What changed on 1 July 2013?

Here's a brief summary of what changed on 1 July:

• The minimum rate for superannuation guarantee contributions increases from 9% to 9.25%.  The rate will continue to increase steadily until it reaches 12% from 1 July 2019 onwards.
• The upper age limit for super guarantee has been removed.  That means eligible employees aged 70 and over will receive super guarantee.
• For those aged 60 and over, you will be able to contribute more to superannuation with the concessional contributions cap increasing to $35,000 (up from $25,000).  The concessional contributions cap for those aged 50 and over will increase to $35,000 from 1 July 2014.
• An increased tax rate applies on contributions made by high-income earners with a 'total income' in excess of $300,000.
• The net medical expenses tax offset (NMETO) will be abolished although there will be a transitional period for those currently claiming the offset.  The NMETO previously allowed you to claim a tax offset for medical expenses above the threshold.

For the 2013 income year, companies will be able to carry back up to $1m of tax losses incurred in the 2013 income year to recoup tax paid for the 2012 income year.  This change assumes the legislation makes it through Parliament. The refundable tax offset that can be claimed is limited to the company's franking account balance for that year.