Update on the government's superannuation program
Editor: Now that the government has been re-elected, it seems they are committed to proceeding with their superannuation policy, including the controversial measure to impose a 'lifetime cap' of $500,000 on the amount of non-concessional (i.e. undeducted) contributions that can be made into superannuation (calculated from all contributions made since 1 July 2007).
The Treasurer Scott Morrison has also indicated that transitional relief provisions will be introduced in relation to the lifetime non-concessional contributions cap of $500,000.
It is proposed that transitional provisions will allow for non-concessional contributions to be made under the rules and limits that existed prior to Budget Night where a superannuation fund has entered into a contract before 3 May 2016 to acquire an asset, and the contract settles after 3 May 2016.
Furthermore, there will be transitional relief for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) that had a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement in place before 3 May 2016, and additional non-concessional contributions are to be made up to 31 January 2017 (so that the borrowing will comply with the ATO's new guidelines).
Editor: There have also been reports that the government may also allow 'carve-outs' for extraordinary 'life events' (e.g., divorce).
The government is apparently going to release draft legislation for their superannuation changes sometime in August 2016.