Save
Plans to scrap tax break hit big hurdle
The federal government is launching an inquiry into Labor’s plans to scrap refundable franking credits, after lobbyists representing retirees in particular spent months finding holes in claims the policy will only impact wealthy Australians.
Plans to scrap tax break hit big hurdle
The federal government is launching an inquiry into Labor’s plans to scrap refundable franking credits, after lobbyists representing retirees in particular spent months finding holes in claims the policy will only impact wealthy Australians.
The House of Representatives standing committee on economics yesterday announced an inquiry into the implications of removing refundable franking credits, a signature tax move proposed by the federal opposition in March.
The inquiry may also look at expected behavioural change by investors, including increased dependence on the pension; and if there are carve outs applied, what this might mean for additional complexity to the system.
“The ability for investors, including individuals and superannuation funds, to claim their full credits is an established feature of our tax system and is core to the financial security of retirees,” said chair of the committee Tim Wilson.
“There has been legitimate community concern about proposals to remove cash refunds for their full allocation of credits for individuals and superannuation funds, and that it amounts to a tax on the savings of retirees.”
Fit for purpose?
Technical experts in superannuation have been particularly frustrated by Labor’s claims that this policy targets a “loophole” being exploited by the wealthy.
“It seems to me that this measure could actually allow the rich to accumulate more in super,” said manager for technical services and education at AMP-owned SuperConcepts Peter Burgess at the time the policy was announced.
“Transferring some of their pension balance to the accumulation phase may allow them to use all of their franking credits. The effect will be more retained in super for longer, as they can draw down super from accumulation phase when they need it rather than being forced to take the minimum pension each year.”
Similarly, bodies like the SMSF Association (SMSFA), which represents SMSF investors and professionals, estimate Labor’s policy will slash the retirement savings of Australians with conservative superannuation savings.
“It’s our stated belief that this proposal will affect more than 1 million Australians either saving for or in retirement and other purposes, with our calculations showing it will cut about $5,000 of income from the median SMSF retiree earning about $50,000 a year in pension income,” said chief executive of SMSFA John Maroney.
“The notion that this proposal will only affect the wealthy is simply wrong. An analysis of ATO and Treasury data shows it is those on modest incomes who will be most affected, refuting Labor’s argument that the proposal will only target the wealthiest 10 per cent of SMSFs.”
Frustrated savers
Professionals working with SMSF trustees, like director at Heffron SMSF Solutions Meg Heffron, have found taxpayers are growing increasingly frustrated by proposals that will chip away at their superannuation savings.
Last month, Ms Heffron hit out at policies – like Labor’s plan for franking credits – which capture taxpayers who have always invested “by the book”.
“They understandably ask ‘why did I bother saving’ sometimes,” Ms Heffron said.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tax saving
What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto
One million Aussies are now invested in crypto, but many have not thought about how these investments will affect them at tax time. ...Read more
Tax saving
Welfare overhaul could give recipients a leg-up
Australia’s Centrelink recipients who’ve been doing it tough are in for a potentially easier time if the federal government pursues ambitious reforms that could provide sturdier safety nets. ...Read more
Tax saving
Students should think twice before tapping into their super
Former students might want to think carefully before they look to take advantage of the federal government’s biggest first home buyer incentive. ...Read more
Tax saving
Advocates call for an end to tax cuts
Social services sector advocates have warned that further tax cuts may make solving Australia’s biggest challenges much harder. ...Read more
Tax saving
ATO and AUSTRAC may gain new phone-tapping powers
A proposed update to electronic surveillance legislation could see the ATO armed with new powers that would allow the agency to bug phones and intercept online communications. ...Read more
Tax saving
Over 2m Aussies asked the TPB for help during the last year
As the economy recovers, Australia’s tax regulator says it’s planning to put unregistered practitioners under the microscope. ...Read more
Tax saving
Will you pay higher taxes due to bracket creep?
Bracket creep will see Australians paying more tax on average, unless further cuts are introduced in the future. ...Read more
Tax saving
10 ways to reduce your tax bill
With the tax return deadline only one month away, these tips could help minimise your tax bill. ...Read more
Wrapping up an eventful 2021
Listen now
What Omicron means for property, and are units right for first-time buyers? What is equity crowdfunding? Are industry super funds tapping into member funds to save their skins?
Listen now
Will housing affordability improve in 2022? Will buy now, pay later become the norm? Why are Aussies staying in failing super products?
Listen now
Who really benefits from crypto ETFs? How will the RBA respond to rising inflation? Could a mandate help address unpaid super?
Listen now
Tax saving
What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto
One million Aussies are now invested in crypto, but many have not thought about how these investments will affect them at tax time. ...Read more
Tax saving
Welfare overhaul could give recipients a leg-up
Australia’s Centrelink recipients who’ve been doing it tough are in for a potentially easier time if the federal government pursues ambitious reforms that could provide sturdier safety nets. ...Read more
Tax saving
Students should think twice before tapping into their super
Former students might want to think carefully before they look to take advantage of the federal government’s biggest first home buyer incentive. ...Read more
Tax saving
Advocates call for an end to tax cuts
Social services sector advocates have warned that further tax cuts may make solving Australia’s biggest challenges much harder. ...Read more
Tax saving
ATO and AUSTRAC may gain new phone-tapping powers
A proposed update to electronic surveillance legislation could see the ATO armed with new powers that would allow the agency to bug phones and intercept online communications. ...Read more
Tax saving
Over 2m Aussies asked the TPB for help during the last year
As the economy recovers, Australia’s tax regulator says it’s planning to put unregistered practitioners under the microscope. ...Read more
Tax saving
Will you pay higher taxes due to bracket creep?
Bracket creep will see Australians paying more tax on average, unless further cuts are introduced in the future. ...Read more
Tax saving
10 ways to reduce your tax bill
With the tax return deadline only one month away, these tips could help minimise your tax bill. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
