COVID-19 early release of super extended

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Release of Superannuation on Compassionate Grounds) Regulations (No 3) 2020, registered on 3 September 2020, give effect to the Government’s extension of the COVID-19 early release of superannuation up to $10,000 until 31 December 2020.

As part of the Economic and Fiscal Update in July 2020, the Government announced that it would extend the application period to allow those dealing with adverse economic effects of COVID-19 to access up to $10,000 of their super (tax-free) for the 2020–2021 year.

These regulations amend reg 6.19B(2) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SIS Regs) to allow an application via the myGov website to access $10,000 of super until 31 December 2020 (extended from 24 September). Eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents were also able to access up to $10,000 of their super for the 2019–2020 year by 1 July 2020.

The changes under the new regulations apply from 4 September 2020. In accordance with the original provisions, provided that a valid application is made by 31 December 2020, the ATO can make a determination to release up to $10,000 of super after the application period has expired.

If you would like to know more please contact one of our accountants on 07 4639 1099 or come in and see us at 4 Bowen Street Toowoomba.