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End of year (EOY) financial strategies

 

With the end of the financial year approaching there may be some valuable opportunities worth discussing for you or your family, depending on your personal circumstances.

 

         

Contributions review

As always there are two concerns here, especially if you wish to maximise the contributions made and the dangers of going over concessional (CC) or non-concessional contribution (NCC) caps.

For concessional contributions, there is a universal standard cap of $25,000 that applies if you qualify. But if the total super balance (TSB) on 30 June 2020 is less than $500,000, you can have the benefit of carrying forward any unused concessional contributions. These are the concessional contributions under the cap that haven’t been fully used since 1 July 2018.

Time frames are always important if you wish to claim a tax deduction for personal concessional contributions. An election must be made within your SMSF, setting out the amount being claimed, and must be lodged with the fund. This must be done before personal tax returns are sent to the ATO for the 2021 financial year and no later than the end of the financial year after the contribution was made. Remember, there’s a bit of a twist as you need to lodge the notice with the fund before any part of the contribution is withdrawn or used to start a pension. The SMSF also needs to acknowledge its election before you lodge the income tax return.

A major consideration in making non-concessional contributions (NCC), which are not tax-deductible, is the amount of an investor’s TSB. The TSB determines the amount that can be contributed to an SMSF without facing a tax penalty. If a TSB is more than $1.6 million, a penalty will apply to any NCC made and this may mean even having to withdraw any excess.

If you have a TSB of less than $1.6 million, and qualify to make an NCC into your SMSF, you may be able to immediately make up to $300,000 over a fixed three-year period. The standard NCC is $100,000, but for anyone under 65 it is possible to bring forward up to the next two years’ standard NCC if you have a TSB of less than $1.5 million. If a TSB is less than $1.4 million, you can bring forward the next two years’ standard NCC and if it is between $1.4 million and $1.5 million, you can bring forward just one year’s standard NCC.

If you have triggered the bring-forward rule in either 2018/19 or 2019/20, then the total NCC may be either $300,000 or $200,000 respectively, provided the maximum TSB has not been exceeded as at 30 June 2020.

Indexation of caps – strategy 

From 1 July 2021, the TSB will increase to $1.7 million and the standard NCC will rise to $110,000. Those under 65, thinking of using the bring-forward provisions this financial year, may wish to seek further advice to see what can provide the greatest benefit. Where the amount of the caps changes, there are nearly always strategic advantages from the timing of NCCs. For example, there may be advantages in making some contributions in late June and taking advantage of the indexed amounts from 1 July this year.

Accessing the Government co-contribution

Individuals with assessable income (2) of below $54,838 may qualify for the government co-contribution of up to $500 if they make a non-concessional contribution of $1,000 before 30 June 2021. To qualify for the co-contribution:

  • at least 10% of assessable income must be received from employment or a self-employment arrangement
  • the individual must be below age 71 at the end of the financial year
  • they must have Total Superannuation Balance of less than $1.6m on 30 June 2020 and;
  • they must lodge a tax return for the 2020/21 income year

Make a spouse contribution

Couples with one spouse earning a low income or no income, may benefit from the spouse tax offset if the high-income earner makes a spouse contribution into the low-income earner spouse’s superannuation. The maximum offset that can be claimed is $540 where the low-income earner spouse’s income is below $37,000 (3) and $3,000 is contributed before 30 June. As well as the tax benefit available to the high-income earner spouse, the strategy can also help to build up superannuation savings for the low-income earner spouse.

Contributions splitting

Another way to increase a spouse’s super is implementing the contribution splitting strategy. The strategy allows eligible spouses (married or de facto) to split up to 85% of concessional contributions (including mandatory employer contributions) made in the prior financial year. The split must occur before the end of the following year, i.e. 30 June 2021 is the deadline for splitting concessional contributions made in the 2019/20 income year.

First Home Super Saver Scheme

Individuals saving for their first home may benefit from making voluntary contributions to super before 30 June. The FHSS Scheme allows first home buyers to make voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 to superannuation per financial year while saving towards the deposit in a tax-effective environment. After contributing for a couple of years, they can withdraw these contributions (up to $30,000 per individual being increased to $50,000 from 1 July 2022) and use the proceeds towards the acquisition of their first home.

SMSF Contribution Reserving

This strategy allows SMSF members to make personal deductible contributions over the annual cap in June and claim larger tax deduction for the current year.

