GET READY FOR YOUR TAX RETURN 2016
Spouse superannuation contributions & tax offset up to $540
Under the current 2015-16 tax rules, you may be able to claim an 18% tax offset on super contributions up to $3,000 that you make on behalf of your non-working or low-income-earning spouse. You can contribute more than $3,000, but you won’t receive the spouse contribution tax offset on anything above $3,000.
If your spouse receives $10,800 or less in assessable income, then you can access the maximum tax offset of $540, provided an after-tax contribution of at least $3,000 is made. The tax offset is then progressively reduced until the tax offset reaches zero for spouses who earn $13,800 or more in assessable income in a year.
If you make contributions to a complying superannuation fund or a retirement savings account (RSA) on behalf of your spouse (married or de facto) who is earning a low income or not working, you may be able to claim a tax offset.
You will be entitled to a tax offset of up to $540 if you meet all of the following conditions:
- the sum of your spouse’s assessable income, total reportable fringe benefits amounts and reportable employer superannuation contributions was less than $13,800
- the contributions were not deductible to you
- the contributions were made to a superannuation fund that was a complying superannuation fund for the income year in which you made the contribution
- both you and your spouse were Australian residents (for tax purpose) when the contributions were made
- when making the contributions you and your spouse were not living separately and apart on a permanent basis.
The tax offset for eligible spouse contributions can’t be claimed for superannuation contributions that you made to your own fund and then split to your spouse. That is called a rollover or transfer, not a contribution.
What I need to do?
If you are eligible:
- Make an after-tax contributions up to $3,000 before 30 June 2016.
- Lodged your tax return for the year ending 30 June 2016.
This is a general advice, for more information and to discuss your individual case please contact us