov.au/set-up Step 2: Gather your documents You will need to gather some information that the ATO already knows about you to verify your identity. You will need your tax file number, your residential address held by the ATO, and information from two of the following documents: • Bank account details • ATO notice of assessment • Super account details • Dividend statement • Centrelink payment summary • PAYG payment summary Most of this information can be downloaded from your myGov account so it may be worthwhile linking to this service ahead of applying for your director ID. Note, myGovID is different to your myGov account. Your myGov account allows you to link to and access online services provided by the ATO, Centrelink, Medicare and more, while myGovID is an app that enables you to prove who you are and to log in to a range of government online services, including myGov. Step 3: Complete your application Once you have a myGovID and information to verify your identity, you are ready to apply for your director ID. You can click on the following link to start the application process. The application process is quick and should take you less than 5 minutes. https://abrs.gov.au/persons/ui/secure/start/applyForDirectorID?action=applyfordirectorid Further information about the application process, and step-by-step instructions, can be found via this link: https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number/apply-director-identification-number   The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. 

Quarterly Economic Update: July-September 2022

Quarterly Economic Update: July-September 2022

As geo-political tensions tighten in Ukraine, economies around the world are reeling from mounting energy prices, soaring costs of living and in a desperate attempt to bring down inflation, higher interest rates.  The US economy appears certain to fall into recession. Markets have suddenly become volatile as shares are sold in preference to holding funds in defensive assets such as cash. This in turn is reaping havoc on world currency markets. Funds are flooding into US dollar denominated investments and in doing so, are sending the value of the greenback sky high against other currencies.  Speculation is mounting that the British pound may fall to historic lows in coming months and may even reach parity with the US dollar, driven by the newly elected Prime Minister Liz Truss, implementing a big borrowing, low taxing budget. This controversial attempt to boost the British economy comes at a time when central banks around the world, including the Bank of England, are lifting interest rates in order to reduce economic activity and so, dramatically slow the rate of inflation.  The Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development is now forecasting economic growth will slow from 2.8 to 2.2 per cent during the next twelve months as the United States, China and Europe all cut back on economic activity.  While Australia is not spared from this global slowdown, with the OECD forecasting domestic growth will tumble from 2.5 to 2 per cent during the coming year, it should survive this turbulent period better than most. Much will depend on this month’s Federal Budget. The first by the newly elected Albanese Government, it will tread a line between its reform agenda including much talk about tax cuts and trying to slow the economy and so reduce inflation.  Although the employment rate across the nation remains high, spiralling prices for basic foodstuffs and other essentials is putting enormous pressure on the Government to provide relief to those struggling to get by. In the meantime, petrol prices are set to bounce higher as the Federal Government restores the fuel excise tax, adding 23 cents a litre to both petrol and diesel sold in Australia.  In addition, the Reserve Bank has made it clear it will continue to lift the domestic cash rate and with it most other local interest rates, until it has clawed back the rate of inflation from an expected high of 7 per cent, to less than 3 per cent.  Higher interest rates are already impacting homebuyers. Five rate rises since May, mean a couple earning $92,000 each, can now borrow $264,000 less than they could in April according to analysis by the research house, Canstar. So even with a 20 per cent deposit, a couple’s maximum budget has dropped from more than $1.63 million to $1.37 million and this in turn is being reflected by prices in the property market. As buyer’s budgets have fallen, so too have property prices. CoreLogic Home Value Index shows house prices in Sydney have dropped by 7.6 per cent this year while Melbourne prices have fallen by 4.6 per cent.  With the Reserve Bank determined to force even higher interest rates on the economy in order to defeat inflation, there is no end in sight to higher interest rates and further property price falls.   The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. 

Retirement wrongs that could send you broke!

Retirement wrongs that could send you broke!

