Early Access to Your Super

This will be available as from the 20th of April but you can register your interest now by logging in to your myGov account and following the Intention to access coronavirus support instructions.

Has anyone done it or planning to do it?

Is your situation so dire that you couldn't make ends meet without it?

JJB

Added a poll : Are you going to access your super? Why?


Edit: The tax loophole

To take advantage of the tax loophole, beneficiaries would need to fit into a rather specific cohort of earners:

  • qualify for early release of super, which means having been made redundant in the coronavirus crisis or, in the case of sole traders, having lost at least 20 % of turnover.
  • a working-age individual who is on 9.5% compulsory super contributions,
  • has an annual salary below $158,000,
  • has made no previous voluntary contributions to super in 2019-20, and
  • who elected to make a “simultaneous” (within 2019-20) pre-tax contribution to and withdrawal of the maximum possible $10,000 from super over the next three months.

As long as an individual in this situation has an annual income of approximately $30,000 or more, there is a prospective tax saving from rearranging his or her financial affairs over the next three months.

Poll Options

  • 38
    Yes, I need the money.
  • 19
    Yes, for the tax loophole.
  • 145
    Nope, terrible idea.
  • 11
    Other

Comments

    • To Take Out Ones Super or Not?

      That's up to you and your accountant to decide, nobody else…

      Good bye…

      • the best answer of this kind of thread. 1000000% agree

      • Correct.

    • Can you get by over the next few months without taking it out?

    • +2

      Im really struggling to understand why anyone would come on here and ask questions that they should probably be discussing with their partner.

      • because they are single?

        • we are looking to get married at some point

      • +3

        Third party opinions? Why does anyone post anything on the internet if they can just go ask mum and dad, a friend or their partner?

        Wow where's the sympathy on OzBargain these days? Everyone's going through a shit time and so selfishness is reigning. Don't like this thread? Don't click on it in the first place jeez.

        Good to see the below comments are a bit more forgiving instead of "go read this thread why did you even post this" and "how are we supposed to know".

    • +1

      I’m not an accountant but the two best, financial, decisions I’ve made is to pay off my house and to keep contributing to my super.

      Super is in the toilet, at the moment and it may get worse, but if you aren’t touching it for the next 20 years it should work out pretty well.

      Get some independent advice on the best way forward. Super is cumulative, over your lifetime, and there are distinct tax advantages along the way. YMMV.

      Best of luck.

    • You can't withdraw from defined benefit super under the current scheme.

    • Only you can decide. Many sole traders have zero super balances and choose to invest elsewhere. There is no guarantee anyone will live to retirement age anyway, especially with the way the world is headed. As a sole trader myself I prefer to invest where I can rather than rely on a system like super.

    • +1

      It all really depends on your personal circumstances - so you should seek financial advice, particularly from someone who is familiar with defined benefit funds.

      My personal opinion is that you should avoid withdrawing super if you can. Now that being said with record low interest rates, probably the only reason to withdraw that I can readily think of is (if absolutely necessary) to avoid losing the house.

    • +1

      Now is really not a good time to withdraw from Super, I would not do it if it can be avoided.
      I'm sorry that you have been sick for so long :(

      • I appreciate your sympathy. <3

    • What do you need the money for? I can't seem to see in your OP. Is it to pay for a mortgage and a wedding dress? If so, banks can freeze mortgage payments so if you haven't looked at that avenue consider that for the mortgage. If you're getting a wedding dress… I would say look for a cheap one that you like and really ensure you stick to a budget for it (only saying this because your health seems to be poor and you might as well enjoy life a little if things go south).

      Lots of factors to consider here, not sure about the whole pension thing but maybe someone else can help… otherwise you can go to reddit.com/r/ausfinance and maybe they'll be able to assist better.

      • Thank you for referring me to reddit. Perhaps it's time I got into it.

        I guess I'm just paranoid over the amount of interest paid on the life of the loan & thought the $10k could help. I don't want to touch my partner's money for my "wedding vision". It'll be a small, humble affair but there are still some expensive things I really want.

