Tasplan members can make contributions to the Plan on behalf of their spouse. This applies even if the spouse is self employed or not employed. There is no limit on the amount of spouse contributions that can be made.

Spouse contributions can provide tax related advantages, because in some circumstances a tax rebate is allowed on these contributions.

Spouse means a legal or de facto husband or wife. A de facto spouse means a person who lives with the member on a genuine domestic basis as the partner of the member.

Under law at this time, a spouse or de facto spouse refers to heterosexual relationships only.

How spouse contributions can benefit your family
Spouse contributions can result in tax advantages for the family. You may be able to apply for a tax rebate of up to $540 when $3,000 or more is paid in spouse contributions. In addition, you may benefit from tax advantages through splitting retirement income.

The tax rebate is only available in situations where:

• The spouse making contributions (the contributing spouse) must be married or living in a bona-fide de facto relationship with the person for whom they are making the contribution (the receiving spouse) and the relationship must be heterosexual.
• The contributing spouse and the receiving spouse must be living together.
• The contributing spouse must make after-tax (ie. not salary sacrifice) contributions on behalf of his or her spouse.
• The receiving spouse must be earning less than $13,800 per annum. The rebate is calculated on a sliding scale, applying in full if the receiving spouse earns less than $10,800 per annum, and cutting out at earnings of $13,800 and above.
• Both the contributing and receiving spouses must be Australian residents.
• The contributing spouse must derive at least $1 of assessable income from any source, either investment or employment.
• The receiving spouse must not be employed by the contributing spouse.
• The receiving spouse must be less than 65 years of age (the contributing spouse can be any age).
• The receiving spouse does not have to ever have worked in paid employment.

Becoming a spouse member is easy
Simply complete and forward a Spouse Application form. You can contact us to receive a copy in the mail, or download a copy online.

Before completing the Spouse Application form you should read the Tasplan Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

When an account is opened for spouse contributions, the receiving spouse becomes a member of Tasplan and the superannuation account is in the receiving spouse's name.

What services are spouse members entitled to with Tasplan?
Spouse members are able to take full advantage of our range of services. Spouse members may be eligible for insurance cover with Tasplan, you should read the relevant section of Tasplans PDS.

That means that spouse members can:

• Choose an investment option
• Make personal contributions
• Arrange for employer contributions to go into their Tasplan account
• Rollover other funds into Tasplan
• Seek free financial advice about their Tasplan account
• Have access to low-cost home loans and banking products

How to make spouse contributions
A completed Spouse Contribution Voucher must accompany every spouse contribution, or Tasplan is unable to accept them.

A book of Spouse Contribution vouchers can be obtained by calling us, or you can download a form whenever you need one.

The form requires confirmation that you meet the Federal Government's eligibility rules for spouse contributions, set out above.

Please seek professional advice
As spouse contributions may have a tax impact for you, we recommend you seek professional financial and taxation advice before taking any action. Tasplan members have access to free financial planning advice about their superannuation benefit. Call 1800 005 166 or email us to request an appointment.