Personal deductible contributions can provide individuals with the opportunity to claim a tax deduction for their contributions to superannuation, given they meet specific requirements. So, what exactly are these requirements, and what should you be aware of?
Eligibility requirements
To claim a deduction for your personal superannuation contributions, you must meet the following criteria:
- Aged based rules
If you are between the ages of 18 and 66 when you make your contribution, there are no age-based restrictions. This means you can make a deductible contribution without any limitations. However, if you are aged 67 to 74, you must meet the “work test” or the “work test exemption” in the year of contribution.
- Taxable income
Your taxable income must be higher than the amount you wish to claim as a deduction. In other words, your deduction cannot result in a tax loss.
- Complying superannuation fund
Your contribution must be made to a complying superannuation fund.
- Special notice
You need to provide a special notice to your fund, specifying the amount you intend to claim as a deduction.
- Timeframes
The notice must be given within strict timeframes, either before the day you lodge your personal income tax return for the relevant year or by 30 June of the following year. However, certain events may require you to submit the notice and receive acknowledgment from your fund before those timeframes. Examples of such events include withdrawing funds, rolling over to another fund, splitting contributions with your spouse, or commencing a pension.
Meeting the aged-based rules
If you are aged 67 to 74, you can only claim a deduction if you meet the “work test” or the “work test exemption” in the year of contribution. The work test requires you to work for at least 40 hours in a 30-day consecutive period during the financial year and receive payment for that work.
For those aged 75 or older, a deduction can only be claimed if the contribution was made before the 28th day of the month following your 75th birthday and you met the work test. Contributions after reaching age 75 are not eligible for a deduction.
Timeframes to adhere to
It is crucial to adhere to the specified timeframes when providing the notice to your fund. In general, the notice must be given to your fund before the earlier of either the day you lodge your personal income tax return for the relevant year or 30 June of the following year.
However, certain events require submitting the notice and receiving acknowledgment before those timeframes. Failure to provide the notice on time may result in losing some or all of the deduction amount.
What happens next?
Once you have informed your fund about your intention to claim a deduction for your personal contribution, it will count toward your concessional contributions cap. The fund will deduct a contributions tax of 15% from your contribution.
If you change your mind and no longer wish to claim the entire amount as a tax deduction, you can adjust your notice to reduce the claimed amount, as long as you are still within the specified timeframes.
Remember to claim the deduction in your personal income tax return for the year in which the contribution was made. Failure to claim the deduction could result in the contribution being counted towards your non-concessional contributions cap, potentially exceeding the limit.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of personal deductible contributions can be challenging. If you are unsure about your eligibility or have questions regarding your superannuation contributions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Regency Partners. Our experienced team is here to provide guidance and assistance tailored to your specific financial situation.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure you make informed decisions regarding your personal deductible contributions. Remember, the rules surrounding contributions can be intricate, so it’s essential to seek professional advice. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Regency Partners for expert assistance.