SMSF meeting the minimum pension requirement

SMSF Trustees with members in the retirement income phase must ensure the minimum pension requirement is met before the 30th of June. Otherwise, the income stream will be taken to have ceased for income tax purposes at the start of the year and the SMSF will lose the eligibility to claim the tax-free earnings for that year.

Downsizer Contributions

This strategy allows people who are aged over 65 (reducing to 60 from 1 July 2022) who are selling a residence they have lived in for ten years to contribute $300,000 each to superannuation within 90 days of settlement without the normal restrictions on contributions. There is no age limit.

Investment strategy review

Ensuring an investment strategy accurately reflects a SMSF’s current asset allocation is an important compliance responsibility. While there is a degree of flexibility with respect to movements in overall asset allocation, it is good practice to review the current asset allocation against the documented strategy. If the fund’s current allocation falls outside the documented strategy, you may wish to make an adjustment to either so they fall back into line.

Some of the more common situations where SMSF investment strategies should be reviewed include:

  • trustees purchasing property for their fund, but not updating the investment strategy to reflect the purchase,
  • an asset class, such as listed shares, being over the fund’s target position due to significant rises or falls in the underlying holdings,
  • trustees moving from accumulation to pension phase and changing asset allocation due to cash-flow needs, but neglecting an investment strategy update, and
  • trustees choosing to invest in predominantly one asset or asset class – 90 per cent or more of the fund – can lead to concentration risk.
  • In this situation, a fund’s investment strategy needs to document how the trustees have considered the risks associated with a lack of investment diversification. This should include how high concentrations of assets can meet the fund’s investment objectives, including predicted returns and cash-flow requirements.

Asset concentration risk is heightened in leveraged funds, especially where the fund has used a limited recourse borrowing arrangement to acquire the asset. This can expose members to a loss in the value of their retirement savings should the asset decline in value. It could also trigger a forced asset sale if loan covenants (for example, the loan-to-valuation ratio) are breached.

Capital gains tax review

In the lead-up to the end of the financial year, trustees or advisers may wish to undertake tax planning to minimise the capital gains tax position of their SMSF. This is usual where an SMSF has assets with an unrealised loss position. Trustees may seek advice on whether it is worthwhile to crystallise the unrealised losses to reduce any of the fund’s realised gains. It’s important to understand there may be tax consequences from simply selling an asset and buying it back immediately.

Asset revaluation

One of your most important obligations is to ensure, for the purposes of preparing a fund’s financial accounts, that assets are valued at market value each year. This is a legal requirement and ensures the value of the fund assets and member balances are accurate. There are valuation implications for each member’s TSB, as well as taxing the fund’s income if it is paying pensions.

The value of some of a fund’s investments may be easy to obtain, such as listed company shares and bank account balances. However, when it comes to real estate and other fund investments, market value may not be that obvious and a valuation may be required from an appropriately qualified person, such as an independent registered valuer or real estate agent.

For assets where a valuation is not easy to determine, it is necessary to obtain evidence to support whatever value you decide on as this will assist when the fund is audited. For more exotic assets, such as privately held unlisted shares, unit trust holdings or artworks and collectables, the matter can always be raised with a fund’s auditor to see whether the fund is on the right track.

Pension review

Make sure at least the minimum pension is paid for any existing pensions and the maximum level is not exceeded for transition-to-retirement income streams. A pension that does not satisfy the payment rules will mean any income on assets supporting the pension will be taxed at 15 per cent rather than be tax-exempt.

When deciding to draw more than the minimum pension, a client may wish to consider taking any amount over the minimum as a pension payment or as a lump sum. The reason is that lump sum commutations of a client’s pension balance will result in a reduction of their transfer balance account and can be used to access additional pension benefits in future.

Taxation

Prepay income protection premiums

Individuals holding income protection insurance outside of superannuation can prepay premiums for the next 12 months to bring forward the tax deduction to the current financial year. This may be beneficial where individual has larger than expected taxable income for the current year.

Prepay interest on an investment loan

Similar to prepaying income protection premiums, prepaying deductible interest on an investment loan before 30 June 2021 will bring forward the tax deduction to the current financial year.

Social Security

Gifting

Social security recipients wishing to gift an amount or an asset within the allowable disposal amount can do so before 30th June. These individuals can gift up to $10,000 before the 30th of June and another $10,000 after 1 July 2021, a total of up to $20,000 over June and July. Individuals in receipt of government benefits can gift up to $10,000 in a single financial year or up to $30,000 over 5 rolling financial years. However, the amount gifted in any given financial year cannot exceed $10,000 or the deprivation rules will be applied.

