If you’re nearing retirement and looking for ways to boost your superannuation savings, downsizer super contributions might be the perfect solution for you. These allow eligible Australians aged 55 and over to contribute proceeds from selling their home into their superannuation fund.

A downsizer contribution allows an eligible individual to contribute an amount equal to all or part of the sale proceeds (up to $300,000 each) from the sale of their home into their superannuation fund. The contribution must not exceed the sale proceeds of the home.

The great advantage is that downsizer contributions aren’t restricted by any other contribution caps or your total superannuation balance; there are no work tests; and there’s no upper age limit. It’s one of the rare ways you can contribute large amounts to your super even after the age of 75.

Eligibility

To make a downsizer contribution, you must:

• be 55 years or older at the time of contribution;

• have owned the home for 10 years or more (the owner can be you or your spouse);

• sell your home that is in Australia and is not a caravan, houseboat or mobile home;

• ensure the sale is exempt or partially exempt from CGT for you under the main residence exemption;

• make the contribution within 90 days of receiving the sale proceeds (usually settlement date);

• not have made a downsizer contribution previously from another home; and

• provide your super fund with the Downsizer contribution into super form either before or at the time of making the contribution.

Failure to submit the Downsizer contribution into super form on time may result in your fund rejecting the contribution or treating it as a standard non-concessional contribution, which could have adverse tax implications.

The 90-day deadline from the date of settlement is also strict. If you need more time (Eg due to delays in purchasing a new home), you must apply to the ATO for an extension. Extensions are granted only in limited circumstances, such as settlement delays due to council approvals.

If you are considering selling your home and wish to further explore a potential downsizer contribution, please do not hesitate to get in contact with our office (03)55710111