You can claim a tax deduction for your super contributions if you are eligible.
If you are self-employed or don’t work at all but contribute to your super, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for your super contributions.
To be considered eligible you have to satisfy the maximum earnings as an employee condition, which means you earn less than 10% of the total of your assessable income, reportable fringe benefits and the total of your reportable super income contributions for the financial year.
If you are 75 or over, you can claim only claim reductions for 28 days of the month following the month you turned 75.
Colley recommends ensuring you are eligible to claim the deduction.
“Pro-actively seek advice if you are unsure,” he says. “Also ensure you keep all relevant paperwork to save stress when it is time to claim a benefit or a deduction.”
Exercise extreme care when making large super contributions. Colley says investors can be hit with excess contribution penalties depending on the amount and type of contribution made.
“Any type of contribution made during the two preceding financial years may impact on the contributions that can be made this financial year,” he says.
Fund deductions aren’t usually significant for SMSF members in the accumulation phase, just remember expenses have to be incurred or paid before June 30 to be deducted in that year.
Those drawing a pension from their SMSF need to make sure they have received the required minimum pension by June 30, says Colley.
“Otherwise the investment income derived from the assets supporting that pension may impact on the contributions that can be made this financial year.
“You’ve really got to make sure your minimum pension payment is made from the fund of that year. If not, the income on your pension investment in the fund gets taxed at 15%. If you meet the rules it’s tax free,” he says.
If you own property, unlisted shares, units or artwork through your SMSF, remember to revalue these assets at least every three years.
Bru says valuing for SMSF financial accounts and statements doesn’t have to be conducted by an independent and qualified valuer.
“But the valuation must be based upon objective and supportable data,” she says.
But you still have to conduct the valuation objectively. For instance if you have a property, if you are going to do the valuation you need to check prices in the area for properties that have sold. The easiest process is to ask.
If you’re unsure, check out the valuation guidelines for SMSF on the ATO website.
The end of financial year is a great time to give your SMSF an overall review. Make sure you’ve updated your investment strategy, your death benefit nominations are still valid and consider taking out life insurance if you don’t have it.
“It’s good to take time once a year to take stock of what you’ve got,” says Bru. “Now is a good time to check all of these things to ensure you enter the new financial year with all of your SMSF housekeeping in order.”
