Skip to main content Skip to accessibility page Skip to search input

Media Release

Seven things Australia’s 50 and over need to do before 30 June

26 June 2017

St.George Bank research reveals many of the 50 plus market are under prepared for the upcoming end of financial year.

With the end of the financial year approaching St.George Bank urges those 50 and over to get their finances in order to save money and help boost their tax return.

St.George research shows only one in two Aussies aged 50 and over divert their savings into super, opting to place their cash into at-call high interest savings accounts.

Over half (52%) of respondents said they were using high interest accounts and nearly a third (27%) were opting for term deposits. A third said they were also directing their savings into paying off their mortgage and debts.

Ross Miller, St.George Retail Banking General Manager urges this age group to consider where this ‘at call’ cash is best placed and the range of options available leading up to tax time, particularly with the upcoming changing superannuation rules.

The findings also showed Australians over 50 want to benefit in retirement by choosing part time work, having the time and ability to care for their loved ones, and using their savings to enjoy travel and family holidays.

 “Tax savings can help this age group achieve these priorities, but the fact that only 26% of respondents had reviewed their financial plan signals that many are under prepared for tax time. However, it’s not too late to start planning and with some good advice and simple steps, that holiday with your family might be one step closer than you think.”

“And if you do owe tax, putting in some simple steps now could change all that for the next financial year” says Ross.

Ross encourages older Australians to have a conversation with their banker to help them get ready for tax time and plan their financial future.

St.George Bank’s Top Seven EOFY Tips for 50+

1. Pre-pay your deductible expenses: This includes insurance premiums, investment loan interest payments (ie Margin Loans) and the cost of maintenance and repairs to investment properties. That way, you can claim the deduction this year.

2. Get your paperwork in order: Receipts for work-related expenses such as uniforms, training courses and learning materials. If you work from home this can include claiming a computer, phone or other electronic device as a work-related expense.

3. Top up your before tax super contributions: You might be able to contribute before tax contributions up to $10,000 more this financial year compared to future financial years (after 1 July 2017), when the before tax contribution cap for those aged 50-64 reduces from $35,000 to $25,000.

4. Consider the ‘bring forward super rule’: Those under 65 in 2016/17 who have not contributed after tax contributions of more than $180,000 per year in the last two financial years may contribute up to $540,000 (3 years x $180,000 a year) this financial year (before 1 July 2017).

5. Contribute for your spouse: You may be able to claim an 18% tax offset on super contributions of up to $3,000 made on behalf of your non-working or low-income-earning spouse. You can also split your employer super contributions with your spouse.

6. Check the limits on your retirement income streams: Will the balance at the end of June exceed the new $1.6 million pension cap? If so, plan your next steps for reducing the balance before 30 June. Be aware of the new 15% earnings tax on Transition To Retirement (TTR) pensions and plan where these funds are best placed.

7. Do a super search: Finally, you just never know with over $16.2 million in lost super some of it can be yours.

For more information about planning for over 50s, please visit https://www.stgeorge.com.au/personal/life-moments/approaching-retirement.

Media Contact:

Penny Mahon, Media Manager, St.George Bank – 0434 185 590