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Superannuation Guarantee (SG) Opt-Out for High-Income Earners with Multiple Employers

High-income earners with multiple employers, such as doctors working at several hospitals, should review their superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions. Receiving SG from multiple employers can quickly exceed the annual concessional contributions cap, leading to excess contributions tax.

You can manage this risk by applying for the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) Employer Shortfall Exemption Certificate using ATO Form NAT 75067.

1. What the SG Exemption Certificate Does

    The exemption certificate allows you to release one or more employers from their SG obligations for a specific quarter. This helps prevent your total mandated contributions from exceeding the concessional contributions cap.

    Important notes:

    • A separate application is required each financial year.
    • The ATO will update next year’s form to comply with the upcoming superannuation changes.

    2. Who Can Apply?

      Only employees—not employers—can complete Form NAT 75067. You may apply only if all of the following apply:

      • You have more than one employer, and
      • You expect your combined mandated concessional contributions to exceed the annual concessional contributions cap, and
      • You will still receive SG contributions from at least one employer during the quarter covered by the exemption.

      3. Key Deadlines

        Deadlines are strict:

        • The form must be lodged at least 60 days before the first day of the quarter for which the exemption is sought.
        • At this stage of the financial year, you can only apply for the final quarter.
        • This application must be submitted by 31 January.

        Due to the limited application window, many employees miss the deadline each year.

        4. Before You Apply: Potential Impacts

          While the exemption can prevent excess contributions, it may also affect your total remuneration. If you are considering opting out of SG, review the following impacts on your remuneration:

          • If an employer stops SG payments, your total remuneration may decrease unless your salary is adjusted upward.
          • Other employment entitlements linked to ordinary time earnings may also change.
          • Without a compensating salary adjustment, opting out may leave you financially worse off.

          5. If You Don’t Apply and Exceed the Cap

            Exceeding the concessional contributions cap is often less problematic than expected.

            How excess concessional contributions are taxed:

            • They are included in your assessable income for the year.
            • They are taxed at your marginal rate, minus a 15% non-refundable tax offset, which reflects the contributions tax already paid by your super fund.
            • Essentially, the excess is taxed as salary rather than as a super contribution.

            How refunds are processed:

            • Released amounts are paid to the ATO, not directly to you.
            • The ATO:
              • Applies the funds to any outstanding tax obligations, then.
              • Refund the balance to you.

            As a result, missing the SG exemption deadline is often not a significant issue.

            What’s My Next Step?

            If you are unsure whether the SG exemption is right for you or how it may affect your financial position, our superannuation specialists can assist.

            For a free, no-obligation 15-minute online consultation to discuss your SG strategy, book online using the link below or request a callback at 1300 726 082.

            Book a Quick Chat
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            Want to Buy Your Next Property? Here’s How to Release Equity to Help You Get There

            Thinking about your next property purchase but unsure how to free up the money? Releasing equity from your current home could be the key to moving forward faster.

            Before you take the next step, it is important to know what you need to consider to make it work for you.

            Get your property appraised to find out its true market value. This shows how much equity you have built up — the difference between your home’s value and what you still owe. Without knowing this, you will not know how much money you could access.

            Look into cross-collateralising your properties. This means using both your current home and your new purchase as security to increase your borrowing power. It can help you borrow more but it is important to fully understand the risks. If property prices drop or you have trouble making repayments, both properties could be affected.

            Ask yourself these important questions before moving forward

            • What is my home really worth right now
            • How much equity can I safely access
            • Do I understand the risks of cross-collateralisation
            • Will releasing equity affect my future financial plans

            Releasing equity can be a smart way to fund your next purchase without using your savings. But it must be done carefully and with the right advice.

            If you want to explore how much equity you can release and what it means for your next property, we offer free 15-minute chats to guide you through the process.

            Take Charge of Your Mortgage: How Refinancing Can Put You in Control

            Owning your home outright sooner doesn’t have to feel like a distant dream. With the right approach, you can make your mortgage work harder for you and potentially save thousands along the way. Refinancing is one of the smartest tools to help you do just that.

            One of the biggest advantages of refinancing is the opportunity to secure a lower interest rate. Even a small reduction can free up extra cash each month that you can put straight towards reducing your loan faster.

            Refinancing also gives you flexibility. You could make larger monthly payments or add extra lump sums whenever you have the funds. Every extra payment chips away at your mortgage balance and shortens the time it takes to pay it off.

            Another option is to reduce your loan term. While this may increase your monthly repayments, it means owning your home sooner and saving a significant amount on interest over the life of your loan.

            Refinancing is more than just switching loans. It’s about taking control, making smarter choices, and moving closer to financial freedom. If you’d like to explore how it could work for you, we offer free 15-minute chats to walk you through your options and answer any questions.

