The Government has introduced new measures to allow SMSF members to access their super for their first home or make contributions to their super from the sale of downsizing their home. SMSFs should be aware of the following:
Downsizing
From 1 July 2018, SMSF members who are 65 or over and exchange a contract of sale of their main residence may be eligible to make a down sizer contribution of up to $300,000 into their super without affecting their total super balance or contributions cap for the year.
This contribution will count towards the transfer balance cap and be taken into account for determining eligibility for the age pension.
SMSF members do not have to purchase another home to access this measure. However, the contribution can only be made once; it cannot be used for the sale of a second main residence.
The First Home Super Saver Scheme
SMSF members looking to get into the property market can now use some help from their SMSF under the First Home Super Saver Scheme.
As of 1 July 2018, SMSF members over 18 years of age can apply to release their voluntary concessional and non-concessional contributions made from 1 July 2017, along with associate earnings to purchase their first home.
Voluntary contributions made since 1 July 2017 of up to a maximum of $15,000 from any one financial year or a total of $30,000 across all years can be applied for.
