FAQ Superannuation back
Superannuation Return Frequently Asked Questions
- What is superannuation?
- Who is eligible for a superannuation refund?
- How do I claim my Super back?
- When may I claim my superannuation refund?
- How much superannuation can I get back?
- How can Super Return help to get my super back?
- How is Super Return different to other tax and super refund companies?
- How long will it take to get my refund?
- How much does Super Return charge?
1. What is superannuation?
Superannuation is the amount of money set aside for an individual's retirement. This is equivalent to pension or social payments in other countries.
Generally, if you meet the following requirements:
you earned more than $450 per month;
you are over 18 years of age
you are not working in domestic or private services for less than 30hrs/week; and
you are not covered by a bilateral superannuation agreement ( i.e. USA, Netherlands or Portugal employees on secondment in Australia).
Your employer will automatically deduct amounts from your salary/wages and contribute this amount to your superannuation fund on your behalf. The amount deducted is currently 9% of your gross salary.
The amounts paid into your superannuation fund do not appear on your payslips or your Payment Summary. Consequently, you may not be aware of how much these superannuation contributions amount to.
Please contact our friendly staff for an approximate estimate of your superannuationr retun.
2. Who is eligible for a superannuation refund?
Most individuals who have entered Australia on a temporary visa that entitles them to work, and are departing permanently, are eligible for a Superrefund.
However some circumstances might change this eligibility; if you have applied for residency in Australia or you are a New Zealand resident you will not be eligible.
Please contact us if you have further or specific enquiries in regards to superannuation refunds.
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4. When may I claim my superannuation refund?
You will be able to claim your Australian superannuation refund once you have departed Australia and your visa has expired. You will not be able to claim until both these conditions have been satisfied. However, if your visa will still be valid after you have left Australia and you do not intend to return on that visa, we can arrange for it to be cancelled with the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs DIMIA, just ask us for more information.
5. How much superannuation can I get back?
Your employer paid 9% of your Gross into the Super Fund, when you remove it early the government will take 35% Our fee is $250 per application, the rest is yours.
6. How can Backpackers Buddy help in getting my superannuation back?
Backpackers Buddy can organise all necessary documentation and apply to your super fund for your refund for no upfront fee. Backpackers Buddy will ensure you receive the maximum return on your superannuation in the quickest possible time. If you do not receive a refund there is no fee!
To claim back your Super, complete the Super Refund Application.
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7. How is Backpackers Buddy different to other tax and super refund companies?
Backpackers Buddy are registered Tax Agents (no: 57819000) which means they are able to deal directly with ATO for you. They are also Chartered Accountants which is the highest possible accounting qualification in Australia, granted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Australia.
To ensure your security, Backpacker Buddy puts all refund money into a trust account which is audited annually under the regulations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Australia.
The Backpacker Buddy staff have detailed understanding of temporary resident tax and super issues and are willing and able to help you.
If you require more detailed or complicated work and answers, we are associated with a Chartered Accounting firm FWA Eagar&CO and a Financial Planning firm BEX Financial who can give you the expert assistance you require.
8. How long will it take to get my refund?
Approximately 6 weeks after you have permanently left Australia and your visa has expired or being cancelled. This is assuming we have received all the necessary information. If it is necessary to cancel your remaining visa, it will take additional time. Also, if it is necessary to search for lost or unknown superannuation amounts it will take additional time.
9. How much does Backpackers Buddy charge?
Backpacker Buddy aim to get you your maximum super refund as quickly as possible. Our fee for superannuation refund is $250 per application inclusive of GST where applicable. If you have multiple applicaitons we reserve the right to deduct all fee's from the first refund recieved. We charge $25 for additional information requests, such as long phone calls following up your application or completing an unexpected form from your Super company.
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