While retirement should be the best years of your life, many Australians make simple, avoidable mistakes with their finances that can leave them without the funds to really enjoy life. However, with some simple good advice at the start of retirement, these mistakes can usually be avoided, leaving retirees to focus on what is really important and that is, simply enjoying life. Making emotional investment decisions Many people reach retirement age and panic that they don’t have enough money. This then prompts them to make high risk investments in the vague hope of catching up on lost time. Too often their dreams of big profits blind them to risks and many end up losing a chunk, if not all, of their money. All retirement savings are irreplaceable and should be invested with this in mind. Ignoring your portfolio At the other end of the spectrum are retirees who think they have so little saved for retirement that it doesn’t matter what they do with it, in terms of their investments, it won’t make any difference to their lives. This is almost as big a mistake as taking excessive risks. No matter how much money you have saved for retirement, you should be pro-active in making sure these funds are safely invested and providing for you. Miscalculating your retirement funds Many misjudge either the total amount they have to retire on, and/or, the level of income it will generate. This is particularly the case when the decision is made to keep an investment property in retirement. The high value can often give a false sense of financial security, while the actual income generated after all the costs are deducted, can be extremely low. Determine just how much money you have saved for retirement, conservatively judge how much income will be generated from those savings and ensure you don’t spend more than your investments generate. Changing asset allocations to conservative assets, such as cash For many, retirement is the first time they have had to manage or decide how to invest a large amount of money. This can be unnerving at the best of times. Throw in a small market downturn and it is not unusual for people to panic and sell perfectly good investments. This is, of course, the worst option. By panicking and selling investments when the market has taken a step down, losses are locked in and any chance of recovering those funds as the market improves, is lost. Keeping up with the “Joneses” Too often, we’re swept along by what others do. Focus on how you want to live. Think about what will make you happy in retirement and then invest your savings safely so you can focus on enjoying life. For most, the things that make them happiest are free. Time spent with grandchildren, walking barefoot on a beach, or spending time in the garden, all cost very little money and are a fabulous boost to the body, health and mind. If you have any doubts at all about how you should structure your finances, make the decision to get quality advice before you make any of these mistakes. It will be the best investment you make in retirement. The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

Frequently asked questions about super

Frequently asked questions about super

If the ins and outs of superannuation leave you confused, the answers to these frequently asked questions will help you understand the basics. How much do I need to retire? According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a couple requires savings of $640,000 if they wish to enjoy a ‘comfortable’ lifestyle in retirement. For a single, the figure is $545,000. How is my super taxed? Broadly, contributions are categorised as either concessional or non-concessional. Concessional contributions are contributions on which an employer or an individual has claimed a tax deduction. Non-concessional contributions are made from after-tax income. They include many personal contributions and government co-contributions. Concessional contributions are taxed at 15% within the super fund, with a tax offset available to low income earners. Non-concessional contributions are not taxed within the fund. How can I contribute to super? If you are over 18, employed, and earn more than $450 per month your employer will contribute 10% of your ordinary time earnings to super. You can further boost your super by: Asking your employer to make concessional salary sacrifice contributions from your pre-tax income. Making personal contributions from your after-tax income. Subject to set limits you may be able to claim a tax deduction for these contributions in which case they will become concessional. If no tax deduction is claimed they will be non-concessional. Low to middle income earners who make a personal non-concessional contribution may receive up to $500 as a government co-contribution. Age limits and work tests may apply to some types of contribution. When can I access my super? When you turn 65, even if still working. When you reach preservation age (between 55 and 60 depending on date of birth) and have retired. If you start a transition to retirement (TTR) income stream. If you face severe financial hardship, specific medical conditions or under the first home super saver scheme. Who can I leave my super to? If your super fund allows binding death benefit nominations, you can elect to have your superannuation paid to your legal personal representative. The money will then be distributed as instructed by your Will. Alternatively, you can instruct your fund trustees to pay your death benefit to one or more of your ‘dependents’. Under superannuation law these are: Your spouse (includes same-sex and de facto partners) Children A financial dependent People you had an interdependency relationship with Without a binding nomination, your super fund’s trustees decide which dependents will receive the death benefit. They will be guided, but are not bound by, any non-binding nomination. How do I make the most of my super? Superannuation remains, for most people, the best vehicle within which to save for their retirement. However, it can be complicated and there are numerous rules to navigate. That creates challenges, but it also generates opportunities, many of which can add thousands of dollars per year to your retirement income.   The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

