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Freedom of Information (FOI) laws provides individuals and private entities with powerful rights to access information...
It came as no surprise that the message delivered at the Economic Reform Roundtable was to reduce the “generous”...
The super system’s integrity and the confidence of the broader public should not be collateral damage in the pursuit...
ASIC has permanently banned a South Australian-based SMSF accountant following his conviction of aggravated...
The CEO of one of Australia’s largest super funds has come out in defence of the SMSF...
Compensation payments can cause an SMSF member to exceed their contribution caps, and action may need to be taken to...
Nearly half of Australians support taxes on higher super balances, according to data from a leading trading...
This article focuses on when a non-arm’s length general expense (general NALE) in an SMSF will give rise to...
Tax and superannuation are on the agenda tomorrow at the much-hyped Economic Reform Roundtable, but it seems the $3...
The results of a poll by SMSF Adviser's sister brand, ifa, have shown more than 60 per cent of advisers have at least...
The ATO has reminded SMSF auditors that they must gather sufficient evidence to verify ownership and asset...
Corporate officers face significant risks when attempting to conduct litigation without legal representation, according...
ASIC has banned a Gold Coast-based financial adviser for four years due to providing “inappropriate” advice for...
There is a lot to think about when considering whether to make a downsizer contribution, a wealth management director...
The limited advice sector is “on its knees” and could be so depleted by the end of this calendar year that it would...
One of the challenges that may arise with even a small excess concessional contribution is that it could trigger...
The ATO has released guidance on the evidence that approved SMSF auditors must obtain to meet compliance...
The RBA assistant governor (business services) is set to speak at the Women in Finance Summit...
This decision of the Victorian Supreme Court provides Judicial guidance in response to an application for advice by the...
A large cohort of SMSF specialist advisers remains in limbo regarding the type of conversations they can have with...
While super is transforming retirement for many, a new report has highlighted that some groups remain...
Australia is currently grappling with a complex web of regulatory reforms, which has left many advisers in a state of...
For a relationship of dependency to be established, there must be more than the mere giving of money, a recent Public...
If late super guarantee payments affect a member’s concessional contribution cap, there are steps that can be taken...
Once an LRBA has been repaid, decisions need to be made about whether to keep the asset in the bare trust or transfer...
There’s something about property that SMSF trustees find irresistible. But for every conversation that starts with...
The sole purpose test is one of the most crucial questions to answer for an SMSF that holds business real property, an...
SMSF professionals are being constrained by outdated structures that no longer reflect how Australians seek and receive...
Markets have their answer, with the RBA revealing its rate decision after speculation centred on another cut post last...
ASIC has taken action against a further 28 approved SMSF auditors, bringing the total number for the 2025 financial...
SMSF advisers should be aware of the impact of the outcome of a Victorian Court of Appeal decision regarding property...
There are several grey areas in the new pension rules that could cause issues for SMSF members and their advisers,...
Employee share schemes can present challenges for an SMSF, but there are ways to mitigate them, a leading SMSF...
Despite an individual being dependent on the deceased before they pass away, they do not automatically qualify as a...
Directing superannuation death benefits into an estate to be dealt with under a member’s will is an option, but not...
The government needs to recognise that the current legislation allows for SMSFs to invest in business real property, a...
The new financial year has started, so it’s time to collect and collate SMSF records. This can be a more onerous...
It is unreasonable for the government to expect individuals to respond to the proposed Division 296 tax without an...
Family trust structures are coming under increasing scrutiny by the ATO, a legal specialist has...
Implementing an unlimited non-concessional contributions cap for taxpayers with superannuation balances below $1...
Ahead of his appearance at the upcoming Australian Wealth Management Summit, Hugh Lam, investment strategist at...
In this decision of the Administrative Review Tribunal, the Tribunal mainly upheld all the decisions of the...
Conflicted advice models and inappropriate advice were the “root cause” for the 95 per cent increase in SMSF...
The proposed Division 296 tax is a “beachhead” to open the door to taxing other investments such as shares and...
A family trust may be one of the most flexible vehicles in which to put money outside of super, but future tax...
Now that the financial year has ended, there is a much greater focus on the issue of expenses, especially with the...
Siblings who live together for a period do not qualify as being in an interdependency relationship, according to a...
The first step to get the new 125-year vesting date, or vesting period, is to have a trust governed by Queensland law,...
SMSFs should start preparing for a shift in the compliance environment, particularly around reporting and valuation of...
The Division 296 legislation isn’t something to be laughed at, but one accounting educator decided to try to bring a...
SMSF trustees should not hold the position over multiple entities, including company trusts, a leading adviser has...
While there have been a lot of arguments in favour of utilising deferred tax accounting in relation to Division 296, a...
With the safe harbour provision interest rate for SMSFs with related party loans set for the 2025-26 financial year, a...
If an SMSF is considering adopting tax effect accounting for the first time, the financial statements for the 2024–25...