  • +1

    I can see situations where withdrawing this money has benefits provided you are one of those allowed to do it. If you are at any risk of losing your house, are carrying debts with high interest rates, have children to feed and educate, believe for any reason you may not even make retirement age.

    I've seen no mention of it but low income earners could also drop some back in before the end of financial year and earn the super co-contribution.

  • +1

    I took mine as i only have $25k, was $31k in July last year, and was $35k 23 years ago lol. AMP. Has had a life insurance coming out though. Dropped $500 yesterday. It's useless.

  • Merged from Covid-19 - Casual and Access - Superannuation

    Hi Guys,

    Not sure how many of us are in the below situation

    Currently working as casual through a contractor and contract ends 30 June 2020 - Possibility of renewal of the contract for one more year

    1st? - Can I access my super the 1st $10k before 31 June 2020 on the basis of being a casual employee even though I work full hours (37.5) but do not get paid sick, annual leave which most of the full-time employees are entitled?

    Situation - what if my contract does not renew and I end up getting my 10K out from super on the basis of being casual and never know how long my gig is gonna last - is this a valid reason for ATO to believe i am taking my $$$ out and don't get a stupid fine in the future

    moreover, If my gig lasts for one more year I rather invest the 10K in buying an investment property or invest in shares and make more $$$$ than that stupid super.

    Hope this COVID situation gets over ASAP and everyone returns to their normal life

    Thanks, for listening Guys

    • +9

      invest in shares and make more $$$$ than that stupid super

      You realize that's what super funds already do with your money, with significantly less tax payable?

      • -2

        Most super funds took a nosedive in March.

        • +1

          In line with the stock market… which others would have also lost out on in likelihood.

    • +3

      No. Working casual is not a good enough reason to qualify for taking $10K out. You need to show that you have been impacted by Covid19 and if you have a fulltime contract till June 2019 - that does not sound like you have been impacted.

    • +3

      Absolute financial madness to take it out of super UNLESS YOU ARE TOTALLY TOTALLY IN NEED OF IT.

      • Not really, I can think of many good financial reasons to withdraw it.

        • Many good financial reasons? .

          If you could give just 3 it may be useful to many considering the idea.

          Of course squandering $100000 plus of retirement savings can alwayus be supplement by taking a pension.

          • @IanC: Sure, I have a way of thinking outside the box, so don’t consider this mainstream, but just saying trying to say there is no one right answer like your post implied.

            1. If you have low super and low prospect of future work, fees will eat a significant portion of your returns. It could be well worth cashing out.

            2. If you have credit card in debit paying more than, let’s say the average rate of 10% interest rate, it’s well worth taking your super out and paying it off completely. Super will have little chance of an after tax return of 10%, especially over the long term.

            3. Is a bit naughty, so I won’t explain completely, but since I feel obligated to answer I’ll just allude to the answer. Some people will be in a position to tax arbitrage. Explaining isn’t in the nations best interest.

            • @cloudy: 1 and 2 maybe in extreme circumstances.

              With regard to the opportunity of the tax arbitrage loophole created by covid19 legislation good luck to the minute
              number of people who can exploit the tax system.
              I can only hope the. ATO will recognise the strategy as tax avoidance gone mad and class it as tax evasion and take someone to court.
              Regardless ,thanks for the curtesy of replying.

              • @IanC: In regards to 3, I don’t like it either, but the legislation is crystal clear. There is nothing ATO can do, if you satisfy to with draw super (tax free) there is nothing stopping you from benefiting as the rules of super has not changed and has always been open to everyone.

                The problem is that this withdrawal of super is tax free, and there in lies the arbitrage, and perfectly legal.

                I personally don’t see 1 and 2 to be “extreme” circumstances, but you can characterise it your way.

                • @cloudy: I meant extreme in relation to the size of credit card debt. Little point imho to lose $ 120000 at the other end to pay off a credit card debt of $10000 now

                  I guess if you can exploit the system go for it.

                  Similar to allowing a couple with over 10mill in a SMSF access the the CSHC with all the handouts and cheap scripts and the pension safety net threshold for out of pocket medical expenses and no personal tax return to lodge.