It’s not too late for super planning in your 60s

It’s not too late for super planning in your 60s

For most Australians, their 60s is the decade that marks retirement. For some this means a graceful slide into a fulfilling life of leisure, enjoying the fruits of a lifetime of hard work. However, for many it means a substantial drop in income and living standards. So how can you make the most of the last few years of work before taking that big step into retirement? How are we tracking as a nation? In 2015-2016, 50% of men aged 60-64 had super balances of less than $110,000. For women the figure was a more alarming $36,000 – not even enough to provide a single person with a ‘modest’ lifestyle. Last minute lift If your super is looking a little on the thin side there are a few ways to give it a boost before retirement. – Make the most of your concessional contributions cap. Ask your employer if you can increase your employer contributions under a ‘salary sacrifice’ arrangement. Alternatively, you can claim a tax deduction for personal contributions you make. Total concessional contributions must not exceed $25,000 per year. – Investigate the benefits of a ‘transition to retirement’ (TTR) income stream. This can be combined with a re-contribution strategy that, depending on your marginal tax rate, can give your retirement savings a significant boost. – Review your investment strategy. A common view is that as we near retirement our investments should be shifted to the conservative end of the risk and return spectrum. However, in an age of low returns and longer life expectancies, some growth assets may be required to provide the returns that will be necessary to support a long and comfortable retirement. – Make non-concessional contributions. If you have substantial funds outside of super it may be worthwhile transferring them into the concessionally taxed super environment. You can contribute up to $100,000 per year, or $300,000 within a three-year period. A work test applies if you are over 65. – The 60s is often a time for home downsizing. This can free up some cash to help with retirement. The ‘downsizer contribution’ allows a couple to jointly contribute up to $600,000 to superannuation without it counting towards their non-concessional contributions caps. Get it right This important decade is when you will make the key decisions that will determine your quality of life in retirement. Those decisions are both numerous and complex. Quality, knowledgeable advice is critical, and wherever you are on your path to retirement, now is always the best time to talk to your licensed financial adviser. Contact us today for a chat.   The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

Push the super pedal down in your 50s

Push the super pedal down in your 50s

If 50 really is the new 40, then life has just begun. The kids are gaining independence or may have left home, and the mortgage could be a thing of the past. Bliss. But galloping towards you is… retirement! Here are some ways to boost your retirement savings. Increase your pre-tax contributionsYou can ask your employer to reduce your take-home pay and make larger contributions to your super fund. If you are self-employed, you can increase your level of tax-deductible contributions. This strategy is commonly known as ‘salary sacrifice’. If you are earning between $120,001 and $180,000 per year, any income between those limits is taxed at 39%. Salary sacrifice contributions to your superannuation fund are only taxed at 15%. Sacrificing just $1,000 per month to super will, over the course of a year, see you better off by $2,880 on the tax differences alone. Plus, the earnings on those super contributions will be taxed at only 15%, compared to investment earnings outside of super being taxed at your marginal rate. Don’t overdo it though. If your salary sacrifice plus superannuation guarantee contributions add up to more than $25,000 this year, the excess is added to your assessable income and taxed at your marginal tax rate. Retiring slowlyOnce you reach your preservation age you might start a ‘transition to retirement’ (TTR) pension from your superannuation fund. The idea is to allow people to reduce working hours without reducing their income. Keep your money workingThere is a tendency to opt for more secure, but lower-return investments as we approach retirement. However, even at retirement your investment horizon may still be decades. With cash and fixed interest producing some of their lowest returns in history, it may be beneficial to keep a significant portion of your portfolio invested in growth assets. Insurance and death benefitsWith the mortgage paid off or much diminished and a growing investment pool, your insurance needs have probably changed. This is a good time to review your insurance cover to ensure it continues to be a match for your changing circumstances. It’s also a good idea to check the death benefit nomination with your super fund. By making a binding nomination you can ensure that your death benefit goes to the beneficiaries of your choice, and may mean they receive the money more quickly. Get a plan!Superannuation provides many opportunities for boosting your retirement wealth. However, it is a complex area and strategies that benefit some people may harm others. Good advice is absolutely essential, and the sooner you sit down with a licensed financial adviser, the better your chances of having more when you reach the finishing line. Contact us today to get started.   The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