Australia’s high-net-worth investors are facing a new complexity. The cause? Division 296 – the proposed tax on...
The Shield and First Guardian fund failures have put the spotlight on the entire financial services ecosystem, with the...
Infrastructure is well-positioned to hedge against global uncertainty, according to a global investment chief, and an...
Regulatory headwinds and constantly shifting tariff announcements are making it harder to navigate market complexities,...
In the latest episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn break down some of the alternative...
New Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino has acknowledged that the DBFO reforms are a “complex piece of work”,...
The decision to purchase property through an SMSF requires careful consideration, according to an expert...
A rapid increase in the valuation of farmland without a similar uptick in income generation, an expert has explained,...
A recent Administrative Review Tribunal decision can serve as an illustrative example of what the ATO is looking for in...
Overreliance on AI can present challenges in the SMSF sector, but there are ways to try and navigate around them, a...
Taxing large super balances at an even higher rate than the proposed $3 million super tax – but only when a gain is...
The starting point for determining the actuarial percentage to be used when winding up an SMSF is often the percentage...
With investment in robotics surging and China emerging as a global AI powerhouse, the smart money is flowing into the...
SMSF trustees may start “shopping around” to get the best market valuation for assets with Division 296 tax on the...
Unitholder deeds can be a powerful tool to reduce the risks of dispute, however, advisers who source or provide...
The Tax Office has reminded trustees that SMSFs need to start preparing for their SMSF annual return lodgment, which is...
The concept of dependency is fundamental in a range of estate planning situations.
Ensuring the superannuation system is sustainable is a positive goal, however, there are better methods of achieving...
The FAAA has expressed confidence that the Senate's delayed inquiry into Dixon Advisory, and wealth management...
The association has appointed its acting general manager to the CEO role.
Investors looking beyond short-term fluctuations should consider global listed infrastructure as a core holding,...
The Division 296 bill may not be re-introduced in the first sitting week, but that doesn't mean the spectre of...
Appointing the NSW Trustee and Guardian to act as attorney for an SMSF member who loses capacity presents a number of...
More than 65,000 SMSFs still have outstanding lodgment obligations for the 2023 year, and the ATO said the trend is...
The $3 million super tax bill may not make an appearance during the first two weeks of the new parliament, as the...
Australian retirees could increase their projected annual incomes as much as 51 per cent by incorporating personal and...
Overall AFCA complaints remained above 100,000 for the 2024–25 financial year, while those involving SMSFs increased...
Whether SMSF members should move assets out of super to avoid the proposed $3 million super tax has stirred up...
The ATO has referred 41 auditors to ASIC and a further 36 voluntarily cancelled their registration during...
Submissions and nominations are now open for the highly anticipated Women in Finance Awards 2025.
After launching its platform in trading platform in April, Webull is now offering SMSF, trust and company accounts in a...
The increase in the transfer balance cap from $1.9 million to $2 million is not as simple as it seems, particularly for...
Division 296 will negatively impact all types of investments, including cryptocurrency, an expert has warned....
According to T. Rowe Price Group’s vice president, investment strategies must adapt to an ageing population, as...
There are number of ways SMSFs can receive non-arm’s length income. Part 2 of this three-part series examines some of...
Who takes control of an SMSF when a member dies can present challenges, but they are not insurmountable, a...
As SMSFs are a type of trust, legally they cannot be wound up if they still have assets, an SMSF specialist has...
In the first half of the year, SMSFs with more than $3 million in holdings focused their investments on a mix of...
A 5 to 10 per cent gold allocation in a diversified SMSF portfolio provides a better risk-adjusted return due to...
The ATO is placing increased scrutiny on rental and property-related matters as data suggests around nine out of 10...
One of Australia’s leading accounting bodies has urged the government to reduce red tape to reverse the exodus of...
Submissions and nominations are now open for the Australian AI Awards 2025 — submit now to be recognised for...
The increase of the transfer balance cap from $1.9 million to $2 million is not as simple to understand as it seems. In...
The end of another financial year means we now turn our minds to the 2024–25 tax return. With the Division 296 tax...
An alternative Division 296 proposal has landed with the Prime Minister’s office as a rebuttal to claims that there...
The revised TR2013/5 has now come into effect, and it’s crucial that SMSF trustees understand the ramifications, a...
The shift to SMSFs, particularly among younger, wealthier Australians, is becoming increasingly apparent as they seek...
Start dealing with the implications of the Division 296 tax now or it may be too late, a leading adviser has...
When an SMSF receives an insurance payout under an income protection policy, a few issues need to be addressed, a...
Funding from super is crucial to Australia’s productivity, new research has revealed.
The SMSF Association says it has been briefed on the likelihood of a constitutional challenge to the proposed $3...
There can be significant differences in tax payable depending on whether a benefit paid is a member withdrawal or a...
A new partnership between SuperConcepts and the Australian Shareholders’ Association will benefit the membership base...
