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Spouse Contributions
Spouse Contributions in Superannuation
Spouse contributions are a way to support your partner's retirement savings by contributing to their superannuation account. These contributions can be made from your after-tax income and are considered non-concessional contributions, meaning they are not subject to further tax once deposited into the super account.
Types of Spouse Contributions
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Direct Spouse Contributions: You can make direct contributions to your spouse's super account using your after-tax income. This can help increase their retirement savings, especially if they have a low income or are not working.
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Splitting Your Contributions: You can also split some of your own super contributions with your spouse. This includes employer contributions, salary sacrifice contributions, and any after-tax contributions you claim a tax deduction for. However, you must notify your super fund of your intention to claim a tax deduction before splitting these contributions.
Eligibility and Benefits
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Eligibility: To make spouse contributions, you must be married or in a de facto relationship with your partner, and both of you must be Australian residents. Your partner must be under 75 years old to receive spouse contributions.
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Tax Offset: If your spouse earns less than $40,000 per year, you may be eligible for a tax offset of up to $540 for contributions made on their behalf. The offset is 18% of the contributions, up to $3,000, and phases out as their income approaches $40,000.
Considerations
Before making spouse contributions, consider your financial situation, debt levels, and contribution caps. It may be beneficial to seek financial advice to ensure that spouse contributions align with your overall financial strategy.