What You Need to know about the Changes to Superannuation from 1st July 2022

Increased Super Contributions for all Employees

Currently, Superannuation Guarantee contributions are only payable by employers when an employee earns more than $450 per month.  From 1 July 2022, this minimum income threshold will be removed.  That is, all employees will be eligible to receive Superannuation Guarantee contributions regardless of their income earned.

In addition, the minimum Superannuation Guarantee amount will increase from 10% to 10.5%. This rate will continue to increase yearly by 0.5% until it reaches 12% at the end of FY2025-26. 

Super fund Stapling

A common issue for employees who have multiple jobs in a short period of time is that their employer may set up new super funds on their behalf if they don’t nominate a preferred super fund. Having numerous superannuation funds may result in the payment of additional fees and insurance premiums which can eat away the individual’s superannuation balance.  

From 1st July 2022, in cases where an employee does not nominate a superfund, the employer must make their super contributions to the employee’s existing superannuation fund, if applicable. This will help collate all an employee’s superannuation into a single fund, thereby increasing both the convenience and simplifying the process of managing their superannuation whilst mitigating the likelihood of fees depleting their balance.

Increased Eligibility to make Personal Contributions to Superannuation

Currently, to make voluntary personal contributions to superannuation, you need to be either below the age of 67 or meet the “work test”.  The work test requires you to work a minimum of 40 hours in 30 days.  From 1 July 2022, the age limit will change to 75 and there is no longer the requirement to meet the work test.  

However, if you plan to claim a tax deduction for your voluntary contributions, then the work test will still apply.  The maximum personal contribution you can make is $110,000 p.a or $330,000 under the “Bring Forward” rules; i.e. you are able to contribute a maximum of $330,000 within a three year period.  

As long as your current balance is under the Superannuation Cap Limit of $1.7m; you are able to make personal contributions into your superannuation account. To access the “Bring Forward” rules in full your total superannuation balance should be below $1.48m.

Downsizer Contribution Eligibility 

The Downsizer Contribution Eligibility was introduced in July 2018 which allow pre-retirees to sell their home and contribute up to $300,000 each into their superannuation fund.  Currently you must be over 65 years of age to access this option.

From 1 July 2022, the age limit will be reduced to 60; i.e., you can utilise this Downsizer Contribution Eligibility a lot earlier to boost your superannuation balance.

Summary 
With all the changes in superannuation, it is important to understand how it can affect you. The new measures allow you to start planning for retirement earlier and enable you to increase your superannuation balances which can ultimately be of great benefit, given the tax-effective environment in which superannuation operates. 
To understand how these rules apply to your personal circumstances, it would be crucial  for you to seek advice from a specialist.  If you have any questions about your superannuation or other wealth management queries, it’s important to speak to a professional Financial Adviser who can help you optimise your financial outcomes. 

Sources: 
Get ready for super changes from 1 July | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au) 
Changes to the work test requirements for superannuation contributions | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au) 
Non-concessional contributions and contribution caps | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au) 
 

This page has been prepared by RSM Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd ABN 22 009 176 354, AFS Licence No. 238282.

As everyone's circumstances are different and this article doesn't take into account your personal situation, it is important that you consider the above in light of your financial situation, needs and objectives, and seek financial advice before implementing a strategy.    
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