While public discourse rages around Labor’s resurrected Division 296, the 15 per cent levy on unrealised...
Until the ATO finalises its NALI ruling, it’s best to get as much documentation on anything that may be considered...
Australian investors are increasingly integrating hedge funds and liquid alternatives into their portfolios as...
Australia’s SMSF sector is bracing for more structural changes, with trustees and their advisers about to be tested...
The cryptocurrency is shaping up to be an asset class that could be advantageous to SMSFs in light of the new super tax...
Australian investors are increasingly integrating hedge funds and liquid alternatives into their portfolios, as...
SMSFs and some large superannuation accounts may need to find funds outside their super accounts or take the extreme...
A stepchild can receive a super death benefit from a step-parent but only if an interdependency relationship still...
SMSFs have topped the list for customer satisfaction across the super industry, according to a new...
Winding up an SMSF can sometimes be tricky, particularly if a pension is involved. What actuarial percentage should be...
An AFCA decision regarding death benefit wishes made via phone to a superannuation fund has been upheld by the Federal...
SMSF investors comprise a significant chunk of the hybrid securities market in Australia, and several specialists have...
The RBA has handed down its much-anticipated rate decision, following widespread expectations of a close...
The ATO’s stricter interpretation of pension rules means SMSF trustees, accountants and advisers must be more...
The date of when a member ceases to be gainfully employed when determining “days to retirement” is not the last...
The majority of older Australians want the ability to make direct super contributions into a retirement account,...
Join the strategy event of the year and navigate the evolving SMSF industry with confidence....
The SMSFA has said the CSLR revised levy estimate places “a far too heavy burden” on the financial advice...
Tax effect accounting is emerging as one of the strategies being employed to help mitigate tax implications from the...
The finalists for the 2025 Australian Wealth Management Awards have been revealed, shining a spotlight on the top...
As the dust settles on the new Regulations introduced from 7 December 2024, a significant technical challenge is...
Financial advisers won’t get any relief from the $20 million sub-sector cap, however, the revised estimate for the...
A recent private binding ruling has said that a lump sum in specie transfer to a trust received after the death of a...
The SMSF Association said the warning from ASIC regarding “pushy sales tactics” is a timely reminder to the...
Calculating Division 296 tax could be complicated for an SMSF member with a legacy pension that has not exited under...
Financial and superannuation industry associations may not have a seat at the economic roundtable next month, but they...
There are three strategies in implementing CGT cap contribution under small business concessions, a technical...
The SMSF Association has appointed a new national partnerships manager to replace Alistair Shields following his...
A former wealth and risk management director has been sentenced to 12 months’ jail after it was found he deliberately...
An individual who has reached the age of 60 and leaves a paid job can generally start a retirement phase pension from...
Nominations and submissions are open for the SMSF Awards – enter now to be recognised for...
It’s the start of a new financial year, but there are still many uncertainties in the SMSF world. In the latest...
The Federal Court has made interim travel restraint orders against two Falcon Capital directors, while also freezing...
Not indexing the $3 million super tax threatens to undermine the foundations of Australia’s economic dynamism, new...
SMSF trustees and advisers should be aware of the changes to pension commencement rules that have now come into effect,...
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has continued to dodge questions around the proposed $3 million super tax, even as the...
There are early signs of SMSFs planning around the anticipation of the Division 296 tax, industry specialists have...
As many SMSFs are looking at reducing their balances to mitigate the effects of Division 296, others are considering...
If an SMSF fails to acquire an exemption to the new Victorian commercial and industrial property tax, the impacts could...
There are some contributions an SMSF cannot make as in-specie contributions.
There are a number of themes emerging in 2025 that SMSF trustees need to be aware of, a specialist adviser has...
Artificial intelligence does have a role to play in SMSF audits, a leading auditor has...
Much of the debate surrounding the proposed Division 296 tax has focused on the headline threshold: individuals...
Although the proposed Division 296 is a tax issue, SMSF auditors have to be diligent so they don’t get caught up in...
If an SMSF does not have enough liquidity to make a contribution by 30 June, a promissory note could be used to ensure...
Helping clients navigate the Division 296 tax will involve putting strategic building blocks in place, a leading...
A leading investment vice-president will discuss the future of wealth management in a revealing keynote at the...
A recent NSW legal case has highlighted the importance of adequate and detailed documentation for unit trusts, a legal...
It is vital that SMSF trustees and advisers carefully review related party loan arrangements to ensure continued...
The ATO has issued a warning to SMSF trustees to be aware of scammers leading up to...
The rules for a super fund investing in property are complex because of the restrictions placed on some types of...
A change in a tax ruling could have costly implications regarding how insurance is treated in managing death benefit...
Recontribution strategies can minimise the tax for beneficiaries, a senior technical manager has...
SMSF auditors relying on manual and post-dated processes could find it difficult to deal with the $3 million super tax...
Failing to meet the minimum pension requirements impacts a number of tax components, an industry consultant has...
