However, in order to pass the legislation through the Senate, the Government made a deal with the Palmer United Party and Senator Muir to defer the abolition of:

• the Income Support Bonus to 31 December 2016;
• the Schoolkids Bonus to 31 December 2016 (and restrict the Bonus to families earning less than $100,000 per annum); and
• the Low Income Super Contribution to 30 June 2017.

The Government also agreed to freeze the superannuation guarantee rate at 9.5% for seven years. Under the changes, the rate will increase to 10% from 1 July 2021 and by 0.5% per year from 1
July 2022 until it reaches 12% for the year beginning 1 July 2025.

No other changes were made to the legislation, meaning the abolition of the associated measures such as loss carry back (from 1 July 2013 for 30 June
balancing companies), and geothermal expenditure deduction (from 1 July 2014), will proceed.

The reduction of the instant asset write-off threshold for small businesses (from $6,500 to $1,000), and the discontinuation of the accelerated depreciation
arrangements for motor vehicles, will also go ahead (from 1 January 2014).

TIP:
The abolition of the loss carry-back, the reduction of the instant asset write-off threshold for small businesses and the discontinued accelerated depreciation for cars apply retrospectively. Taxpayers
who have made these claims for the 2013 – 2014 year are now required to amend their returns. The ATO has indicated that it will not impose penalties on those taxpayers who amend their returns if the amendments are lodged within “reasonable time”. Also, in light of the superannuation changes, individuals may want to consider reviewing their retirement savings strategy. 

Thomson Reuters Tax and Accounting
Client Alert Newsletter
October 2014