Understanding the First Home Super Saver Scheme

With much controversial discussion surrounding the First Home Super Saver Scheme, understanding exactly what the Scheme entails is necessary.

The scheme was announced in the 2017-18 Federal Budget as a means to reduce the pressure surrounding housing affordability across Australia.

The formalities of the scheme are as follows:

As of 1 July 2017, individuals can make voluntary contributions, both concessional and non-concessional, into their super fund. As of 1 July 2018, individuals can release these contributions, as well as their associated earnings, and use this money to help purchase their first home. Individuals eligible for this scheme are able to use up to $15,000 per financial year, with a total maximum of $30,000 for all years you have earned super.

To be eligible for the First Home Super Saver Scheme, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must not have previously owned property in Australia, or have previously released First Home Super Saver funds.
• Must have the intend to live in the property you use the funds to purchase as soon as practicable, for at least the first 6 of the 12 months of owning the property.

Business
advice

taxation
planning

compliance
services

News

PAYG instalments for business and investment income

October 29, 2020

Pay as you go (PAYG) instalments are payments you can make throughout the year to avoid accumulating a large tax bill to pay at the end of the year. Making these payments is a great way to budget for income tax and keep a healthy cash flow.

To qualify for PAYG instalments, you must earn over a threshold amount from your business or investment income (also known as instalment income).

The amount that you pay in PAYG instalments throughout the year will be offset against any owed tax for the entire year. But it is important to lodge your activity statements and pay all PAYG instalments before lodgment of tax returns if you want these to be included in your tax assessment.

There are two options for calculating and paying PAYG instalments:

• Instalment Amount: Simplest option which involves paying instalment amounts the ATO calculates based on relevant information.
• Instalment Rate: You calculate the instalment amount using instalment rate provided by the ATO and your instalment income. Therefore, dependent on income as you earn it and not predetermined.

READ MORE