Salary Packaging
How do I salary package?
Complete the applicable form and forward it to the Payroll Office, Building 9, Wagga Campus.
Links to the forms are available beneath the descriptions of each of the options on this page or by visiting the Remuneration forms page. A salary packaging calculator is also available.
For complete details and conditions please refer to the Charles Sturt University Voluntary Salary Packaging Scheme Guidelines. [.PDF]
CSU urge staff to seek independent, qualified financial advice.
Options
There are a range of salary packaging options available to staff.
- Laptops - no longer available
- Child Care
- Membership to Professional Associations
- Self Education Expenses
- In House Benefits
- Superannuation
- Corporate Uniforms
- Novated Lease Vehicles
- Financial Advice
Laptops - no longer available
Laptops will no longer be eligible for salary packaging as part of CSU's salary packaging scheme. This is due to changes introduced by the Federal Government in the Budget of May 2008.
The relevant section states:
The Government will tighten the current fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemption for certain work-related items (including laptop computers, personal digital assistants and tools of trade) by ensuring the exemption only applies where these items are used primarily for work purposes. The FBT exemption will generally be limited to one item of each type per employee per year. The measure will apply to items purchased after 7.30 pm (AEST) on 13 May 2008. The measure reduces the FBT concession and tax expenditure for work-related items. Australian Budget Website
Due to the administration that would be involved in reviewing each individual application to make sure the laptop is primarily for work use, CSU is no longer in a position to offer laptops as a salary packaging option.
Child Care
Under current FBT legislation, childcare fees for children of eligible staff at the CSU childrens Centres in Albury and Wagga as well as the Wagga Campus Pre-School are FBT exempt asemployer provided childcare. (The Mitchell Childcare centre does not qualify and is therefore excluded from the scheme.) Other fees and costs (eg excursions, bond etc) cannot be salary packaged. Normal enrolment process applies. Overpayment of fees will be refunded through the payroll system as taxable earnings. Any ability to claim Childcare assistance through the Family Assistance Office or other Government Department may be affected by salary packaging childcare fees. Staff are urged seek financial advice.
- Child Care Packaging Form [.PDF]
- Salary Sacrifice Calculator [.XLS]
Membership to Professional Associations
The cost of professional association directly related to current employment is FBT exempt as an otherwise deductible expense and can be salary packaged. Airport lounge membership is also permitted. A professional association is defined as an organisation whose sole purpose is to enhance the interests of a particular profession, trade or occupation. Trade Unions do not qualify for the scheme. Salary packaging will be by reimbursement. An FBT Expense Declaration is required.
Self Education Expenses (Non HECS Courses)
Fees for prescribed courses directly related to a staff members current position are FBT exempt as otherwise deductible expenses and can be salary packaged. Salary packaging is by fortnightly pre tax payroll deduction for CSU courses. Salary packaging for non CSU courses will be by reimbursement. An FBT Expense Declaration is required.
- Self Education Packaging Form [.PDF]
- Salary Sacrifice Calculator [.XLS]
In House Benefits
In-house fringe benefits up to $1000.00 per FBT year are not Fringe Benefits Taxable. In-house fringe benefits are generally those items identical or similar to those provided to the public in the normal course of business. Eg. Wine from the CSU winery. Salary packaging is by reimbursement. Original receipts should be attached to salary packaging agreement and authority form. Minimum claim of $100.00.
- In House Benefits Form [.PDF]
- Salary Sacrifice Calculator [.XLS]
Superannuation
Salary packaged contributions to Superannuation are exempt from FBT under current legislation. Contributions made through salary packaging are considered to be employer contributions and therefore 15% contributions tax is applied on entry to the fund. Contributions are also considered for superannuation surcharge and RBL calculations. Standard contributions to UniSuper and State Super can be salary packaged, the rate is adjusted to compensate for the contributions tax (eg; 7% contributions become 8.25%) Additional contributions to an eligible superannuation fund can also be packaged. Salary packaging is by payroll deduction. Visit the Superannuation page for more details.
- Superannuation Packaging Form [.PDF]
- Salary Sacrifice Calculator [.XLS]
Corporate Uniforms
The cost of the CSU corporate uniform can be salary packaged.
Financial Advice
Fees for financial advice from an ATO registered tax agent are eligible providing the invoice relates to tax advice incurred in gaining or producing an assessable income. A list of registered tax agents is available at the following link: http://www.tabd.gov.au/list/default.asp. The expense must be incurred in the current financial year.