These are just some of the things you should be considering as you wrap up this financial year. We encourage you to contact our office to discuss if any of these strategies might suit your personal circumstances, goals and objectives.

———————————————

IMPORTANT: Certain eligibility requirements may apply to strategies listed. To avoid penalties, we strongly recommend seeking advice from your financial planner before implementing any of the strategies explained in this article. The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional. We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we do not accept responsibility for any action that you take without confirming with us that it is suitable for your personal circumstances.

(1) Up to 30% if you earn $250,000 or more.
(2) Assessable income for this purpose includes assessable income plus reportable fringe benefits plus reportable employer contributions less business deductions.
(3) Income for this purpose includes assessable income plus reportable fringe benefits plus reportable employer contributions.

 

A compilation based in information from Graeme Colley (SuperConcepts) and AcctWeb, the latter being for added general EOY accounting topics.

 

 

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Retirement Planning

Retiring on your own terms is not always easy to achieve, however it is evident that those who plan for retirement are more likely to do so. Results also show that obtaining professional help during the pre-retirement years further improves the probability of attaining your retirement objectives.

The earlier you start implementing a plan the better the outcomes.

During one’s working life there is always an income to make ends meet when raising children, paying off a mortgage, etc.

Retirement planning is about the lifestyle you will have after you stop work and receiving employment income.  Planning focuses on issues such as how much superannuation is enough, taking a super pension, claiming the Age Pension, making superannuation contributions while receiving a pension from a super fund, estate planning and looking after your family.

Planning properly is becoming even more important now we are expected to live longer.  This greater need means that professional help has never been more important.

At Wybenga Financial we will provide the time and expertise needed to help you implement the best pre-retirement plan possible.  Contact us today to discuss how we can work together on: (02) 9300 3000 or .

Building Wealth

Investing your hard earned savings can be a complex task.  There are many issues such as levels of risk, market timing, asset classes, and your own goals, objectives and preferences that need to be considered. It can often seem a daunting task. At Wybenga Financial we have the expertise to assist you in taking control of your finances and making sure you are generating the wealth you need both now and in the future.

The first step is to create a plan. At Wybenga Financial we take great care in getting to know our clients and their future goals and objectives. We combine our knowledge of your personal goals together with an analysis of your current situation, to create a detailed, personalised plan that will help you meet your objectives. This plan will become your road map which outlines how we are going to meet your goals, whilst aligning all investment decisions to your specific risk tolerance.

After we have created your personal plan, we move to implementation. This is where we action the immediate changes set out in your plan, and put in place reminders for anything that is to occur in the future. As your professional advisers, we can action many steps on your behalf making the implementation of changes as painless for our clients as possible. We aim to make the process smooth and seamless, providing a holistic service that can be executed with ease.

The final and most important phase of the relationship with Wybenga Financial is the ongoing management of your wealth. This ensures you are sticking to your plan and that your portfolio is aligned to your needs and attitude toward risk. An ongoing relationship ensures that we know when your circumstances change and that these can be recognised and reflected in changes to your investment approach.

While we are reviewing your portfolio from the perspective of your personal goals and situation, we also take into account the wider economic landscape and changes to legislation. We continually review and analyse our preferred investments in a structured and objective way. The benefit to our clients is that we are unemotional. This can be significantly beneficial over the long term.

At Wybenga Financial we can provide the time and expertise that will help you invest intelligently and prudently.  Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .

Personal Insurance

Life insurance isn’t just a cost, though it often feels like it.  You buy peace-of-mind that should a serious issue effect you then the consequences won’t unduly affect your family.  Insurance provides you with the ability to manage the financial and emotional impact of some of the more drastic events, whether personally or in your small business.

Insurance can’t replace a loved one but it can help reduce the financial burden by providing the capital to ensure your family has choices.

Many Australians are underinsured and the consequences can be very serious for families should there be a death or serious injury. A yes to any of the following questions means you may have a need for insurance coverage:

  1. Do you have a mortgage?
  2. Do you have school fees?
  3. Do you have any personal loans?
  4. Do you have any credit card debt?
  5. Do you have dependents?
  6. Would your financial position be affected if you were to suffer from an illness or injury?
  7. Do you want to have enough capital to look after your dependents if you were unable to care for them for an extended period of time or perhaps indefinitely?