            Is It Time for a Mortgage Health Check? What You Need to Know Before Switching

            Have you stopped to think if your current mortgage is still the best deal for you? With interest rates, fees and your personal finances always changing, a mortgage health check might be exactly what you need. But before you rush to switch, there are some important things to consider.

            First, be clear about your goals. Do you want to reduce your monthly repayments, pay off your loan faster, or maybe get more flexibility to access your equity for renovations or investments? Knowing what you want helps you find a loan that works with your plans, not against them.

            Switching your mortgage isn’t always free. There are often costs involved like exit fees, application charges, valuation fees and sometimes break costs if you have a fixed rate. It’s important to work out if these costs are worth it compared to the savings you expect from switching. Sometimes the upfront costs might outweigh the benefits for a while.

            Don’t just look at your current lender. Shopping around with other banks, credit unions or non-bank lenders can reveal better interest rates, useful features or better service. Make sure you compare all the options that fit your needs before making a decision.

            Ultimately, switching your mortgage should help you save money or reach your goals sooner. Ask yourself how much this switch will save you each month or over the life of your loan. Even small savings add up over time and can make a big difference to your finances.

            A mortgage health check is a smart way to make sure your loan is still right for you. But switching without all the facts can cost you more in the long run. If you want help reviewing your mortgage and understanding your options, we offer free 15-minute chats with no obligation.  To book in your free, no-obligation digital consultation, click the link below:

            Is Your Mortgage Still Working for You — or Is It Holding You Back?

            When was the last time you reviewed your mortgage?

            Most people set up their loan and never look at it again. But with rising interest rates, changing financial goals and life moving fast, what once made sense might now be costing you.

            If your loan hasn’t changed, but your life has, it could be time for a closer look.

            Here is what you should consider.

            • The Current Interest Rate Environment: Rates have shifted and continue to change. If your rate is no longer competitive, you could be paying more than you need to. A quick review might unlock better options.
            • Cash Flow: Is your loan putting pressure on your budget? The right structure can improve your monthly cash flow and give you more breathing room.
            • Future Financial Goals: Whether you’re planning to invest, renovate or upgrade, your mortgage should support your next move, not slow you down.
            • Life Changes: A new job, a growing family or preparing for retirement can all affect what kind of loan works best. Your mortgage should move with you, not stay stuck in the past.

            A simple mortgage review could help you save money, reduce stress and align your loan with where life is heading next.

            We offer free 15-minute chats to help you check if your current structure is still the right fit. To book in your free, no-obligation digital consultation, click the link below:

            How Is My Borrowing Power Calculated?

            Before you start house hunting, it is important to know how much you can borrow. This one number can shape your entire property journey.

            Lenders look at more than just your income. They want to be sure you can repay the loan comfortably, even if interest rates go up. This is referred to as ‘loan servicability’.

            Here is what they focus on:

            • Your Income versus Expenses: They check how much you earn compared to what you spend. This includes everyday costs, existing loans and credit card limits.They also apply a three percent buffer on top of the current interest rate to see if you could still manage the repayments in tougher conditions.
            • Debt-to-Income Ratio: This measures your total debt against your yearly income. Most lenders want this number to be under six. That means if you earn eighty thousand a year, your total debt should stay under four hundred and eighty thousand.
            • Why It Matters: Understanding these numbers puts you in a stronger position. A few small changes to your finances could increase your borrowing power and open more doors.

            We can help you get clear on your numbers and show you your options. To book in your 15-minute free, no-obligation digital consultation, click the link below:

            Mortgage Broker vs Bank: What You Should Know

            Getting a home loan can be a stressful and time-consuming process. You go from bank to bank, comparing rates, filling out forms, and hoping you are not missing a better deal somewhere else.

            But there is another way. More buyers and homeowners are now turning to mortgage brokers for one simple reason. They make the whole thing easier.

            Unlike banks, mortgage brokers work with a wide range of lenders. This gives you more choice and a better chance of finding the right loan for your situation.

            Here are why more people are choosing brokers over banks.

            More Loan Options

            Banks can only offer their own products. That means you are limited to whatever they have on their books.

            Mortgage brokers have access to multiple lenders. This means you get:

            • More loan products to choose from
            • Competitive interest rates
            • A better fit for your personal situation

            Free of Charge & Best Interest for the Borrower

            An independent Mortgage broker is paid by the bank or the financial institution providing the loan when the loan is written, and a typical mortgage broker in Australia does not  charge any additional service fee on top.

            This however doesn’t mean they are at the lender’s interest – in the contrary, the best way for the mortgage broker to secure  the loan is to make sure they offer their client the best possible borrowing solution and loan product, making an indepedent mortgage broker more likely to act on their clients’ best interest than those working for, or are associated with a set bank or financial institute.

            Saves You Time and Effort

            Shopping around with different banks can take hours. A broker does the heavy lifting for you. You only need to explain your situation once, and they will take care of the rest.

