Budget Summary

The budget was handed down last night, and there were several major announcements.  Issues dealt with include:

SUPERANNUATION
• Imposing a lifetime limit of $500,000 on non-concessional superannuation contributions
• Reducing the superannuation concessional contribution cap to $25,000
• Capping tax-free super to balance of $1.6 million
• Removing tax-free earnings on TRIS accounts
• Expanding the number of taxpayers with 30% tax on concessional contributions
• Abolition of anti-detriment deductions
• Expanding tax deductibility of contributions to employees and those over 65
• Refunds for low income earners contributing to super
• ‘Catch-up’ concessional contributions limits over 5 years

BUSINESS TAX
• Reducing the company tax rate to 25% over 10 years
• ‘Small business entity’ concessions being expanded to larger businesses

INDIVIDUALS
• Tax cuts for those earning over $80,000

OTHER
• New ATO anti-avoidance tax force

There are some pleasing changes and opportunities as a result of the budget, but the restrictions on superannuation will cause major headaches, especially given their retrospectivity. We especially encourage anyone who had plans to contribute to super before 30 June 2016 to reconsider and seek advice as to whether it is still possible to do so or not.

To read the full budget update, please click here to download.

Regards,

The Hoffman Kelly Team