Facing redundancy can feel like the rug’s been pulled out from under you. It often arrives without warning, leaving many Australians uncertain about what’s next. Redundancy doesn’t have to be the end of the road—it can be the start of something new. With the right mindset and financial guidance, it’s an opportunity to regroup, refocus, and rebuild.
Understanding Your Redundancy Payout
In Australia, redundancy payments typically include a mix of:
- Genuine redundancy payment (partially tax-free)
- Unused annual and long service leave
- Employment termination payment (ETP)
Each component is taxed differently:
- Genuine redundancy payments are tax-free up to a threshold: $12,524 plus $6,264 for each full year of service (2024–25 financial year).
- Unused leave entitlements are taxed at a maximum rate of 32% including the Medicare levy.
- ETPs are concessionally taxed up to a cap of $245,000 for 2024–25, depending on your age and the structure of the payment.
These rules can seem complex, but they also offer opportunities to structure your payout in a way that protects your wealth and minimises tax.
What If You Land on Your Feet Quickly?
While some may face extended job searches, others transition into new roles rapidly. Ironically, this can create tax complications. Additional income from a new job—on top of your redundancy payout—could push you into a higher marginal tax bracket.
Here are some strategies to help manage the impact:
- Make Strategic Super Contributions
Consider directing part of your payout into superannuation. Both concessional (pre-tax) and non-concessional (after-tax) contributions can improve your tax position and boost your retirement savings.
- Stagger the Timing of Payments
If possible, negotiate with your employer to defer some components of your payout into the next financial year to avoid income stacking.
- Claim Eligible Deductions
Expenses such as self-education, financial advice, and job-seeking costs may be tax-deductible and reduce your assessable income.
- Explore Investment Bonds
These are taxed internally at a flat 30% and, if held for 10 years, can be withdrawn tax-paid—making them a potential long-term wealth strategy.
- Draft a Transitional Budget
Avoid lifestyle inflation. Even if you’re earning again, preserving part of your payout and planning around your new cash flow is wise.
- Seek Professional Guidance Early
Financial advisers—can run tailored tax simulations, explore cash flow options, and help you make the most of your payout.
A Positive Outlook: It’s a Pivot Point
Clients who turned redundancy into a springboard:
- Launching small businesses based on long-held passions
- Re-entering education to pivot into new industries
- Using the break to rebalance life priorities
- Transitioning into early or semi-retirement
Redundancy might close one chapter, but it also clears the slate for something new—perhaps something even better aligned with your values and goals.
