Important information about the temporary flood levy

The federal government has introduced a Temporary Flood and Cyclone Reconstruction Levy (flood levy) of up to 1% for the 2011/12 financial year only. The flood levy will only apply to those with a taxable income of more than $50,000, unless you are exempt from paying the levy.

How does the flood levy affect my superannuation?

The flood levy will only affect your superannuation if you meet the following criteria:

  • You receive a lump sum or pension payment with a taxable component in the 2011/12 financial year, AND
  • You are aged under 60, AND
  • You earn more than $50,000 a year.

The flood levy will not apply to payments that are tax free - for example, lump sum or pension payments you receive if you are 60 or over, or any lump sum death benefits that are paid to a beneficiary who is your dependant for tax purposes.

The amount of tax Intrust Super is required to withhold from superannuation benefits you receive in the 2011/12 financial year will include the flood levy.

If you are currently receiving an income stream payment and/or making lump sum withdrawals from your Intrust Super account, and you've been notified by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) that you are exempt from paying the flood levy, please send us your Flood Levy Exemption Declaration Form. You can download this from the ATO's website at www.ato.gov.au.

If you're thinking about withdrawing a lump sum benefit in the 2011/12 financial year, we recommend that you talk to a professional tax adviser.

If you would like more information, please call us on 132 467.

You can also read more Intrust Super news here.