Super success for women

Super success for women

While women earn less and spend less time in the workforce than men, sharply reducing their super contributions throughout their working lives, there are some simple steps women can take to boost their retirement savings. The Simple Facts This inequality is simply due to women earning and working less. Women in full-time work earn on average 18 per cent less than men, while almost half of all women in the workforce work part-time with an estimated 220,000 women missing out on any super contributions each year simply because they earn less than $450 a month – the lower threshold for super guarantee contributions. Women also miss out on super contributions because they are often absent from the workforce for extended periods while on maternity leave or looking after loved ones, be they children or other family relatives. When they do return to the workforce, it is frequently in casual positions or working for themselves, where the need to make super contributions is so often overlooked. Check your super fund fees and charges The solution lies with women taking control of their super and choosing the best possible super fund, which typically means low fees and good, low-risk investment options. Regularly check what, if any, personal insurance premiums are paid from your precious super savings. While insurance is essential while you are raising a family, as you get older, you might find your need for insurance diminishes. You may be able to reduce your coverage and with it the cost of premiums from your super. (Remember to always check with your adviser before cancelling any insurances.) Make sure you take the time to consolidate your super accounts into one low cost super fund. Visit the Australian Tax Office website to consolidate your super or ask your adviser to do this for you. Wherever possible, ensure you continue to make contributions throughout your working life, starting as early as possible and not neglecting your superannuation during periods when you are out of the workforce, working on a part-time basis or self-employed. Maximise Your Contributions Make sure you speak to your adviser to maximise your contributions, and in doing so, minimise your tax bill at the end of the financial year. If you expect your income to be less than $52,000 in a financial year, make sure you take advantage of the Federal Government’s co-contribution scheme. By putting just $20 a week of after-tax income into super, you will receive up to $500 from the Government directly into your super account as soon as you lodge your tax return. That’s a guaranteed 50 per cent return on your money and the best investment you will ever make. If you are earning less than $37,000 a year, you should receive the Federal Government’s low-income superannuation tax offset of $500. Both payments happen automatically, meaning you don’t have to apply or complete additional paperwork to receive them. Still, you should check your superannuation account to make sure these payments are there. If you need more advice about your super, talk to us today.   The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

Turbo boost your retirement savings

Turbo boost your retirement savings

Once your mortgage and other financial commitments are manageable, it is usually time to put the pedal down on your super. Those prime income years, between age 40 and 50 in particular, should be used constructively. However, the task may not always be easy. Many couples choose to have children later and as a result, parents’ financial responsibilities can now often extend well into their 50s, even 60s. Furthermore, the earning opportunities for many people over age 50 often begin to decline. Other factors can also disrupt retirement savings planning – time out of the workforce to raise a family, periods of unemployment or extended illness are but a few. Is there a logical solution? Usually, the least painful (and most disciplined) option is to use a superannuation salary sacrifice arrangement. For most employed people on high incomes this can represent a useful and straightforward method of bolstering retirement provisions. It works like this You agree to forego a specified amount of future salary and in return your employer makes additional future super contributions for an equivalent amount. This means your extra long-term saving starts to accrue faster, pay by pay. “Sacrificing” salary to super is also a tax-effective form of remuneration because if the arrangement is put together correctly, no personal income or fringe benefits tax is payable on the extra amount of contribution. You do need to keep in mind the impact of superannuation contribution limits however we can provide guidance on this issue. Consider this case study: Michael is 45 and he and his wife Marie have been working away at their mortgage for some time. Now they are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. Michael’s employer has been contributing 10% of his $110,000 remuneration package to superannuation ($11,000 per annum). Michael thinks that he may now be able to afford more, but he is not all that happy with the employer’s fund investment options. He discusses the situation with Marie and their adviser. Together they agree that Michael should set up a new super fund with a different provider and increase his contribution to 15% of salary. From the next fortnightly pay, Michael’s pre-tax salary is lower by $211.54 but the amount he actually receives will be lower by only $129.04 (since he will pay $82.50 less personal income tax as well). The $211.54 pre-tax amount was paid directly into Michael’s new super account. This means that his total after-tax super contributions for the next year will be $14,025 net instead of $9,350 and he has been able to select a fund that meets his needs. Salary sacrifice to super is just one way in which you can enhance your retirement provisions. If you would like more information about the options, talk to us today and we can assist you in determining what is right for you.   The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