Under the law, if an adviser provides advice to a trustee in relation to an SMSF, it must be treated as a retail client...
The rules are the same, despite what asset an SMSF may invest in, a leading adviser has...
The “writing is on the wall” for the government to move on taxing other structures, with the Treasurer’s refusal...
The time frame needed to wind up an SMSF depends on the fund's structure and assets, a technical specialist has...
NALI remains a contentious topic for SMSFs. Part one of this three-part series provides a history and overview of NALI,...
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has once again doubled down on the government’s plan to introduce the $3 million super...
More than half of Australians support the government’s $3 million superannuation plan, a poll from the Australia...
The ATO has reminded SMSFs that a trustee declaration is a vital document and must be completed...
One of the most common problems facing SMSF auditors in the lead-up to 30 June is evidence to support the...
If a member is in pension phase, now is the time to review investment portfolios to determine if there are assets that...
Contribution reserving is one of the most useful strategies for SMSF members who want to maximise a tax deduction in...
An SMSF Innovation Council has been launched to help Australia’s SMSF industry navigate digital...
When an SMSF member loses capacity, there are many things to consider. This scenario offers some insights and...
With just two weeks remaining until the financial year wraps up, getting an SMSF ready for tax time involves ensuring...
It is crucial that an s290-170 or notice of intent is supplied and acknowledged by a trustee of a fund before a member...
A recent decision in the Federal Court has allowed for a bankrupt to continue to manage an SMSF corporate...
The SMSFA has said it strongly supports the addition of a new rule to publicise the failure of financial firms to...
Momentum Media’s wealth publishing network is pleased to announce the launch of the annual Australian Wealth...
Advisers need to consider whether keeping volatile assets in an SMSF is prudent in light of the proposed Division 296...
Implementing separate powers of attorney under each jurisdiction where assets are owned, or where they are likely to...
Topping up super by $1,000 annually for 15 years from age 30 could boost retirement balance by nearly $80,000 by age...
The regulator has launched Federal Court proceedings to appoint receivers to the responsible entity for three managed...
With Division 296 looming it’s important to control things that will distort the earnings income in an SMSF, a...
The Australian Shareholders Association is calling for a comprehensive review of the Australian tax system and urging...
All SMSFs are legally required to do full financial statements, complete with an up-to-date value of all their assets,...
The ATO has been granted special leave by the High Court to appeal the decision in the Commissioner of Taxation v...
The government should not proceed to enact Division 296 in its current form, the Tax Institute has...
The type of BDBN put in place by an SMSF can make a difference in the flexibility or control that a member may have...
The question as to whether people should withdraw money from super now in response to the proposed $3 million super tax...
ASIC has succeeded in its appeal before the Full Federal Court in ASIC v BPS Financial Pty Ltd [2025] FCAFC 74 (30 May...
SMSF trustees should make themselves familiar with section 109 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act, a...
SMSFs holding cash as share market volatility persists risk losing out on returns, a fund manager has...
The ATO has released new guidance on how to apportion the deduction fees for personal financial advice paid from member...
A high-profile court decision is a reminder for all professional advisers of the seriousness of their responsibilities,...
The government’s $3 million super earnings tax should be just the start if the government is serious about reining in...
SMSF auditors must meet trustee declaration requirements to avoid compliance issues, the ATO has...
In a meeting with the SMSFA last week, Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino reconfirmed the Treasurer’s intention to...
SMSF trustees should carefully review their trust deeds and ensure adherence with current trust laws before 30 June to...
With interest in investing in gold and silver bullion increasing, there are certain steps that trustees must take to...
SMSFs continue to benefit from members transferring from mostly industry funds at record amounts over a 12-month...
NALI can be averted if a related party pays an expense on behalf of an SMSF, a legal specialist has...
One of the first things SMSF trustees should do in preparation for 30 June is to check their total super balance...
If the government refuses to index the Division 296 threshold, more than 1.8 million Australians could be impacted by...
As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, it is crucial to ensure your self-managed superannuation fund...
The Greens have said they will work constructively with the Treasurer to ensure the proposed tax for wealthy...
Despite the ATO removing its six-month guidance for paying out death benefits, trustees must tread carefully to ensure...
The SMSF Association has said the Treasurer’s comments that no alternative to the $3 million super tax had been put...
When someone dies, many beneficiaries want to know what happens to outstanding debt, whether it comes out of the...
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has contradicted the Prime Minister regarding working with the Coalition and the possibility of...
The ATO is continuing its focus on correct unlisted trust valuations and auditor behaviour, a technical specialist has...
Advisers are showing an increased interest in different wealth structures and innovative ways to mitigate the negative...
The SMSF Association has called reports the government is open to making changes to the proposed $3 million super tax...
As the end of the financial year approaches, SMSF professionals are gearing up to navigate the complexities of...
If the government walks away from its plan to tax unrealised capital gains, the Coalition would be open to discussions...
