A Taxpayer’s Guide to Income Distribution Strategies

Managing household finances and tax liabilities efficiently is a key concern for many couples. One question that often arises is whether it’s possible to split taxable income with a spouse to reduce the overall tax burden. As an individual taxpayer, understanding the legal and practical aspects of income splitting can help you navigate this complex area. Here’s what you need to know.

1. What is Income Splitting?

  • Definition: Income splitting involves distributing income between spouses to take advantage of lower tax rates, thereby reducing the overall tax liability of the household.
  • Common Misconception: Many believe they can simply transfer a portion of their income to a lower-earning spouse. However, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has strict rules governing income splitting.

2. Legal Considerations

  • ATO Regulations: The ATO has put in place measures to prevent what it considers tax avoidance through income splitting. It’s important to ensure that any income distribution strategy complies with these regulations.
  • General Anti-Avoidance Rules: The ATO’s general anti-avoidance rules (Part IVA) can apply if the primary purpose of an arrangement is to gain a tax benefit.

3. Legitimate Income Splitting Strategies

  • Investment Income: Couples can structure their investments in a way that the income generated is taxed more favorably. For instance, investing in the name of the lower-income-earning spouse.
  • Family Trusts: A family trust can be a legal way to distribute investment income among family members, including spouses, in a tax-effective manner.

4. Superannuation Splitting

  • Contribution Splitting: Superannuation contribution splitting allows a portion of your concessional super contributions to be transferred to your spouse’s super account.
  • Retirement Phase: In retirement, income stream payments can be structured in a tax-effective manner between spouses.

5. Business Arrangements

  • Employing a Spouse: If your spouse works in your business, you can pay them a salary or wages. However, the remuneration must be appropriate for the work performed and at market rates.
  • Business Structures: Using business structures like partnerships or trusts can offer more flexibility in how income is distributed, but it must be done within legal guidelines.

6. Risks of Non-Compliant Income Splitting

  • Penalties and Scrutiny: Non-compliant income splitting can attract significant penalties and increased scrutiny from the ATO.
  • Professional Advice is Key: Consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure any income splitting strategies are compliant and effective.

7. Seeking Professional Tax Advice

  • Tailored Strategies: A tax professional can provide advice on legally permissible income splitting strategies that suit your individual circumstances.
  • Ensuring Compliance: Professional guidance is crucial to ensure that you stay within the legal framework and avoid penalties.


While income splitting can be an effective strategy to reduce the overall tax liability for a couple, it is vital to approach it with a clear understanding of the legal boundaries set by the ATO. Legitimate strategies such as investment structuring, superannuation splitting, and proper employment remuneration in a family business can be considered. To navigate this complex area, seeking professional tax advice is highly recommended to ensure compliance and optimise tax outcomes.