Planning is essential for successful retirement. Initially you need to ask yourself some very difficult questions that you may not be ready to answer, but the earlier you consider them, the better prepared you will be.
Some questions to ask can include:
- What do you want your retirement to look like?
- How much will you need on an annual basis to support your desired lifestyle?
Ideally, you want 5-10 years to plan for retirement. The longer you allow yourself, the easier it will be to reach your goal. If selling the business part of your plan, the aim is to secure the best price and maximise your return after tax. So, what factors should you consider for retirement?
What’s your business currently worth?
You should never assume your business’ worth. If you plan to sell for retirement, understanding its value is critical. It provides a starting point and allows you to build a growth strategy in order to achieve your desired sale price.
How can you increase the business’ value?
Firstly, you should ensure you have solid processes in place so the business can operate independently. This will safeguard the business, allowing it to continue growing in order to maximise your sale price. It’s also important to secure future revenue dreams. By securing contracts to guarantee future revenue, this will increase the value of the business.
Understand whether tax concessions apply
It’s important to understand what small business tax CGT concession can apply. These include:
- Small business 15 years exemption
- Small business 50 per cent active asset reduction
- Small business retirement exemption
- Small business rollover
The key is to obtain advice early in the process. A tax advisor will assist you in estimating the tax payable, and this will provide you with certainty in relation to the net proceeds you will receive after tax.
Implementing a contribution strategy to maximise your superannuation
When planning for retirement, maximising your superannuation balance is a tax-effective strategy. The fund has a tax rate of 15 per cent, enabling you to grow your investments in a tax-effective manner, building wealth for your retirement. The more time you give yourself, the best chance you have to maximise your superannuation.
Have a plan for your spare time
After years of owning and running a business, it’s critical that you continue to find fulfillment. Whether it be taking up a hobby, spending more structured time with family, or leveraging your experience and skills for consulting services or mentoring. The step to refocusing on your life plan is just as important as maximising your value for selling your business.
We’re here to help
A successful retirement comes down to planning – it’s never too early to start. If you’d like to discuss planning for your retirement and the best strategy for your situation, please reach out to our national team of accredited family business advisors for a conversation today.
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