The number of under-35s starting an SMSF continues to grow as investment platforms offer more self-directed options,...
Convincing the Greens to push against the government’s plans to tax unrealised capital gains is the next challenge,...
A recent court decision has reiterated that there are stringent requirements for a lawful will to be valid, a legal...
An SMSF cannot lodge an amended tax return years after a discrepancy has been discovered, a leading adviser has...
Almost half of SMSFs now have over $1 million in assets and account for 84 per cent of total SMSF sector assets, the...
The top end of the SMSF spectrum is likely to be hit with some eye-watering bills, but a super balance of over $1.5...
Tax refunds will be taxed under the proposed Division 296 tax, a leading auditor has...
Trustees should not assume that the ATO will automatically accept a valuation they’ve provided, a legal specialist...
Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ proposed Division 296 super tax is reckless, short-sighted and dangerous precedent that will...
The 2019-20 unused concessional carry-forward contributions drop off this year, so time is of the essence for clients...
The ATO has recommended that SMSF members and trustees be informed and protected when investing in crypto...
The new-look Coalition has “got an urgent task” to hold the government to account for its fiscal failure and the...
If an SMSF member has a transition to retirement income stream, it’s important to plan regarding their transfer...
Trustees of newly established SMSFs are behind a surge in the uptake of financial advice across the sector, new...
For someone impacted by the extra tax on those with more than $3 million in super (known as Division 296 tax), it’s...
Following the purge of veteran MPs after Labor’s landslide election victory, the Coalition has announced a new shadow...
Taxing unrealised capital gains is an “assault on Australian taxpayers”, a former treasury secretary has...
Although it is likely the Division 296 tax will be retrospectively enacted, it’s best not to act impulsively, a...
SMSFs are turning to investment bonds as an alternative to help mitigate the effects of the proposed Division 296 tax...
The ATO has issued guidance on what SMSF members need to understand about compliance regarding responsibilities when...
Slower claims processing than expected is set to reduce the amount the CSLR pays out during the 2024–25 financial...
The government needs to rewrite the definition of “total superannuation balance” as part of the super tax proposal...
The recent Federal Court case, Lynn v Australian Financial Complaints Authority [2025] FCA 175, has highlighted the...
The FAAA has released a guide for the financial planning and accounting communities that contains practical guidance...
The complexities with calculating the new super tax for funds with defined benefits or those with illiquid assets will...
The over-55 downsizer contribution is one of the best ways to add to a super balance as it does not affect TSB, a...
The Tax Office has issued a checklist to help trustees meet their compliance obligations for the end of the financial...
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said after three rounds of consultation “nobody” could propose a better way to calculate how...
The most recent decision in the ongoing Merchant case has highlighted that advisers should be aware that transactions...
Younger people are beginning to question whether they should make additional contributions to their super in the wake...
Millennials are becoming increasingly worried about their financial position in retirement, with more than half...
This week's announcement by Treasurer Jim Chalmers that the government has no plans to alter the rules surrounding...
The SMSF sector continues to grow, with nearly 10,000 new funds added in the last quarter, however the latest quarterly...
A member is not eligible to claim a personal superannuation contribution deduction without a valid acknowledgement...
A financial adviser has been reprimanded by the FSCP for contraventions under the Corporations Act regarding...
The $3 million super tax has been headline news around the country over the past couple of weeks and has finally made...
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government is not “considering” changing the LRBA rules for SMSFs despite the...
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have become an increasingly prominent force in Australia’s multi-trillion dollar...
Op-Ed: Despite pressure ramping up following its landslide election victory, Labor has maintained its stance on taxing...
The difference between net and gross capital gains is important when determining how CGT will interact with NALI, a...
BGL Corporate Solutions has increased its offering to SMSFs with the integration of identity verification solution...
The central bank has lowered rates to a level not seen since mid-2023.
Not indexing the proposed $3 million super tax will allow bracket creep to erode superannuation savings and is contrary...
The ATO Commissioner’s updated comments regarding non-ADI offset accounts suggest these arrangements should be...
The corporate regulator has said it will review an increased number of audit files in the upcoming financial year....
Liberal senator Andrew Bragg has argued that if Labor wants to “ram it through the Senate”, the Treasurer should...
The proposed $3 million super tax is a “dangerous” policy for the government to pursue, teal MP Allegra...
A recent Administrative Review Tribunal decision has clarified when an individual can be disqualified from having an...
As long as an employee is under the age of 75 years, an employer can make a salary sacrifice, super contribution, or...
A decade after being permanently banned from financial services, a former financial adviser will finally face court in...
The SMSFA is calling on the government to urgently address catastrophic flaws in its proposed super tax amid rising...
SMSFs with LRBAs in place should consider the potential of a further rate cut in relation to the ATO safe harbour...
The recent Bendel decision could have implications for SMSFs around in-house assets when it includes loans to a related...
Reports of SMSFs “panic selling” assets is not surprising, the chief executive of the SMSF Association has...