When an SMSF may be the wrong idea

When an SMSF may be the wrong idea

Since the Australian Government introduced compulsory employer contributions to people’s superannuation funds in 1992, Australia’s funds invested in super have grown to $3 trillion. In this time, self-managed super funds (SMSF’s) have grown in popularity too. There are currently just over 1 million members with $747 billion in SMSFs across Australia. SMSFs can have between one and four members. While not yet legislated, the government has proposed allowing up to six members in an SMSF. Most SMSFs in Australia have two members (70%), with most other SMSFs having a single member (23%). According to the ATO, the average value of assets in people’s SMSFs is $320,000. The general recommendation is to have a minimum balance of $200,000 in your SMSF. While it can be tempting to see the potential of being in complete control over your super balance, it may not always be a good idea to set up an SMSF. Why set up an SMSF?Many people opt to set up an SMSF to have more flexibility in where they invest their money. Along with more investment options such as residential property and rare asset classes such as art, valuable collectables and physical gold, your SMSF income is taxed at a lower rate of 15%. Compared to the marginal income tax rate for average and high-income earners (usually between 30% to 45%), establishing an SMSF can be an attractive option. However, as with any other type of investing, there are potential downsides and SMSFs can carry significant risks and costs. What are the risks associated with having an SMSF?There are several risks associated with having an SMSF. To establish an SMSF, you are legally required to have an investment strategy. When you have an SMSF, you also need to ensure you get tailored advice from your financial adviser to mitigate the risk of making poor investment and financial decisions. Many SMSFs also choose to invest in one asset, such as residential property. This leaves your super balance overexposed to risk, compared to if you had a balanced portfolio in a super fund. Unlike a traditional super fund, an SMSF has time-consuming administrative tasks and costs. Some of the costs you may incur when you have an SMSF include annual compliance, audit and management costs, investment fees, brokerage fees, wholesale managed fund fees and advisory fees charged by your accountant and financial adviser. If you have an SMSF, it’s important that these fees don’t equate to more than 2% of your super balance. On a balance of $200,000 in an SMSF, the fees would ideally need to be below $4,000 per year. When you have an SMSF, you are in complete control of your investing, which means you are also solely responsible for keeping up to date with your compliance requirements. The legislation around SMSFs is constantly changing. If you don’t have a genuine interest in continually staying updated on these changes, or the fees to seek regular advice are going to push your annual costs over 2% of your balance, you need to rethink whether an SMSF is the right option for you. To summariseWhile establishing an SMSF can offer you flexibility in how you manage your retirement funds, there’s a raft of risks and costs associated with having an SMSF. Further, an SMSF can be a lot of work, so it may not be the right option for you if you’re unsure whether you want to commit to the ongoing financial, legal and administrative requirements associated with having an SMSF. If you are considering establishing an SMSF or deciding whether an SMSF is suitable for you, speak to us to obtain personalised advice for your unique situation.    The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

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