Monday, 2 January 2012

Introduction to First Home Saver Account

By David Martin


Due to the increasing recession and other financial problems, it has become quite difficult for people to invest huge amount to purchase their first home. In order to help such people, the government has taken effective steps to fulfill their dreams of owning a house of their own.

The federal government has lately launched The First Home Saver Account, also known as FHSA, to help all those people who are looking for their first homes. It has also provided some contributions to FHSA and the interest that accumulates on this account is normally taxed at lower rates. It is a great opportunity for people who want to buy their home for the first time where the buyer has to save deposit by this effective and tax saving account. Thus, FHSA has proved to be quite beneficial for first home buyers. This program was launched in the year 2007 by Prime Minister Rudd as a simple tax saving program. It offers governmental assistance to support people to start saving for their first homes in Australia.

Australia has one of the highest house prices in the developed and first home buyers must save a good amount of money to buy a residence for the first time to reside there and also you are capable to save almost $1000 yearly, then you can enjoy the benefits of FHSA program. You can not withdraw till you have made a minimum contribution of $1000 yearly. You can withdraw the entire amount to purchase your first home in Australia. You can avail tax exemption by doing so. You should be above 18 years ofage or below 65 years of age to be qualified for this program. Moreover, you need to submit your tax file number too. Also, if you wish to avail FHSA program, you must never have asked for it before this. And this is for your first home in Australia. Also, you don't need to have any other savings along with this otherwise, you have to open a new and your own FHSA.

To fast track your savings the first home saver account is perfect. You can instantly deposit your money and you are obliged to keep the savings in your account for minimum 4 years. The minimum balance thats need to be maintained is cap of $75,000. Until you reach this amount, you should save and invest your money in your account. The government will then chip in with their contribution once your account reached the required balance.

You are not allowed to do any partial withdrawal from this account and if you withdraw the balance, your account is closed. The users of FHSA can enjoy tax benefits as the government will contribute 17% of every $5000 that you save as an index amount. Also, the income tax is usually charged more than 15%, but for FHSA earnings, the tax rate is of 15% only. Moreover, you need not pass any security asset tests for this account. However, you can operate this account till you purchase your home in Australia or till you become 65 years old.




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