    • +6

      You realise your stupid super is invested in shares and property not cow manure.

    • +2

      being a casual employee even though I work full hours (37.5) but do not get paid sick, annual leave

      Umm you get loading as a casual so your rate of pay would be higher than full time employee.

    • +3

      See, you may think you’re cashing in $20,000 of your super money, but you’re really not:

      If you’re 45 years old, that $20,000 would be worth $50,000 by the time you retire.

      If you’re 35 years old, it’s an $80,000 decision.

      And if you’re 25 years old, you’re really gambling with $132,000!

      https://barefootinvestor.com/how-to-grab-a-quick-20k-but-is-…

      • Thought I heard today over 750,00 had applied

        More Bondi millenials

    • The withdrawal, as a few people have already said, is as a means of replacing income, not supplementing it, and should not be used as anything other than an absolutely last-ditch option. This is intended, for context, to ensure that there's enough cash flow to put food on the table, rent and utilities necessary to survival, and there's already been a swathe of concessions for each of these. Don't look at this as a lottery ticket, it isn't. At 37.5 hours of employment a week, I don't like your chances.

      As for taking it out to invest, I recommend that you review the tax rates for super compared to individuals. If you're fixed on investing, speak to your superfund about their investment options, you might be able to do a bit of investing via super. If you're going to do this, seek out professional advice - most funds have advisers who can help with this. Yes, they've had a bad reputation in light of the royal commission, but most are decent enough to give you at least a bearing of your options.

      There are plenty of stupid things in this world. Super is not one of them.

    • +1

      The government allowing investors to take out money from super doesn’t happen very often. Investors may now have an opportunity to legally take out cash and invest it somewhere else or spend it on essentials.

    • Thanks guys for ur valuable output

    • Does anyone have thoughts on withdrawing the 20k allowance during covid & placing into mortgage offset account? Is it better to effectively use 3% (nominal interest rate) offset with the 20k & then contribute extra to super at reduced tax rates? I guess it all depends on the size of mortgage however as a general idea, would this be a more beneficial way to utilise the COVID-19 super withdrawal?

      • With the current state of the stock market your super fund is very likely to do better than 3% in the coming months.

    • Can I access my super the 1st $10k before 31 June 2020

      I don't think June has 31 days, maybe in America but not in Australia.

  • Hi All,

    I really need some advice here. I applied for an early release of my super via MyGov but I noticed I entered the wrong account no (missed the last digit). I just checked my superfund and it has -10k deducted. Will it bounce back? Who should I contact to get this fixed up? My superfund or the ATO?

    Thanks

    • +1

      It should bounce but to be on the safe side, send your super fund an email now to let them know what happened. Call them first thing in the morning to follow up.

      Ps: your display pic checks out :)

      • Thanks for the advice, I'll do just that.

  • Merged from How Are People Releasing Super Even When Their Income Hasn't Been Reduced Due To Covid-19

    How come some people are submitting false claims and still getting their super released? Will there be any complications during tax time? Is there not anyway ATO/Super fund can see that the claim is falsely made and income is being debited into the account as per normal?

    • +1

      Who is doing false claim?

      There is clear declaration that you must be able to produce evidence of requested.

      • A close buddy did it. He hasn't lost the job or hours and got his super processed in a few business days? Could be lying but what evidence is required?

          • -1

            @websterp: He just had $4000 in his super :D Poor man!

          • +56

            @websterp: What kinda low life reports there close friend for getting some of there super paid out. Ultimately it's still money his earned, not really stealing money off tax payers

            • -5

              @Belv: The kind of low life that votes to tax themselves while the wealthiest people in the country pay no tax.

              They're foolish.

              • @Diji1: We should all get rich so that we don’t have to pay tax. Let’s start by raiding our super.

            • +3

              @Belv: "Close Buddy" indeed.

              I wouldn't even put that in this forum. He could be an Ozbs too.

            • +4

              @Belv: They are getting a tax exemption they are not entitled to, so they are stealing from the tax payer.

