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Investment bonds should be considered for retirement planning

Retirement planning is a critical aspect of financial health, yet many Australians are overlooking some of the most effective tools available for securing a financially stable future.

Ahead of an expected $4.9 trillion wealth transfer from Baby Boomers and their parents to the next generation by 2034, investment bonds stand out, particularly in terms of tax efficiency and estate planning.

Investment bonds are not a new structure – they have been around for many years. But they are proving to be an increasingly valuable addition to the financial planning toolkit as other investment vehicles become more limited due to changing regulations and taxation.

What is an investment bond?

Investment bonds are a flexible savings product that can grow investors’ money over time to help them achieve long-term financial goals. This can include supplementing retirement savings, assisting in estate planning and intergenerational wealth transfer, investing on behalf of children, or simply investing in a tax effective manner.

An investment bond is primarily used for investment purposes rather than protection and offer a range of investment options. They are managed under a tax-paid framework, which sets them apart from other investment vehicles like direct shares or managed funds.

How do investment bonds work?

Investment bonds operate under a simple structure: investors make an initial lump sum investment or frequent contributions over time. The returns on these bonds are subject to a maximum tax rate of 30 per cent, which is significantly lower than the personal tax rate for higher income earners in Australia. This tax is paid within the bond, meaning it does not contribute to an investor’s personal income tax liabilities.

If the investment bond is held for at least ten years, withdrawals from the bond are tax-free. This feature allows for effective tax planning, particularly for those who are at or near their superannuation contribution limits and seek additional avenues to accumulate wealth for retirement.

The overlooked benefits in estate planning

Setting up a will can be overwhelming and confronting, and yet despite their substantial benefits, investment bonds are often overlooked in estate planning.

They provide a straightforward way to pass wealth to beneficiaries outside of the complex and sometimes contentious process of wills and probate. Investment bonds can be set up to directly transfer to a named beneficiary upon the investor’s death, ensuring that the transition of wealth is smooth and not subject to legal disputes.

This direct transfer capability makes investment bonds a powerful tool for intergenerational wealth transfer. The tax-paid status of the bond also means that beneficiaries receive the proceeds without additional tax liabilities, which is a significant advantage over other forms of inheritance that might be taxed as income or capital gains.

Investment bonds and wealth transfer

There are also compelling tax benefits for beneficiaries of investment bonds.

The ability to nominate beneficiaries and the tax-free status upon transfer make investment bonds particularly attractive for intergenerational wealth planning. You can nominate a beneficiary anytime to receive the proceeds of the investment bond in the event of your death—tax free—without needing to apply for probate or for your estate to be potentially contested.

For example, grandparents can establish an investment bond that names their grandchildren as beneficiaries, providing a tax-effective gift that matures when they deem appropriate, typically when the grandchild reaches a certain age. All the while, the bond is accumulating returns without the high rate of tax that minors pay coming into play on earnings within the bond, or affecting their personal tax when they start work.

No annual review or renewal is required, and you can update your nominated beneficiaries at any time.

Investment bonds and retirement planning

Investment bonds are not just another investment option; they are a strategic tool that complements superannuation, especially for those who have maximised their contribution limits. They offer flexibility in access and withdrawals, which is particularly appealing for retirees who might need liquidity before reaching the age conditions imposed by superannuation funds.

Furthermore, the tax treatment of investment bonds makes them an ideal choice for high-income earners looking to manage their taxable income more effectively. By investing in a bond, they can potentially lower their taxable income while still achieving significant returns on their investments.

Summary

Investment bonds offer a unique combination of flexibility, tax efficiency, and strategic benefits for estate planning, making them an excellent addition to any retirement plan. Their potential for intergenerational wealth transfer further enhances their appeal, providing a straightforward and tax-effective method to support future generations.

Given these compelling advantages, it is crucial for Australians to consider investment bonds in their retirement planning. By integrating these instruments into a broader financial strategy, people can achieve greater financial security and peace of mind, knowing that their retirement and the well-being of their descendants are well catered for.

 

Josh Chye leads the Melbourne HLB Mann Judd Tax Consulting division. This article is for general information only. It should not be accepted as authoritative advice and any person wishing to act upon the material should obtain properly considered advice which will take into account their own specific circumstances.

 

4 Comments
Mel
July 06, 2024

I agree with Steve. Returns are subdued in the same investment category in comparison. Does anyone know of good returns? However, if you are certain partners/children from previous/new marriage are going to contest your will, investment bonds supposedly reduce that risk. I also agree with Dave - same issue with financial planners. Need some dynamite SPF+100 to protect from their burn!

Steve Dodds
June 29, 2024

You can buy them directly from the bond providers. Just Google Investment Bonds.

My concern would be whether the emphasis on tax efficiency disguises less than stellar performance.

Australian Unity, for example, uses Vanguard to manage their bonds.

But checking the data on their site, the performance of the various funds seems to be consistently at least 3% worse than the underlying Vanguard fund. The balanced fund, for example, returned 9.49% in the last year when purchased through Vanguard. But 6.04% when purchased via an investment bond.

Given the holding requirements, the sellers of these bonds quite rightly stress the miracle of compounding that generates returns.

But that extra 3%, compounded, more than compensates for any tax savings.

I assume the difference is due to fees. But 3.5% is pretty hefty impost.

It is nice to be able to nominate a minor as the beneficiary, but you can do the same thing via many brokers using a Minor Trust account. I did just this a few years ago for my then 8 year old. To avoid any potential tax on earnings, simply pick a fund that doesn't pay any dividends.

I chose HYGG, an aggressive growth fund on the basis that over the long term it's volatility would be smoothed out, but even the far more conservative IOO would provide returns triple that of a bond.

Paul
July 24, 2024

I think you will find that majority of the difference you are noting in the investment return you have compared is the 30% tax rate that applies within the Investment Bond itself.
9.49% less 30% tax rate is 6.64%, less admin fee in Australian Unity of 0.60% equals 6.04%. When the Bond provider reports the Vanguard return, this 30% earnings tax is deducted.
When comparing to the Vanguard site no tax is deducted from the return quoted as Vanguard to do not know who the end investor is - 15% if a super fund, 0% if a pension fund, ?% depending on the marginal tax rate of the investor.
The bond itself doesn't change the performance of an investment, it is the tax rate that does

Dave Roberts
June 28, 2024

How do we go about getting investment bonds? Do I have to use a financial planner? I’ve been burnt by a planner previously.

 

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