HEWISON INSIGHTS

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HEWISON INSIGHTS

Hewison Private Wealth - Insights
Hewison Insights
2019 Federal Budget
independent financial advice

2019 Federal Budget Review

John Hewison
Founder and Director
4 Apr 2019

The Federal Treasurer, the Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, delivered the 2019 Federal Budget on 2 April 2019. As widely predicted, the announcement included a range of tax cuts for both individuals and businesses. The Treasurer also announced positive changes to superannuation and an affirmation of previously announced aged care measures. This summary highlights key issues of most interest to you.

Personal income tax

  • Increases in the low and middle income-tax offset to apply in 2018-19. This benefit is quantified as $1,080 p.a. for individuals and $2,016 p.a. for a couple.
  • Other tax benefits (tax rates/thresholds and low-income tax offset changes) to commence in 2022-23 and later income years.

Business owners

  • Extension of the provision allowing small business to instantly write-off asset purchases increasing the per-asset threshold from $25,000 to $30,000 effective 2 April 2019.

Superannuation

  • Work Test changes. From 1 July 2020, Australians aged 65 and 66 will be able to make voluntary superannuation contributions, both concessional and non-concessional, without meeting the Work Test.
  • Spouse contributions. The maximum age at which a spouse contribution may be made is to be increased from 69 to 74.
  • The age at which two future year bring-forward of superannuation Non-Concessional Contributions (NCC) is increased from 65 and 66 years of age to 30 June in the cut-off year.
  • Tax relief for merging superannuation funds.
  • ECPI administration simplification.

Social Security

  • Energy Assistance Payment -The Government will provide $284.4 million over two years from 2018-19 to make a one-off Energy Assistance Payment of $75 for singles and $62.50 for each member of a couple eligible for qualifying payments on 2 April 2019 and who are resident in Australia.

Aged care

  • Improving the quality, safety and accessibility of aged care services.

Government response to the Hayne Royal Commission

The government also announced funding increases financial services regulators ASIC and APRA because of the Hayne Royal Commission findings. These measures provide additional funding for designing an industry funded compensation scheme and increasing the resources of the regulatory authorities to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission.

Interestingly the ALP immediately announced they would match these proposals, so it seems that regardless of the election outcome they will most likely be introduced.

There is certainly a grab-bag of pre-election incentives being offered by both political parties.

Some financial planning opportunities emerge from the budget announcements particularly around superannuation contribution changes which will provide opportunities for some superannuants. The changes to the work-test, spouse contributions and “bring forward” NCC rules for those turning 65 -66 over the next two financial years.

Whilst we absolutely support and applaud government support of the Hayne outcomes, we fear that firms like ours who act with integrity and have no claims history against them will be forced to contribute to the wrong-doings of those who would choose to break the rules. One can only hope that an element of fairness will apply.

 

Hewison Private Wealth is a Melbourne based independent financial planning firm. Our financial advisers are highly qualified wealth managers and specialise in self managed super funds (SMSF), financial planning, retirement planning advice and investment portfolio management. If you would like to speak to a financial adviser on how you can secure your financial future please contact us 03 8548 4800, email info@hewison.com.au or visit www.hewison.com.auPlease note: The advice provided above is general information only and individuals should seek specialised advice from a qualified financial advisor. The views in this blog are those of the individual and may not represent the general opinion of the firm. Please contact Hewison Private Wealth for more information.