            You save:

            • Time comparing offers
            • Energy filling out the same details again and again
            • The stress of back-and-forth with different banks

            One Contact the Whole Way Through

            Banks often change staff, which means you might speak to someone different every time you call. That makes it harder to get clear answers or updates.

            When you work with a broker:

            • You deal with one person from start to finish
            • You get consistent support
            • You know who to call if you have questions

            Here to Help

            Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing or investing, we are here to make the process simple. We listen, compare, and support you every step of the way.

            Let’s Talk

            We offer free 15-minute chats with no obligation. Whether you are ready to get started or just exploring your options, we are here for you. To book in your free, no-obligation digital consultation, click the link below:

            Co-Living vs Traditional Property Management: Could Your Property Become a Co-Living Rental?

            You’ve probably heard about co-living popping up as a popular rental option, but how does it really compare to the traditional way of leasing a property? And more importantly, could your home be a good fit for co-living?

            Let’s break it down.

            How Traditional Rentals Work

            With traditional rentals, you lease the whole property to one tenant or household under a single agreement. It’s straightforward, reliable, and usually involves fewer day-to-day hassles.

            What Makes Co-Living Different?

            • Co-living means renting out individual rooms to separate tenants who share common spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, lounge, and outdoor areas. Each tenant has their own lease, making it more flexible.
            • This setup is especially popular with students, young professionals, or newcomers who want affordable rent but also a sense of community.

            What You Need to Know About Co-Living

            • You can legally rent rooms to up to three single tenants. If there are four or more tenants, the property becomes a rooming house, which requires a different licence and follows stricter rules.
            • Co-living can bring in more rental income because you are renting by the roomHowever, keep in mind, as a co-living property landlord, you will still be required to cover items usually not required by a traditional rental such as utilities since these homes aren’t separately metered. That can add to your costs.
            • Managing co-living properties takes more time. With several tenants, there’s more communication, maintenance, and coordination involved, which usually means higher management fees.
            • All shared areas must be fully furnished and comfortable. This not only attracts tenants but also helps meet co-living standards.

            Most residential properties can become co-living spaces, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons. If you are looking to boost your rental income and don’t mind the extra work involved in managing multiple tenants, co-living could be a great option.

            However, if you prefer a simpler setup with just one lease and fewer tenants, traditional renting might suit you better. It is also vital to remember that renting to four or more separate tenants without the proper licence is illegal, so knowing the rules and staying compliant is essential.

            If you want to find out whether co-living could work for your property or need guidance on the legal and management side of things, we’re here to help.

            Interested in Exploring Co-Living?

            Reach out for a free 15-minute, no-obligation chat and let’s explore your options together.

            Celebrating Our 2025 IMPACT Award Winners 🎉

            We’re thrilled to share some incredible news. Two of our outstanding team members have been recognised at this year’s IMPACT Awards for their dedication, expertise and exceptional contribution.

            • Jo Bekiaris has been named Practice Support of the Year for her tireless work behind the scenes. Her attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence keep everything running smoothly for our clients and our team.

            • David Romanovski has been awarded Investment Adviser of the Year in recognition of his deep financial knowledge and genuine care for his clients. His advice is thoughtful, tailored and consistently puts people first.

            We couldn’t be prouder of Jo and David. Their awards are more than individual achievements — they reflect the high standards and people-first values we uphold as a firm.

            If you’re looking for financial guidance from a team that’s trusted, proven and passionate about what they do, book a free 15-minute meeting with us today. Let’s talk about how we can help you reach your goals.

            Managing Multiple Rental Properties? Here’s How a Non-Geographically Bound Team Can Make Your Life Easier

            Owning several rental properties is a smart way to grow your wealth but managing them through different agencies can quickly become a full-time job — and not the kind you signed up for.

            If you are juggling multiple contacts, chasing conflicting updates, or feeling the strain of scattered information, it might be time to think about bringing everything under one singular, trusted agency. The benefits are more than just convenience; they could change how you manage your entire portfolio.

            Why Bringing All Your Properties Together Makes a Real Difference?

            • Simplified communication and clear transparency Having all your properties managed under one roof means one point of contact who keeps you informed. No more juggling different agents or wondering what is going on. Everything is organised and transparent under a single roof, so you always know exactly where things stand across all your properties.
            • Stronger negotiating power and personalised service A single agency managing your full portfolio means better rates and customised service options tailored to your goals. You become a valued client, not just another property, and your needs get priority attention.
            • Easier financial management and consistent compliance Consolidating your properties with one agency means unified financial reports, making tax time and budgeting simpler. Plus, you can trust that all your properties meet legal and regulatory requirements consistently, removing that extra layer of stress.

            Let’s Make Managing Your Portfolio Easy

            Reach out today for a free 15-minute, no-obligation conversation about how we can help you streamline your property management. Whether you have two rentals or twenty, we will show you how one dedicated team can save you time, reduce stress, and help you get more from your investments.

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            The Hopkins Group

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            Level 23, 500 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3001

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