The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued a warning after spotting a rise in people trying to access their superannuation early, and not always for the right reasons. While there are legitimate ways to access super on compassionate grounds, the ATO says some people are stretching the rules or even faking information to get their...

Big news for anyone with a large super balance – the government has gone back to the drawing board on the controversial Division 296 tax, and the changes are a big step toward fairness and common sense. A quick recap When the Division 296 tax was first announced in 2023, it caused an uproar. The...

Let’s say you’ve just sold the house you inherited from your parents 12 years ago for $1.3 million. You’ve been renting it out for most of that time, but the property market has been hotting up and you were told by several real estate agents that they could get you a good price. But what...

If you want to give your children a head start on saving for their first home, the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) is worth considering. It offers a tax-effective way for young people to grow a deposit more quickly and is open to anyone who meets the eligibility rules and has never owned property....

With more than $4 trillion in superannuation, it’s no surprise scammers see it as a goldmine. ASIC has warned Australians to be on high alert after a rise in pushy sales tactics and false promises designed to lure people into risky super switches. Since your super is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make,...

If you’re aged between 67–75 and want to claim a tax deduction for a personal super contribution, you must meet the work test (or a one-off work test exemption). The work test requires that, at some time in the financial year, you were gainfully employed for at least 40 hours in any 30 consecutive days...

Many people have life and disability insurance as part of their superannuation fund. This can be a convenient way to get cover, but there comes a time, especially as you approach retirement, when you might wonder if it’s worth keeping. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right decision will depend on your personal circumstances, your finances,...

Superannuation is a great way to save for retirement, but the government sets strict limits on how much you can contribute each year. These limits are called contribution caps. If you go over them, you could face extra tax. But don’t panic – here’s what you need to know and the steps to take if...

Starting 1 July 2025, Age Pension means test thresholds will increase, potentially boosting eligibility and payments for retirees. These changes, announced by the Department of Social Services, aim to keep pace with inflation and living costs. Here’s a quick overview of how these changes may impact you. What are the Age Pension means tests? The...

If you’ve been keeping an eye on your super, you might be wondering whether the contribution limits are increasing this year. The answer is – not yet. Two key caps that determine how much you can put into super each year will stay the same from 1 July 2025. Concessional contributions These are contributions made...