              • +2

                @Donaldhump: They are not getting a tax exemption outside of their entitlement.

                At worst, they are withdrawing their money before they are entitled to.

                Unlike tax dodging, it doesn't cost the rest of us anything. We are not paying to cover his share.

            • +9

              @Belv: Yes he is stealing money from taxpayers. That’s because Super is taxed at 15% which is lower than most peoples nominal rate. I put in extra money from my wage each month because of the low Super tax threshold. Also the less Super everyone ends up with the more taxes we will have to pay for Govt social support for those with lower balances who rorted the system.

              • +1

                @Bratam:

                more taxes we will have to pay for Govt social support

                Someone paying 15% in tax through super is paying the same amount as you. The only difference is they are withdrawing and using the amount sooner.

                Your gripe is with paying for social support. Perhaps you are only against social support for people who managed their Super money badly but that would really be cherry picking the type of poor money management you're against.

                • @[Deactivated]: There are a few people in the the FIRE community I follow that are taking out the $10k then salary sacrificing back in to their accounts to the $25k limit. From what I can see it's legal but not really within the spirit of the program.

                  • +3

                    @brad1-8tsi: The spirit of the program is that the government has declared we are too stupid with money.

                    So they hand off the privilege of holding our money to a bunch of people and these people who have made the rules have fumbled with loopholes.

                    It does not make for a very convincing program.

              • +2

                @Bratam: taxation is theft

            • @Belv: +1

              Can't believe a guy who has the audacity to call a guy a "close buddy" looks to undermine a buddy's loophole exploitation (if this really is a true account of things transpired)

            • +1

              @Belv: It is stealing future money off of tax payers though. When he retires he will need to be supported by a pension.

              • @mattyman: How bout people who do not withdraw early from their Super but still end up on a pension?

            • +1

              @Belv: Down the line when he can't afford to self-fund retirement he will be taking tax payer money as a pension.

          • -1

            @websterp: Do you have friends? Poor them

        • +1

          If they are a close buddy, just ask them?

        • +1

          I think I get it now… You and him still have your jobs as normal. He took out his super, now you're wondering if you can do it without any repercussions.

      • +1

        Answered your own qn there - "If requested"

        • Exactly , you could make up some ludicrously incorrect crap and put it on your tax return be it business or personal. If you get audited though, you're in a heap of trouble.

          Ideally just pay the money back, maybe a fine but if it's downright tax fraud you're looking at possible jail time.

    • +1

      "How come some people are submitting false claims and still getting their super released?"

      What evidence (anecdotal or otherwise) are you basing your assertions on?

      https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/In-detail/Withdrawi…

      "You will not need to pay tax on amounts released and will not need to include these amounts in your tax return."

      https://www.ato.gov.au/Super/APRA-regulated-funds/Services-a…

      To be eligible for early release of super, a citizen or permanent resident of Australia and New Zealand must be in one of the following circumstances:

      • You are unemployed.
      • You are eligible to receive one of the following:

      • Jobseeker payment

      • Youth allowance for jobseekers (unless you are undertaking full-time study or are a new apprentice)
      • Parenting payment (which includes the single and partnered payments)
      • Special benefit
      • Farm household allowance.

      On or after 1 January 2020 either:

      • You were made redundant
      • Your working hours were reduced by 20% or more (including to zero)
      • You were a sole trader and your business was suspended or there was a reduction in turnover of 20% or more.
    • +15

      Because no verification at the time is required, but I’m sure many will get audited and taxed / penalised later on

      Buy high sell low.

      • I hope it happens but not many will get audited I am sure.

        • This will be too easy to detect during tax return time.

          Most likely will be bulk mail to detected cases, asking for explanation then payback + penalty.

          Audit will probably only for people who are detected and disputing it.

      • +3

        This! Government said they will release super funds without asking ANY questions, but later if you get audited you have to PROVE that you met the criteria.
        So all your friends who are not eligible and are getting "ez super money!!!!" will get hefty fines for abusing the system.

      • +9

        Super. It exists because the government claims you're too stupid to handle your own money. (Imagine I worded that statement with Charisma +5).