We understand that it can be difficult determining the type and level of cover you might need, let alone choosing an insurer. We can assist by helping you determine your needs and recommend an insurer that is right for you.

At Wybenga Financial we know how to protect your wealth and will recommend solutions that best suit your needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .

Superannuation

Superannuation is mandatory but taking an early and active interest in your retirement planning is critical to ensuring your benefits are maximised by the time you retire.  Many will have a superannuation scheme through employment but increasing numbers are starting their own Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF).

For many, simply relying on employer contributions may not be enough to provide the lifestyle you desire at retirement. We can assist in building strategies to ensure your retirement goals are met and your required lifestyle is maintained throughout retirement.

It is always best to start saving and planning for your retirement as early as you can. 

At Wybenga Financial we know our job is to help you meet your retirement needs and we have the skills and experience to do this for you.  Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .

Self Managed Super Funds

Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) offer a good strategy option for many individuals, families and small business owners to build tax effective wealth and to protect assets over time. SMSFs are becoming popular for those who are ready to take control of their own super investments as they give you ultimate control and flexibility to manage your retirement benefits.

It must be noted though, that you will have increased responsibilities as a trustee of the fund. As a SMSF Trustee you need to keep up to date with all required regulations and keep up with the fast paced financial markets.

Wybenga Financial can work with you to understand your personal financial situation and decide whether a SMSF structure is appropriate for you. We will also make sure your assets are invested in the most effective way to maximise your retirement benefits.

Should you wish to consider establishing a SMSF then we can help with all aspects of the process from establishment to managing your compliance obligations.

Wybenga Financial would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help maximise your opportunities to grow your wealth through a Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF).  Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .

Estate Planning

Your estate is made up of everything you own. This includes your home, property, furniture, car, personal possessions, business, investments, superannuation and bank accounts.

Having an estate plan is extremely important.  Having a will is just the first step in your estate plan. It is critical to consider what outcomes you would like for your estate and to ensure a plan is in place to achieve those outcomes, both including and beyond the terms of your will.

Wybenga Financial would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help ensure your estate is organised to ensure your plans are implemented as you wish.  Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .

Finance

Loans and loan management are central to overall financial management.  Obtaining the the most appropriat loans for your needs is crucial and Wybenga Financial can help you with solutions that meet your short and long term needs.

At Wybenga Financial we work with experienced mortgage brokers that can assist you in obtaining the most appropriate loan for your needs and objectives. Whilst this is an external service, we work closely with the brokers to ensure the process is as easy and smooth as possible.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .

Property

We have partnerships with many respected property agents and research firms. This enables us to source suitable properties for individuals, couples and families looking to make an investment into property.

At Wybenga Financial we will assist you implement the most appropriate property investment plan possible.  Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is determining how an investor is going to meet their goals and objectives. It is about helping clients define their goals, gathering information and analysing data to make a plan, then implementing the plan and reviewing the results. It is also reviewing and updating goals and objectives as clients move through different phases of life.

At Wybenga Financial, this is the most critical service we provide. For more information please visit our Building Wealth through Strategic Planning page or contact us to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .

Financial Videos

 

Secure File Transfer

Secure File Transfer is a facility that allows the safe and secure exchange of confidential files or documents between you and us.

Email is very convenient in our business world, there is no doubting that. However email messages and attachments can be intercepted by third parties, putting your privacy and identity at risk if used to send confidential files or documents. Secure File Transfer eliminates this risk.

Login to Secure File Transfer, or contact us if you require a username and password.

Tess Uncle

B.Sc, M.Com, CA, DipFP

Tess has over 22-years experience in Chartered Accounting Firms and in this time has had a broad range of experience in superannuation, taxation, business services, and financial strategy.

Over the last seven-years, Tess has turned her attention to Financial Planning, earning a Diploma of Financial Planning in 2015 and leading the newly established financial division of the Wybenga Group as a director of Wybenga Financial.

Tess’s mission is to bring the ethics and integrity of her Chartered Accounting background to the area of wealth management.

As a woman in a male dominated field, Tess is active in promoting gender equality in the industry through various programs and mentoring opportunities.

Using her depth of knowledge and experience in tax and accounting Tess is able to demonstrate a level of competence that is unique in the Financial Planning sector.