Our recent article on the proposed Division 296 tax has sparked some discussions, particularly as to whether benefits...
Documentation of estate planning materials is crucial to ensure the validity of a will, especially regarding...
A death benefit payment is levied on the recipient, not the fund, but if you pay a death benefit to an individual, the...
Accurate asset valuations are a requirement for compliant and effective SMSF management. Not only does it ensure...
Victorian Liberal senator Jane Hume has said she hopes the “new economics team” in the government will convince the...
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government has “made it clear” it has not changed its policy position on the $3...
When thinking about non-arm’s length expenses, it’s important to consider in what capacity the work was completed,...
Industry associations have welcomed the appointment of Dr Daniel Mulino as the assistant treasurer and financial...
The Tax Office has issued an alert about circulating misinformation regarding super preservation...
When considering strategic opportunities available from a contribution point of view, it’s important to consider the...
Treasury should consider consulting with key stakeholders to ensure the new payday super regime is fit for purpose for...
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that Dr Daniel Mulino will serve as assistant treasurer and financial...
SMSF trustees need to consider their personal circumstances regarding whether to act now or wait to make changes in...
The most common contribution strategies for clients when they've had a good financial year and are looking at reducing...
The ATO has highlighted a number of common issues with SuperStream release authority lodgments, which can result in...
In the SMSF world, where a reg 13.22c entity can only invest in business real property and cash, can an investment in a...
Geoff Wilson has said he is confident the Greens will understand the impact taxing unrealised gains would have on...
Legacy pension reforms make every non-commutable pension commutable during the five-year window and every legacy...
CPA Australia has warned Australians to beware of unsolicited financial advice relating to the recent drop in super...
A man has been charged with alleged fraud offences in Sydney’s north-west after five people reported the alleged...
There is still hope that the Division 296 is not a “done deal”, the head of the SMSFA has...
Starting a pension using part or all of a contribution needs to have a notice of intent (NOI) approved by the trustee...
Allowing superannuation funds to collectively charge for retirement advice creates significant inequity between advice...
Taxation of unrealised capital gains has been contentiously debated among OECD countries. Australia appears set to join...
With Labor winning the election with a clear majority, the SMSF sector is now once again poised for battle over the...
Before considering tax-saving strategies as the financial year draws to a close, advisers and trustees need to be...
The SMSF Association has said it is imperative the new government continues to work with the sector on issues of...
Before putting in place a binding death benefit nomination, trustees should weigh up the pros and cons, an industry...
“Don’t pull the trigger just yet” is the overwhelming advice coming from the SMSF sector regarding preparing for...
The SMSF Association has said it is concerned that proposed super prompts will be referred to as...
The government will potentially now only need the support of the Greens in the Senate to pass the Division 296...
It could be advantageous for clients to hold off commencing an income stream due to the indexation of the general...
A recent case in the Queensland Supreme Court shows that although a claimant who has suffered investment loss could...
New super guarantee laws can push high-income clients over their annual contribution cap, a leading technical...
Not surprisingly, we’ve seen a large increase in the number of members with market linked pensions looking to wind...
There are two options to consider if a member has excess concessional contributions, a leading technical specialist has...
When a member is considering starting a pension, it is important that SMSF trustees revisit their investment strategy,...
The case of Hill v Zuda Pty Ltd [2022] HCA 21 cemented in law the importance of the trust deed in SMSFs, a leading...
The Financial Services and Credit Panel has made a written order to a relevant provider after they gave advice...
Taxing unrealised gains will change the way Australians invest, an industry executive has warned, as it would reduce...
When transferring money or assets from one SMSF to another in the context of a relationship breakdown, it is important...
Amendments should be made to the DBFO draft bill to allow advice providers to “nudge” SMSF clients, an industry...
A potential Compensation Scheme of Last Resort payment to an SMSF has tax implications depending on what the payment is...
Accountants and advisers need to be aware of what information they can offer clients regarding the commencement of a...
Class has expanded its share registry feed connections to ASX-listed companies through a new integration with...
Analysis from one of the country’s biggest asset management firms has revealed a “deadweight loss” of $94.5...
The big end of town is joining the chorus of opposition against the proposed Division 296...
It’s crucial for SMSF members who are currently receiving an age pension or other benefits to weigh the benefits of...
An SMSF can have a related party LRBA with foreign property but maintaining compliance at audit requires extra work, a...
Taxpayers will need to consider their circumstances and make their own decision on whether to convert UPEs to loans...
Changes to the Family Law Act that go into force in June could have repercussions for superannuation decisions, a legal...
Making advice “tangible” is essential in building a business focusing on SMSF clients, a leading consultant has...
Australian SMSFs have historically maintained strong exposure to local assets, with portfolios concentrated in...
A financial services provider whose advisers recommended clients roll over their super into SMSFs and use those funds...
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has said the party will be advocating for “a fairer share” when asked about its...
