Overseas businesses that meet the GST registration threshold (A$75,000) will be required to charge GST on goods purchased from the 1 July 2018.
Specifically, GST will be charged on goods that are:
less than A$1,000 (low-value);
not GST-free (i.e., alcohol or tobacco products);
and imported into Australia.
Individuals who purchase low-value goods (which they import) will be required to pay GST if they are not registered for GST or importing goods for personal use (even if they are GST registered).
However, individuals can avoid paying GST if they are:
registered for GST;
import low-value goods for business use in Australia;
and provide their ABN to the supplier and a statement that they are GST registered.
Individuals charged GST incorrectly will need to contact the supplier to advise them they are registered for GST, and need to request a refund.
The transition to retirement (TTR) strategy allows you to access some of your super while you continue to work.
You are able to use the TTR strategy if you are aged 55 to 60. You can use it to supplement your income if you reduce your work hours or boost your super and save on tax while you keep working full time.
Starting a TTR pension: To start your TTR pension, transfer some of your super to an account-based pension. You have to keep some money in your super account so that you can continue to receive your employer’s compulsory contributions as well as any voluntary contributions you may be making.
Government benefits and TTR: The benefits you or your partner receive might be impacted if you choose to opt for this strategy. How and what exactly will change might become clearer upon discussing this with a Financial Information Service (FIS) officer.
Life insurance and TTR: In some cases, the life insurance cover you have with your super may stop or reduce if you start a TTR pension – check this before making any decisions or changes.
TTR can help ease your mind as you transition into retirement but it can be a bit complex. Before you choose whether you want to use TTR to reduce work hours or save on tax, or even if you want to use TTR altogether, you should figure out how this will impact all aspects of your finances.
