Saving tax by adding to your spouse's super

If your spouse earns a low income and you make a contribution of at least $3,000 to their super, you will increase their super and be able to claim a tax benefit. You may be eligible to receive a tax offset of up to $540.

This strategy is particularly suitable ifyour spouse does not earn their income from an eligible employment or carrying on a business.

If this is the case then your spouse may be better off topping up their super to receive the government co-contribution (see number two).

Harry (age 40) earns $85,000 per annum (pa), and his wife Julie takes care of their two young children, and earns $10,000pa from investments. If Peter contributes $3,000 into Julie's superannuation by the end of financial year he is able to use the contribution to offset his tax by $540.