Sean (aged 58), a partner in the event management business, sold his share to the remaining partners three years ago. Since then, he has agreed to perform a part-time job with the business and earns a $36,000 p.a. salary (plus a 10.5% superannuation guarantee contribution). He and his wife, Leanne (aged 54) approached you for financial advice in respect of reducing the tax payable and their retirement planning. The couple are anxious about their post-retirement financial situation. Leanne works as a physiotherapist and earns $ 165,000 (plus a 10.5% superannuation guarantee contribution). They have twin sons, Peter and John. Both are independent, married and work in the medical profession. Peter lives in the USA and John lives in Sydney. The couple provides the following financial details: Assets (Ownership) Value House (joint) (Purchase price) $ 298,000.00 House contents (joint) (Purchase price) $ 64,000.00 Beachside Holiday home (Sean) (Purchase price) $ 1,050,000.00 Car (Sean) (Purchase price) $ 25,000.00 Car (Leanne) (Purchase price) $ 30,000.00 Savings account (Sean and Leanne) $ 11,000.00 Term deposit (Sean) $ 200,000.00 Managed Funds – Growth Fund (Leanne) $ 150,000.00 Shares (Sean) (Purchase price) $ 65,000.00 Superannuation (Sean) 50% Tax-free $ 270,000.00 Superannuation (Leanne) 40% Tax-free $ 340,000.00 Liability Value Mortgage (holiday home) (Sean) $ 400,000.00 NAB Car loan (Sean) $ 18,000.00 Income Amount Holiday home rental (Sean) $ 16,000.00 Managed Funds Fund (Leanne) distribution $ 6,500.00 Shares Dividends (Sean) (franking credits amount to $1,500) $ 3,500.00 Interest- savings accounts (Sean and Leanne) $ 150.00 Interest- Term Deposit (Sean) $ 6,000.00 Expenses Amount Mortgage Interest – Holiday home (Sean) $ 12,000.00 Maintenance, Insurance Mortgage – Holiday home (Sean) $ 5,500.00 Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) annual subscriptions (Leanne) $ 700.00 Travel from home to work for work (Leanne) $ 2,000.00 Credit Card (Sean) 15% p.a. interest $ 5,000.00 Car loans (Sean) 7% p.a. interest $ 1,260.00 PAYG (Leanne) $ 57,000.00 Additional Information: The couple does not have any private health insurance. Until now, their savings and investments were merely tax-saving devices driven without any focus on long-term retirement financial planning. These were based on random advice provided by friends over time. For example: The couple decided to spend/invest net sale proceeds of the business three years ago as follows (all investment/expenditure and tax calculations and payments were done three years ago immediately after the sale of the business, hence do not pertain to the current year): Invested in shares in the name of Sean, to avail themselves of franking credit benefits in saving tax. The shares have shown a 40% increase in value. Part of the proceeds of the sale of the business were also used to pay off an NAB Unsecured Personal Loan taken out in the name of Sean. The balance amount was used for travelling and a gift to the two sons’ families. Part of the sale proceeds i.e. $ 650,000 was used to pay off part of the amount owing on the interest-only holiday home (beachside) mortgage. The mortgage is in the name of Sean. They did this on the advice of one of their friends. The initial cost of the loan was $1.05 million. They intend to move into this house after retirement. This is based on the fact that Sean’s future income will be substantially reduced. REQUIRED: QUESTION 1 a. Determine the net tax payable for the current year for both Sean and Leanne. b. The couple has inquired about the effect salary sacrifice will have on their superannuation accounts. What is the benefit of salary sacrificing into superannuation, and what is the maximum amount the couple can individually contribute? Explain in the context of their present salaries.
Financial planning is crucial for ensuring a secure and comfortable retirement. Sean and Leanne, aged 58 and 54 respectively, have approached us for advice on reducing their tax liabilities and planning for their retirement. They are concerned about their financial well-being post-retirement and have provided us with a detailed financial snapshot of their current situation.
To understand their tax situation, we first need to calculate their net tax payable for the current year.
Sean’s Income:
Salary: $36,000 p.a.
Superannuation Guarantee Contribution: 10.5% of $36,000 = $3,780
Holiday Home Rental Income: $16,000
Managed Funds Distribution: $6,500
Dividends from Shares (including franking credits): $3,500 + $1,500 = $5,000
Interest Income: $150
Deductions (Mortgage Interest, Credit Card Interest, Car Loan Interest): $12,000 + $5,000 + $1,260 = $18,260
Total Income: $36,000 + $3,780 + $16,000 + $6,500 + $5,000 + $150 = $67,430
Total Deductions: $18,260
Taxable Income: $67,430 – $18,260 = $49,170
Salary: $165,000 p.a.
Superannuation Guarantee Contribution: 10.5% of $165,000 = $17,325
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Subscriptions: $700
Travel Expenses: $2,000
PAYG: $57,000
Deductions (Travel Expenses, PAYG): $2,000 + $57,000 = $59,000
Total Income: $165,000 + $17,325 = $182,325
Total Deductions: $59,000
Taxable Income: $182,325 – $59,000 = $123,325
To calculate their net tax payable, we’ll need to apply the appropriate tax rates and include their respective superannuation contributions. Tax rates for the year will depend on the current tax brackets, so the calculation may vary slightly depending on the year in question.
Salary sacrifice into superannuation is a tax-effective way to save for retirement. Both Sean and Leanne can choose to contribute a portion of their pre-tax salary into their superannuation accounts. This reduces their taxable income, leading to potential tax savings and greater retirement savings. Superannuation contributions are taxed at a concessional rate, which is generally lower than the marginal tax rate for most individuals.
For Sean, salary sacrificing into superannuation can help reduce his taxable income, given that he is currently earning $36,000 p.a. By contributing a portion of his salary to superannuation, he can potentially enjoy a lower tax liability, ensuring more funds are invested in his retirement.
Leanne, with her higher salary of $165,000, can also benefit significantly from salary sacrificing. It will help her reduce her tax liability and increase her retirement savings.
The maximum amount individuals can contribute to superannuation while still benefiting from the concessional tax rate can vary depending on their age, contributions caps, and total superannuation balances. It is essential to stay within these limits to avoid additional tax.
In summary, salary sacrificing into superannuation is a tax-efficient strategy for Sean and Leanne to enhance their retirement savings. To determine the maximum allowable contributions, they should consider consulting with a financial advisor who can provide personalized advice based on their specific circumstances and the prevailing regulations at the time.
In conclusion, tax planning and retirement planning are complex processes that require careful consideration of individual financial situations and the ever-changing tax laws. Sean and Leanne are right to seek professional advice, as it can help them make informed decisions to secure their financial future and reduce their tax liabilities, providing them with peace of mind in their retirement years.
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