"Ajen is an accountant who is down to earth and genuinely interested in their clients prospering."
"As a trusted advisor you guided our business back on course when the outlook was far from positive and we look forward to your continued assistance into the future"
"His attitude towards his work and my portfolio has been exemplary. He always finds time for me at short notice and is a benefit to all."
"Ajen always has a high standard of professional manner. He continued to give me good advice and is a reliable person, helpful in sorting out problems and finding solutions easily."
"Ajendra has made himself available sometimes even after normal business hours, to assist us with any questions we have, even when sometimes they may have seemed silly or simple, he has answered in full and easy to understand terminology, at no point has he ever made me feel silly for asking."
"He is always accessible to speak with and even calls me to ask if I need help with anything."
"Ajendra's willingness to dedicate "caring time" to his clients sets him apart from others."
"I am confident to refer friends and family to his team because I know they are in the most capable hands. Ajendra’s honest, caring and upbeat nature has been an absolute godsend and I am so thankful that our paths crossed"
"Ajendra’s speaks with you in a language that you can understand and comprehend easily which assists in equity and partnership with your tax agent."
"We find you have a personal approach to your accounting practice, which makes everyone feel like number 1. This is a rare and special trait, and leaves us knowing we are in good hands."
"He is very astute, and at the same time down to earth and really interested in his clients prospering. For people like us who are new to small business this is an absolute god sent."
"He shows a genuine interest and I never feel rushed. He has created a warm and friendly environement."

Downsizer age reduction now in force

With the eligibility age for downsizer contributions now age 55, the SMSF Association has highlighted some important considerations for younger clients looking to use the measure.

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With Treasury Laws Amendment (2022 Measures No. 2) Bill 2022 receiving royal assent in mid-December last year, the eligibility age for making downsizer contributions has now been reduced to age 55 as of 1 January this year. The eligibility age was previously 60.

This means that eligible individuals aged 55 years and older can now choose to make a downsizer contribution into their super fund of up to $300,000 per person or $600,000 per couple, from the proceeds of selling their home.

Speaking to SMSF Adviser, SMSF Association deputy chief executive, Peter Burgess, said while the downsizer contributions measure has been a popular measure so far, it remains to be seen what the take-up will be among those under age 60.

Ms Burgess said it’s important that younger clients looking to use this measure are aware that there is only one opportunity to use it.

“For some clients it may be best to wait until they have another opportunity to use it later in life,” he explained.

Given that a downsizer contribution counts against an individual’s total super balance, Mr Burgess warned that making one of these contributions may impact a client’s ability to make contributions in the future.

“So, the timing around when you make a downsizer contribution is very important,” he cautioned.

Where a client is below the age of 65, Colonial First State senior technical manager, Tim Sanderson, previously warned that advisers and their clients also need to carefully consider the preservation age with these contributions.

“They won’t have access to the funds till after they meet a condition of release such as retirement which may not be until age 65,” Mr Sanderson said in a FirstTech podcast.

“You need to be very careful when considering whether or not they may need access to the funds because they may not be able to for up to 10 years.”

Advisers should also consider how much cash the client has to contribute to super and whether making a downsizer contribution is actually a viable strategy, he said.

“For many people, utilising the bring-forward rule and contributing up to $330,000 may be sufficient and allows clients to save their once off ability to make a downsizer contribution for the future,” he explained.

“On the other hand, if a couple has a lot of cash available, it may be advantageous to make a downsizer contribution in addition to a non-concessional contribution. This can be particularly tax effective for individuals who are still working and on a higher marginal tax rate.”

 

 

 

Miranda Brownlee
01 January 2023
smsfadviser.com

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