Topping up your superannuation just got a little less dangerous with new rules that allow excess non-concessional contributions to be refunded.  

A huge number of Australians have been penalised by excess concessional contributions tax, because they contributed over the allowable level of contributions, with tax bills often disproportionate to the relatively small over contribution. 

And, there was very little you could do about it, even if the contribution was not deliberate.

The new rules mean that members can have the excess contributions refunded to them PLUS 85% of the associated earnings on those amounts. 

 

The full earnings will then be included in your assessable income and taxed at your marginal tax rate.  You will then be entitled to a non-refundable tax offset equal to 15% of the associated earnings.  Simple right?  Maybe not but it's a lot easier to understand than a $70,000 tax bill for going even $1 above your contributions limit.

These new rules apply to excess non-concessional contributions made from the 2013/14 financial year onwards.  So, if you were affected by excess contributions tax, something can be done about it.