07 Jun Federal Budget Update 2014

It’s a tough budget with all Australians told to bear the burden. According to Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey, “the economy is growing at less than normal speed and the time to fix the budget is now.”

For families, there is a focus on healthcare and education; for high income earners, a new tax just for them; for pensioners – new eligibility rules; and for the rest of us – a little bit of extra super.

5 top areas of focus in Budget 2014

1. High income earners levy

A 2% levy will apply to those earning an income above $180,000. The impost is for three years only from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2017 and means that those earning above $180,000 will pay the extra 2% levy on all income in excess of $180,000.

That is if you are earning $200,000 you will be faced with an additional 2% on $20,000 – a total levy of $400, or if you are earning $300,000 you will be paying a 2% impost on $120,000 – or $2400.

2. Healthcare to cost more

From 1 July 2015, previously bulk-billed patients can expect a charge of $7 per visit towards the cost of standard GP consultations and out-of-hospital pathology and imaging services.  For concessional patients and children under 16 years, the contribution will be limited to the first 10 visits each calendar year.

The Medicare levy will increase from 1 July 2014, to fund DisabilityCare, which was announced in last year’s budget.

3. Higher education – good and bad

On the one hand the Government has announced it will deregulate the higher education sector and from 1 January 2016 will allow higher education providers in Australia to set their own tuition fees.  This is likely to increase the cost of education in Australia. The Government will continue to provide students a way to defer costs of study through HELP and graduates will begin to repay the debt only once their income reaches $50,638 from 1 July 2016.

On the other hand, from 1 July 2014, a tertiary loan system will be extended to TAFE students who will have access to 4-year concessional trade support loans to help them complete their trade course.

4. Business gains and losses

The Government remains committed to cutting the company tax rate by 1.5% from 1 July 2015. For large companies this will offset the cost of the Government’s Paid Parental Leave Levy. For the small businesses it will provide a boost to profits. The Government has also reinforced its promise to repeal the Minerals Resource Rent Tax and Carbon Tax.

5. Focus on pensions

• Pension payments will have the asset and income test thresholds frozen for 3 years from 1 July 2017.
• The Government will index pensions to inflation rather than wages from September 2017, this is expected to reduce pension increases.
• The pension age will be increased to age 70 by 1 July 2035, building on the former Government’s move to increase the pension age to 67 by 1 July 2023.

We will be contributing more super

The Super Guarantee will increase from 1 July 2014 to 9.5%. It will then remain frozen for 4 years, after which it will increase 0.5% a year until it reaches 12% in July 2022.

And when you have to keep working…

The Government has acknowledged that for older Australians to find jobs there needs to be a culture change towards older Australians. They are offering up to $10,000 to businesses that employ Australians aged over 50 years who have been on unemployment or disability benefits for more than 6 months.

Questions?

We welcome you to contact our offices to discuss the implication of the Budget for your personal situation.

About Reuben Zelwer   Reuben Zelwer established Adapt Wealth Management in 2011 to help time poor clients achieve financial freedom. For over 15 years, Reuben has helped professionals, executives, business owner and those approaching retirement make the most of their circumstances by making good financial decisions. Reuben’s professional practice is complemented by substantial voluntary work, which has included setting up financial literacy and savings programs in the local community.