Giving to charity this Christmas is a great way to give to those less fortunate while receiving some extra tax perks.
Charitable donations are tax deductible which only adds to the incentive to be generous this holiday season.
Here are some tips for maximising your tax breaks on charitable donations:
The charity must be registered Make sure the charity you donate to has been endorsed by the ATO as a deductible gift recipient (DGR) organisation. It is important to note that not all charities are endorsed as a DGR.
The gift must truly be a gift The donation must be a gift, not an exchange for something material. This means if you have received items in return that provide you with some personal benefit, such as raffle tickets, you cannot claim the deduction as a gift or donation.
Check relevant gift conditions The ATO considers a gift as a voluntary transfer of money or property, including financial assets such as shares. For some DGRs, the income tax law adds extra conditions affecting the types of deductible gifts they can receive. If you are considering a sizeable donation, discuss the tax implications with your accountant.
Setting up an SMSF fund is the simplest step. Establishing a fund which delivers you consistent returns from your investments is much more difficult.
Investing successfully involves determining precise goals and picking investments which will effectively achieve those goals. The advantage of SMSFs is that you can build a portfolio which reflects your short-term and long-term goals in response to changing market conditions.
In an SMSF fund, your investment options are:
Australian and international shares (listed and unlisted)
Residential or commercial property
Cash and term deposits
Fixed income products
Physical commodities
Property
Collectibles
Before you begin investing, consider what might be the best way to diversify your portfolio. How you portion your investments will depend on your funds, the market, and your goals. Regardless of what your plan is, diversification should be a priority.
Choosing an SMSF as opposed to an industry or retail super fund provides you with more flexibility, but also with more responsibility. Researching before investing is key if you want the best out of your SMSF.