Salary packaging saves employees thousands of dollars per year. While most people are aware of common items you can salary package, there are a handful of surprising (and amazing) things that you could be salary packaging, but didn’t know about. In this article, we’ll cover the 7 most surprising things you can salary package, and the benefits of each one, to help you maximise your benefits and have more spending money.
A work laptop
A portable laptop is an essential tool for most professionals these days. It’s also the first item on our list that you can salary package and save on. By salary packaging a laptop, you’ll reduce your taxable income while getting the equipment you need for work anyway.
With the rise of remote work and the increasing reliance on technology, having a reliable laptop is non-negotiable. Salary packaging your laptop not only saves you money but also ensures that you have exactly what you need to perform your job well.
Bluetooth headphones
Bluetooth headphones are becoming a must-have accessory for professionals who spend a lot of time on calls or in meetings. And yes, you can salary package them. Score! Salary packaging some shiny new headphones can reduce your taxable income, just like with a laptop. This means you can get high-quality headphones at a lower cost, improving your work experience and productivity.
High-quality Bluetooth headphones mean clear communication for all your meetings, ensuring that you are always connected through crystal-clear sound – and all while saving through salary packaging them with pre-tax dollars.
A Smartwatch
A smartwatch is an amazing tool for managing your time, staying connected, and tracking your health. Salary packaging a smartwatch allows you to pay for it with pre-tax income, making it more affordable to get the one you really want. Smartwatches are particularly beneficial for people who use their smartwatch for work-related tasks, like receiving notifications, managing schedules, and staying organised. They’re also packed with the latest health apps, so you can stay organised, stay healthy – and save by salary packaging your new smartwatch!
Remote Area Benefits
In addition to the fresh air and beautiful environment around you, there are even more perks to living in remote areas. Salary packaging remote area benefits offer significant financial advantages for employees living and working in designated remote areas. By taking advantage of these salary packaging options, employees can reduce their taxable income, thereby increasing their take-home pay.
The primary remote area salary packaging benefits include:
- Reimbursements or allowances for rent or mortgage interest
- Subsidies for the cost of fuel used for your residence in remote regions
- Contributions towards the cost of electricity, gas, and other utilities
- Financial assistance for travel expenses when taking annual leave
These benefits not only make living in remote areas slightly easier (and cheaper) but also more attractive for professionals to relocate to these regions. By accessing salary packaging remote area benefits, employees can save on a bunch of different things while enjoying the unique lifestyle that picturesque remote areas offer.
Package Holidays
Imagine being able to pay for your next holiday using pre-tax dollars, making your dream vacation more affordable. Well, dream no more – because you can! By opting to salary package your holiday expenses, you can cover a wide range of costs including flights, accommodation, travel insurance, and tours, all with pre-tax income. This not only reduces your taxable income but also maximises your disposable income, so you can enjoy a more luxurious (or extended) holiday without breaking the bank.
Campsite Fees
While we’re talking about vacations, there’s another unexpected benefit to salary packaging many people don’t know about. Now, enjoying the great outdoors has never been more affordable, thanks to the fact that you can salary package your campsite fees. Yup, by using pre-tax dollars to pay for your campsite expenses, you can significantly reduce your taxable income, leaving more money in your pocket for adventures while you’re away. This can cover a variety of costs, from campsite reservations and park entry fees to associated travel expenses.
For many people, this means more opportunities to bond and explore our beautiful country, without worrying about the financial strain. Plus, the savings on taxes can be redirected towards making your camping experience unforgettable, or that little bit more comfortable. Upgrade your camping gear, extend your stay, or explore new parks and camping spots – the voice is yours.
Entertainment Venue Hire
Whether you’re organising a personal celebration, venue hire can be a significant expense. But while you’re planning the celebration, here’s yet another reason to celebrate – Hiring a venue for entertainment purposes, like a hall for a party or a conference room for an event such as a wedding, can also be salary packaged. This means you can pay for the venue hire with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income and bringing down the overall cost of the event, so you have more to spend on everything from decorations to selfie walls or cake. The choice is yours!
Maximising your benefits
Now that you know about all the other things you can salary package, you’ll be able to maximise your income and reduce your taxable income – while cashing in on the awesome things mentioned above. Make sure you review your salary packaging options regularly and consult with a financial advisor to ensure you are getting the most out of your salary packaging.
These are just a few of the things you can salary package and reap serious rewards. If you’re looking for more information, check out our comprehensive list of benefits and options. Remember to speak to your employer about what salary packaging benefits they offer, or contact us to make sure you’re getting the most out of your arrangement.