Non Concessional Contributions - Aged 65 - 74

Non Concessional Contributions

Personal Contributions made into an SMSF from after tax income on which no tax deduction is claimed are known as Non Concessional Contributions.  Non Concessional Contributions are essentially personal contributions made into your SMSF from your own personal Bank Account and not from your Employer.

Eligibility to make Non Concessional Contributions

If you are aged between 65 and 74, you can only make Non Concessional Contributions into your SMSF if you pass a Work Test and subject to the $1.6 million Eligibility Threshold. From 1 July 2017, if you have a total superannuation balance of $1.6 million or more on 30 June of the previous Financial Year you will not be eligible to make Non Concessional Contributions.

Passing the Work Test when aged between 65 and 74

The "Work Test" requires that an Individual is "Gainfully Employed" for at least 40 hours in a period of not more than 30 consecutive days in that Financial Year.  The term "Gainfully Employed" is defined to mean employed or self-employed for gain or reward in any business, trade, profession, vocation, calling, occupation or employment.  Gain or reward essentially means that you are remunerated in return for the personal services provided (e.g. as a salary, business income, bonuses and commissions that are fully documented and declared for tax purposes).  It does not include passive investment income (e.g. rental income or dividend income).  In addition, volunteers are generally not considered to be gainfully employed as they do not receive remuneration for their services.  You should also take care if you involve family and friends in an attempt to satisfy the definition of 'gainful employment'.  If you assist another family member by say, babysitting or gardening, the particular circumstances surrounding the arrangement will be critical.  For example, if you look after your grandchildren while their parents are on holiday, it is likely that your motive for doing so would be for personal or domestic reasons rather than to derive financial gain as per a normal employer / employee arrangement.  In this case, even if you are paid for your services, the definition of gainful employment may not be satisfied.