Due to a budget blowout caused by “an over-hang from the global financial crisis and strong Australian dollar”, the federal government has informally announced (drip fed via a series of casual comments in various interviews) that the income tax cuts, that were to take effect from 1 July 2015, … [Read more...]
Note: For your convenience we have included the latest income tax rates, and the income rates for the previous financial year. Over time, this page will also include relevant tax offsets, such as the Senior Australians and Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO), and other tax-related information such as the … [Read more...]
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is going to become a reality with a guaranteed financial contribution sourced directly from taxpayers, and promised contributions from the states of Australia. Bravo to the federal government, state governments and to the individuals and organisations who … [Read more...]
Note: This article is updated every few months with the latest lifestyle/income data and latest Age Pension rates. The most recent data was released in November 2012 (for lifestyle costs up to September 2012), and in September 2012 (for Age Pension rates, which apply until March 2013) This case … [Read more...]
This article is written by Bruce Sutherland, a regular SuperGuide reader, a self-funded retiree and now ex-SMSF trustee. Bruce is a former CEO, and a former strategy consultant, and he holds a degree in Economics. Bruce has closed his SMSF because he believes that a SMSF is no longer tax-effective … [Read more...]
Q: I am confused. When I retire and I am over 60 I receive tax-free super benefits. Someone has told me that I also get other tax-free stuff. Can you tell me what that is? In terms of retirement and superannuation, when you reach 60 and start a retirement income stream (super pension) you get two … [Read more...]
This article is updated annually with new rates, or periodically to highlight changes (if any) to the Senior Australians Tax Offset rules. The latest article updates are: adding the Senior Australians Tax Offset (SATO) rates for the 2011/2012 year, occurred on 26 July 2011, and then, including … [Read more...]
Q: Rather than putting our money in super, should we just go for a lump sum and invest in term deposit and direct shares in our own name? For example, if a couple who are senior age can receive income of $51,630 tax-free outside of an SMSF, why bother with all the requirements and costs of operating … [Read more...]
Q: My husband and I are retired. We receive the bare pension and health card and we have our super in a Family Super fund account in a bank. We are both over 65 and have a financial adviser who does our super at the end of the year. He charges a fee then sends it to an auditor, and he charges a fee. … [Read more...]
Q: My wife (age 63) and myself (age 65) have a small business. I was told by an organisation that at 65 or over I could put money into super, pay 15% tax on the way in and then draw it out when I wished and pay no tax. In fact I have been told to pay myself $30,000 or less and “launder” the rest … [Read more...]
Q: Great site! Lots of excellent information. However, I am not sure I agree with your comment "... if you earn less than $37,000 in a year (for the 2010/11 year), you have no real income tax advantages when investing via a superannuation fund." The tax payable on $37,000 (incl Medicare and low … [Read more...]
Q: I am attempting to work out when the 30% tax rate applies to both my wife and my own incomes for the 2010/2011 year. We are both 67 and operate a SMSF to which we can make concessional contributions, and I would like to reduce personal income to the point below which 30% tax rate … [Read more...]
Q: My parents are 70 years old and still working. Can they get the Mature Age Worker Tax Offset (MAWTO), and the Senior Australians Tax Offset (SATO)? Trish’s response: The MAWTO and the SATO are subject to different tests, and individual eligibility will need to be confirmed with the … [Read more...]
