At this time of year, when giving is particularly on our minds, some might turn their attention to how best share their wealth or an unexpected windfall with their loved ones.
You might be thinking about handing over a lump sum to help them with a major purchase or business opportunity, or be keen to help reduce or extinguish their student loans. Alternatively, it might be about helping to solve a housing problem.
Whatever the reason there are some rules that it is worth being aware of to ensure both you and they are protected.
Giving a cash gift
You can give anyone, family or not, a gift of cash for any amount and, as long as you don’t materially benefit from the gift or expect anything in return, no tax is paid on the amount by either you or the receiver.i
The same applies if you’re planning to pay out your child’s student loans.
However, be aware that if the beneficiary of your cash gift is receiving a government benefit, such as an unemployment benefit or a student allowance, there is a limit on the size of the gift they can receive without it affecting their payments.
They may receive up to $10,000 in one financial year or $30,000 over five financial years (which can not include more than $10,000 in one financial year).ii
Helping out with housing
Many parents also like to help their children get into the property market, where possible.
It’s been a difficult time for many in the past few years in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the rising cost of living and interest rates, and a housing crisis.
A Productivity Commission report released this year found that while most people born between 1976 and 1982 earn more than their parents did at a similar age, income growth is slower for those born after 1990.iii
With money tight and house prices climbing, three in five renters don’t believe they will ever own a home even though most (78 per cent) want to be homeowners, according data collected by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).iv
Just over half of those surveyed (52 per cent) were renting because they didn’t have enough for a home deposit and 42 per cent said they couldn’t afford to buy anything appropriate, the AHURI survey found.
So, in this climate, help from parents to buy a home isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s becoming a necessity for many.
Moving home
Allowing your adult child, perhaps with a partner and family, to share the family home rent-free is common option, giving them the chance to save up for a deposit.
One Australian survey found that one-in-10 people had moved back in with their parents either to save money or because they could no longer afford to rent.v
If it gets too much living under the same roof, building a granny flat in your backyard may be an option. Of course there are council regulations to consider, permits to be obtained and the cost of building or buying a kit but on the upside, it may add value to your home.
Becoming a guarantor
Another way to help might be to become a guarantor on your child’s mortgage. This might be the best way into a mortgage for many but before you sign, think it through carefully, understand the loan contract and know the risks.vi
Don’t forget that, as guarantor, you’re responsible for the debt. You will have to step in and repay if the borrower can’t afford to repay, and the loan will be listed as a default on your own credit report.
Any sign that you are being pressured to be a guarantor on a loan may be a sign of financial abuse. There are a number of avenues for advice and support if you’re concerned.
It’s vital that you obtain independent legal advice before signing any loan documents.
If you would like more information about how to provide meaningful financial support to your children, we’d be happy to help.
i Tax on gifts and inheritances | ATO Community
ii How much you can gift – Age Pension – Services Australia
iii Fairly equal? Economic mobility in Australia – Commission Research Paper – Productivity Commission
iv Rising proportion of ‘forever renters’ requires tax and policy re-think | AHURI
v Coming home: 662,000 Australian households reunite with adult children – finder.com.au