A push by the Greens to lower the threshold for Division 296 tax from $3 million to $2 million would affect more than...
On Tuesday, the FAAA unveiled a Federal Election Hub, which provides advisers with an analysis of candidates from every...
Industry bodies have welcomed the government’s announcement that it will examine how to prevent perpetrators of...
The decision of Harris v Public Trustee (Estate of Pennington) [2025] WASC 128 provided for the Court’s approval of a...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the issues that may affect super...
Trustees should consider if their communication is adequate when dealing with notices of intention, AFCA has...
The ATO has reminded trustees they have until 30 June to make their minimum payment from their...
Confidence among pre-retirees is waning as more Australians want financial education to ensure stability in retirement,...
Educating trustees on their duties to all members of an SMSF is crucial to avoiding disputes, a leading educator has...
CA ANZ has thrown its support behind the Coalition’s announcement that it would allow qualified accountants to...
The ATO has reminded auditors that they are not permitted to conduct in-house audits and has already reviewed 30...
Momentum Media’s wealth publishing network, comprising InvestorDaily, ifa, SMSF Adviser, Money Management, and Super...
For the purposes of the Superannuation (Industry) Supervision Act (SISA), a dependant in relation to a person includes...
ASFA has urged the next government to support Division 296 measures as part of its policy priorities for...
SMSF members will be negatively impacted by new payday super changes if flexibility is not built into the legislation,...
A coalition of industry groups including the SMSF Association is demanding the government and the opposition...
The ATO estimates that around $5.2 billion in SG contributions for FY2021–22 were not paid on time (see here). This...
Despite a debt waiver being issued in relation to social security and the commutation of legacy pensions, it’s best...
The FAAA has said it is encouraged by the opposition’s focus on affordable, professional financial advice that aligns...
Webull Securities has launched a new trading platform in Australia that aims to improve market accessibility for SMSFs,...
Remarks by ASFA chief executive Mary Delahunty that the Division 296 tax is similar to land tax “simply doesn’t...
CPA Australia has highlighted ASIC’s inconsistencies in managing multi-licensed auditors, including SMSF auditors,...
A paragraph inserted in TR 2010/1DC2 indicates that insurance proceeds may be classified as contributions if they are...
A loan agreement warrant should be presented at audit to ensure that any borrowings to an SMSF meets the required...
SMSFs face significant challenges when it comes to investing in private equity, especially compared with the relative...
SMSFs could be losing thousands of dollars in annual interest by “hitting snooze” on their cash portfolio,...
A superannuation death benefit refers to a payment from a super fund after the death of a member. The payment can be in...
SMSF professionals should educate their trustee clients on adopting robust security measures to safeguard fund...
The CSLR is at the top of the FAAA’s list of issues it is urging the incoming government to...
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor has strongly reiterated the Coalition’s opposition to the $3 million super tax, but...
The shadow treasurer has signalled a regulatory overhaul to restore adviser numbers and position financial services at...
Cryptocurrencies offer SMSFs a flexible investment and allow for small purchases and easy entry into the market, a...
The complaints authority has detailed how it determines loss calculations using scenarios involving...
Nearly three-quarters of Australians aren't aware that they can retire and continue to grow their superannuation fund,...
As we inch closer to the 3 May election, many of us examine what each political group has to say about our pet areas....
In this edition of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by legal specialist Phil...
Despite the market frenzy sending shockwaves around the globe, it’s important to remember that super is a long-term...
With the indexation of the general transfer balance cap, it’s important to understand what it means for individual...
The SMSF Association has told trustees to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding their funds’ security in the...
To avoid any NALI implications, it’s best to thoroughly document any contribution being made into an SMSF, a legal...
The SMSF sector is not immune to the type of cyber attack that hit the big superannuation funds last week, a leading...
The tendency of SMSFs to invest in Australian stocks is cushioning the impact of the market volatility resulting from...
There are different times and situations for when an enduring power of attorney can act on behalf of an SMSF member, a...
An unexpected policy change allowing for the early withdrawal of super could have a detrimental effect on Australia’s...
The Albanese government has committed to extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off for another year if it wins...
Australia’s compulsory superannuation system is delivering real relief to both the federal and household budgets, a...
In the context of SMSFs, the deductibility of expenses and their relationship to non-arm’s length income is a...
Avoiding NALI penalties comes down to how the non-arm's length expense rules are written and when they apply to income...
If an s104A trustee declaration is lost the ATO wants an auditor contravention report lodged, but only once, a leading...
Advisers need to be mindful of the desire of clients to invest in cryptocurrencies, especially those with SMSFs,...
Death benefits can be paid in the form of assets as well as cash, a leading technical specialist has...
If making an in-specie contribution to an SMSF, it’s not just section 66 of the SIS Act that needs to be considered,...
ASF Audits has welcomed Fortitude Investment Partners as a majority shareholder in its...
The release of the Social Security (Waiver of Debts – Legacy Product Conversions) Specification 2025 will hopefully...
