Salary sacrifice arrangements, often referred to as salary packaging, can be a strategic approach to improving your financial situation, but they can also be perplexing. In essence, salary sacrificing involves allocating a portion of your pre-tax income in exchange for specific benefits or items. The advantage is that by using your pre-tax income, you end up paying less tax overall. Many employers offer salary sacrifice options, which can be used for various purposes, such as bolstering your superannuation or acquiring a work-related vehicle. In some cases, it can even encompass items like smartphones, laptops, and in rare instances, your mortgage!
Salary Sacrifice Example:
Let’s illustrate with an example. Suppose your monthly income is $6,000, and you arrange a salary sacrifice agreement with your employer to contribute an extra $300 each month to your superannuation. While you boost your retirement savings, you also enjoy a short-term benefit: you’re only taxed on $5,700 of income instead of the full $6,000. Over a year, on an annual salary of $72,000, this means you’re taxed on just $68,400.
How Does Salary Sacrifice Function?
First and foremost, you must establish a written salary sacrifice arrangement with your employer. This agreement can either be integrated into your employment contract or established separately. Regardless, it should always be documented to ensure clarity and mutual agreement on the terms.
It’s important to note that employers in Australia are not obliged to offer salary packaging to their employees. Due to the intricacies and administrative expenses involved, some employers may restrict employees’ access to salary sacrificing, while others may use it as a benefit to attract and retain talent.
What Can Be Salary Sacrificed?
Employers typically provide three primary items or benefits as part of a salary sacrifice agreement:
Fringe Benefits: These are non-cash benefits that employers provide to their employees or their associates (e.g., spouse, dependent children) in addition to regular wages. They can include significant items and recurring expenses, but not all employers offer them, as fringe benefits are subject to fringe benefits tax (FBT).
Exempt Benefits: Certain benefits are exempt from fringe benefits tax (FBT). These may include items like electronic devices, software, work-related clothing, or tools of the trade. Exempt items should primarily serve work-related purposes and are typically limited to one per year unless they are replacement items.
Superannuation Contributions: Many employers offer the option to make additional superannuation contributions through salary sacrifice. This means you can boost your super savings and enjoy reduced taxation. To take advantage of this, you must arrange it with your employer before the start of the financial year.
If you miss the opportunity to set up a formal superannuation salary sacrifice with your employer, you can still make after-tax contributions to your super fund and claim a tax deduction later. However, it’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor and tax agent in such cases.
Tax Implications:With a salary sacrifice arrangement in place, your taxable income is reduced, resulting in lower tax deductions from your wages. Although you don’t pay tax on fringe benefits and superannuation contributions, you must include them on your tax return for the purpose of calculating eligibility for other government levies or payments.
For a clear understanding of the implications of entering into a salary sacrifice arrangement, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a tax professional, such as Accounts NextGen They can provide comprehensive insights tailored to your specific situation.