Hello everyone, I'm Leia, and today I'll be discussing different types of superannuation contributions and how to customize a contribution strategy to fit your personal circumstances. Understanding these contributions is essential as you navigate your working life and prepare for retirement.
Types of Superannuation Contributions
Superannuation contributions can be broadly categorized into two types, based on whether they are taxed before entering your super account: concessional contributions and non-concessional contributions.
Concessional Contributions
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Concessional contributions are generally made up of:
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Permanent Salary
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Salary Sacrifice
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Personal Contributions (for which you claim a tax deduction)
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These contributions are taxed at a concessional rate of 15% upon entering the super account.
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For the 2024-2025 financial year, the annual concessional contribution cap is AUD 30,000.
Non-Concessional Contributions
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Non-concessional contributions are made from your after-tax income, meaning you've already paid income tax on the money.
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For the 2024-2025 financial year, the annual non-concessional contribution cap is AUD 120,000.
ATO Rules: Catch-Up and Bring-Forward
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) offers two important rules that can influence your contribution strategy: the catch-up rule and the bring-forward rule.
The Catch-Up Rule (Concessional Contributions)
The catch-up rule applies to concessional contributions. It allows you to utilize any unused concessional contribution amounts from the previous five financial years, provided your total super balance is less than AUD 500,000.
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You can only catch up on unused amounts from the last five years.
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For example, if your income this year is AUD 250,000 and you have consistently contributed only AUD 15,000 in concessional contributions annually for the past five years, you would have accumulated AUD 57,500 in unused amounts.
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This year, you could contribute a total of AUD 87,500 (this year's AUD 30,000 concessional cap, plus AUD 57,500 catch-up), all considered concessional.
Benefits of the Catch-Up Rule:
Using the catch-up rule can significantly reduce your income tax liability, especially for high-income earners. For example, compared to paying $65,138 income tax, using catch-up rules only needs to pay $30,538.
The Bring-Forward Rule (Non-Concessional Contributions)
The bring-forward rule allows you to make up to three years' worth of non-concessional contributions in a single year. This can accelerate the growth of your superannuation balance.
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For the 2024-2025 financial year, the annual non-concessional cap is AUD 120,000.
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If you meet eligibility conditions (including being under a certain age and having a super balance below AUD 1.9 million), you could contribute up to AUD 360,000 in a single year.
Seeking Financial Advice
Superannuation decisions can have long-term tax implications. To determine the most suitable contribution strategy for your individual circumstances, it is highly recommended to consult with a qualified financial planner. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific financial situation and goals.
Important Reminder: Ensure your superannuation contributions are paid before June 30th to maximize the benefits and avoid potential issues.