  • 2001 – Commenced employment with Wybenga & Partners and part-time accountancy studies
  • 2004 – Graduated Masters of Commerce from the University of New South Wales
  • 2005 – Admitted as an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia
  • 2007 – Promoted to Manager at Wybenga & Partners
  • 2012 – Appointed as Associate Director
  • 2015 – Awarded a Diploma of Financial Planning
  • 2016 – Appointed as Partner of Wybenga Group and Director of Wybenga Financial

Schedule a Meeting with Tess


Adam Roberts

B.Bus, B.Sc, CA, DipFP

Adam has over 18-years experience in Chartered Accounting Firms and in this time has had a broad range of experience in superannuation, taxation, business services, and financial strategy.

Over the last seven-years, Adam has turned his attention to Financial Planning, earning a Diploma of Financial Planning in 2015 and leading the newly established financial division of the Wybenga Group as a director of Wybenga Financial.

Adam’s mission is to bring the ethics and integrity of his Chartered Accounting background to the area of wealth management.

Combining traditional accounting and financial services has been a welcome move for Adam, allowing him to operate and advise in the financial sector that has been a long time personal passion.

Using his depth of knowledge and experience in tax and accounting Adam is able to demonstrate a level of competence that is unique in the Financial Planning sector.

  • 2005 – Graduated Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Sydney
  • 2005 – Commenced employment with Wybenga & Partners and part-time accountancy studies
  • 2007 – Graduated Bachelor of Business from the University of Western Sydney
  • 2010 – Admitted as an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia
  • 2010 – Promoted to Manager at Wybenga & Partners
  • 2012 – Appointed as Associate Director
  • 2015 – Awarded a Diploma of Financial Planning
  • 2016 – Appointed as Partner of Wybenga Group and Director of Wybenga Financial

Schedule a Meeting with Adam


Advisory Cadetships

What is an Advisory Cadetship?
An Advisory Cadetship enables you to commence your career whilst attaining the necessary university qualifications by studying part-time.

How does it work?
Generally, our cadets complete a relevant business or accounting degree at the University of New South Wales, the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, or the University of Western Sydney.

The Firm provides 3-hours paid study leave per week to attend university. This can either be taken at the one time or broken between days depending on the individual’s requirements. In addition, the Firm provides paid study leave for both mid-semester and end-of-year exams.

We take the work life balance very seriously at Wybenga Financial and our cadets are encouraged to have a fulfilling life outside the office. A typical day will have you arriving at the office at around 8.30am with most days concluding at 5.30pm.

What are the benefits of an Advisory Cadetship with Wybenga Financial?
Our cadets benefit from the following:

  • Career path – on completion of their degree our cadets have significant practical experience which will assist them in advancing their careers
  • Work helps your studies – by working full-time our cadets are able to apply their practical knowledge in the university subjects
  • Camaraderie with other cadets – the Firm has a number of cadets at various stages of their career
  • Mentoring – cadets are paired with a senior staff member who oversees their progress and training both at work and with their studies
  • Communication and feedback – the Firm has an open door policy which enables all cadets to interact with all members of staff including Directors
  • Culture – the Firm promotes a friendly social culture with a number of functions throughout the year
  • Modern environment – including ‘socialising’ areas such as pool table and break out area
  • Training – ongoing support and technical training. We also provide internal and external training on a monthly basis
  • Remuneration – working full-time provides a market salary and independence with salaries being reviewed every 6-months

What happens when I complete my degree?
The completion of your degree is the first step of what we hope to be a long and successful career with us. The next step is the commencement of a Diploma of Financial Planning followed by completing the requirements to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

There are always progression opportunities for the right cadets and we are dedicated to the long term development of our staff.

Who should apply?
Current Year 12 students or first/second year University Students who:

  • want to commence their career in financial advisory;
  • are due to commence or are currently completing a part-time business or commerce degree at university with an advisory major;
  • want to gain valuable hands-on experience while completing their qualifications;
  • are looking for a friendly working environment;
  • are team players who display initiative;
  • have a commitment to self-development;
  • possess excellent personal presentation and communication skills; and
  • are motivated and mature minded.

How do I apply for an Advisory Cadetship?
To apply for a Cadetship position at Wybenga Financial send us your details. Please also include in your covering letter why you wish to do a cadetship, include relevant qualities you possess, main interests / achievements, and any previous employment.

Interested candidates should initially forward a resume/covering letter of no more than 3-pages. Please provide full details of contact information (telephone or e-mail).

What if I have more questions?
For further information about our Cadetship program, please send your enquiry to .