The measure responds to concerns that meeting the minimum draw down amount in 2008 09 will mean having to sell investments assets and realise losses in a depressed market.
"The Government recognises that the significant downturn in global financial markets has had a negative effect on retirees' superannuation capital in account-based pensions," the Treasurer said.
"In response to these legitimate concerns, the Government will suspend the minimum drawdown requirement for account-based pensions for the second half of 2008-09," Minister Sherry said.
"This will occur through a 50 per cent reduction in the minimum payment amount for 2008 09," Minister Sherry said. For a pension recipient under 65 years of age that will reduce the minimum payment from 4% to 2% per annum.
The temporary relief also addresses the concern that the minimum draw down requirement was set based on asset values as at 1 July 2008, when equity values were higher.
For those people who have already taken half of the current minimum payment for 2008-09, the annual nature of the minimum payment rules means that a further payment will not be required until the end of the 2009-10 year.
"The Government will continue to closely monitor market conditions and examine options for a longer term solution to this issue following the Australia's Future Tax System Review," the Treasurer said.
Currently, it is a requirement that minimum payments be made from a superannuation account-based pension at least annually. Minimum payments are determined by age and the value of the account balance as at 1 July each year. The minimum annual payment rule is designed so that retirees draw down on their superannuation capital over their retirement. This rule recognises that superannuation is designed as a retirement savings vehicle with substantial tax concessions.
The temporary suspension of the minimum payment requirement will apply to account based annuities and pensions (payable since 1 July, 2007); allocated annuities and pensions (pre-dating the Better Super changes); account-based and allocated pensions payable from Retirement Savings Accounts, and market-linked (term allocated) annuities and pensions.
If you are above your preservation age (55 to 60 years of age depending on when you were born) and have superannuation assets not in pension phase this initiative just improved the strategy of moving your superannuation assets to pension phase in order to take advantage of the zero tax pension environment as it means the minimum amount you need to withdraw has halved.
This is one of the most tax effective strategies for retirees and pre retirees.
Gavin Martin is a Financial Adviser, Managing Director of Cornerstone Wealth and founder of www.mastermymoney.com.au
Disclaimer
This article does not take into account the personal objectives, financial situation or needs of any person. You should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs and obtain professional financial advice prior to making any decision.