        If you're caught, you need to put the money back into hands (or hands by proxy) of an institution that was stupid enough to release the money you were too stupid to handle.

        • +10

          This is why there isn’t any economics studies in public school. Keep the working class uneducated and poor so that they’re easily controlled.

          • +2

            @whooah1979: Watch it! I attended public school…

            …and everything you say is true.

          • @whooah1979: There is, it’s mandated in the national curriculum, grades 9 & 10 specifically focus on tax and super. However, the choice of schools to teach it properly or students to listen is a different issue.

            • @[Deactivated]: They teach the technicalities but they also coach students to surrender the management of their own finance, employment, security and practically all aspects of life to the all wise government, union leaders, and practically anyone but themselves.

          • @whooah1979: English and maths is compulsory and taught throughout entire school life, yet a lot of people are incapable writing proper English or do basic maths. Who should be blamed, who's controlling them?

        • +4

          most people are too stupid judging by the amount of people pillaging it, so many people in 40s and 50s who haven't saved shit and if they got that 9.5% super they would have spent it too.

          unless your hungry and on the brink, smashing your super is theft on yourself.

          • @Donaldhump: Their money, their problem.

            • +1

              @[Deactivated]: also your problem as you have to pay the tax to make their pension

              • @Donaldhump: Just because I don't want to pay for someone else's stupidity doesn't mean I don't want them to have the freedom to exercise said stupidity.

                I have faith that people given the opportunity to learn from failure won't remain stupid.

                Those that cannot learn from failure, well, at least theirs is a destiny of their own creation.

                • +10

                  @[Deactivated]:

                  I have faith that people given the opportunity to learn from failure won't remain stupid.

                  and what have we learned during pandemic? That the real winners are those who were on the dole - double free money! Ka-ching! No need to queue up for it either because they were already in the system. Add to that the opportunity to finally "stick it to the landlord" …good times.

                  • @[Deactivated]: Well, encouraging stupidity is the prerogative of the government as abstractly pointed out by whooah1979.

                    • +1

                      @[Deactivated]: and as concretely exemplified by that person who wanted to slap a $20 GST on GST-exempted milk and then encouraging everyone to dumpster-dive for free milk.😂

                      • +1

                        @[Deactivated]: Is this a reference to sarahlump? Lol.

                        • +1

                          @[Deactivated]: I mentioned no name. You did.

                          • +1

                            @[Deactivated]: I don't think naming someone for something they actually said (in this case, started a thread for) is in any way an offence according to any law, rules, etiquette nor morals.

                            Falsely representing is but your summary is sufficiently precise and succinct.

                            • @[Deactivated]: Tell that to her 'friends'. Someone sent me a PM titled "Eat the rich - you effing deserve to be eaten !" I'm still not sure if the eating was meant metaphorically, literally or as a sexual euphemism and worse, I don't know if given the option, which I would pick.

                              • @[Deactivated]: Lol.

                                The envious are a violent bunch.

                                • @[Deactivated]: The 'fan' messages (because I receive those too!) are just as violent in their expressions of erm love😳 Who would have thought I was such a polarising character ?

                                  • +1

                                    @[Deactivated]: You are a polarising character as soon as you have more than the average and dared have an opinion, or even merely existed.

                                    Don't hold it back anymore. Let it go.

                • @[Deactivated]: Don’t know what your point is here exactly

                  I was just saying people withdrawing from the their super and blowing it on shit like tvs and future trips to Bali, will cost you as they will need oap earlier in life

                  • @Donaldhump:

                    Don’t know what your point is here exactly

                    Not disagreeing with anything you say. Just saying that my support for people blowing all their money on shit doesn't equate to supporting taxation to support these people.

                  • +2

                    @Donaldhump: The spending stimulates the economy and ~10% comes back as GST which then goes to the states.

                    • -1

                      @whooah1979: and i bet 25% goes to bali when people cruise off their for a holiday

                      i am okay with it if its needed, but people are mad to draw down just because they can.

                      if you have the money put it in your super, good tax break, stocks are cheap, could go down but id say in 5 years they will be up

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