NSW is the only state in Australia in which SMSF clients may have to deal with a notional estate claim, a leading legal...
The RBA’s new monetary policy board has delivered its first rate decision.
Following an initial agreement in December, the Federal Court has approved the settlement that will result in some...
Combining several smaller pension accounts into one larger one comes with myriad administration and compliance issues,...
There are a few “quick concepts” that should be applied when an SMSF trustee is dealing with death benefit...
SMSF trustees using a tax agent to lodge their SMSF annual return should know their lodgment date and engage early, the...
The Prime Minister has officially called an election, but the government’s refusal to take Division 296 off the table...
SMSFs are a structure that can heighten and exacerbate issues around elder abuse, a leader in the aged care sector has...
Advisers need to be aware that the test for capacity is not “set in concrete”, a legal specialist has...
Each year, there are a few instances where an SMSF member is informed by their personal tax accountant that they...
The election announcement this morning means that the controversial Division 296 tax has officially...
A recent Federal Court decision is a warning for all online providers and advisers of the dangers of a lax approach to...
There was one announcement in the budget that could have some positive implications for the SMSF sector, a leading...
The ATO has again issued a warning to SMSF trustees that there are serious consequences for early access to...
The Grattan Institute’s Orange Book 2025: Policy Priorities for the Federal Government – Retirement Incomes is yet...
With only one sitting day left before an election is called, the Division 296 tax is casting a dark shadow over the...
The latest budget was more of the same for the SMSF sector with no radical changes to superannuation, the SMSFA’s...
Crypto assets can be treated as trading stocks for SMSFs with the corresponding loss of the CGT discount if...
In this special post-budget episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn navigate a complex web...
The ATO has updated its interim decision impact statement on the Bendel case after the first instance decision in the...
A spouse contribution in an SMSF needs to be documented correctly for it to trigger offset eligibility, a...
The FAAA has labelled the DBFO exposure draft a “disappointing outcome”, with chief executive Sarah Abood adding...
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down the federal budget, with the SMSF sector keeping a close eye on the...
Although the reaction to the government’s DBFO tranche two reforms, released last Friday (21 March), has been...
The government’s focus should be on enabling upward mobility, not on policies that stifle growth and divide...
Class has expanded its property compliance capabilities, which will allow SMSFs to obtain valuations more...
A recent private binding ruling has reiterated the stringent conditions applied to qualify for death benefit...
SMSF trustees and auditors have continued to rely on incorrect and outdated practices, the ATO has...
Australians have changed their retirement expectations over the past 12 months, with higher living costs creating a...
The December 2024 changes opened the door for many SMSFs to allocate all of their reserves without anything being...
The latest set of financial advice reforms have been released with some key measures not making the pre-election...
Accounting firm BDO has recommended that the government review the superannuation contribution caps, including...
SMSFs have a choice of claiming ECPI using segregated and proportionate methods at the same time, a leading technical...
SMSFs are holding record levels of cash despite an interest level drop in February, according to ATO...
The Tax Institute has said the government should prioritise measures for SMSFs as part of next week’s federal budget...
If a member dies intestate without having made a binding death nomination, the administrator of the estate cannot...
HeirWealth has announced a new integration with SMSF administration solution Class...
Victoria’s vacant residential land tax (VRLT) has undergone several changes since it was first introduced on 1...
A recent court decision following a complaint to AFCA has highlighted the importance of estate planning and a binding...
The benefits of an SMSF making a voluntary disclosure to the ATO typically outweigh the risks, a leading legal...
ASIC’s investigation of First Guardian is continuing with information to date revealing some consumers received...
The government should curb superannuation tax breaks and lower the Division 296 tax threshold to $2 million as a top...
The complaints authority has highlighted the intersection of conflicted advice models and SMSFs as being a significant...
The ATO is reminding trustees that if their SMSF had assets, such as super contributions or other investments as of 30...
The corporate regulator has taken action against 17 SMSF auditors in the second half of 2024 in addition to three...
Creating a designated role to access financial information would open up the profession and allow more people to obtain...
Although ASIC has said it would not enforce the $10 million asset wholesale investor requirement, that does not...
Financial advisers should “immerse” themselves in the world of cryptocurrencies as the investment landscape changes...
Momentum Media’s wealth brands are hosting Election 2025, an exclusive event examining the federal election’s...
For years, financial practices have faced a pressing challenge: how to scale efficiently without compromising service...
ASIC convened multiple sitting panels of the Financial Services and Credit Panel (FSCP) between July and October 2024,...
SMSF trustees who self-assess can apply for ECPI if they fail to meet the minimum pension requirements without having...
The current funding model for the CSLR unfairly places the burden on financial advisers despite misconduct often...
The cost of a comfortable retirement rose by around 1.3 per cent over the last 12 months, with falling electricity...
Advisers should be aware of several changes to the cap-free pathways when allocating from reserves, a technical...
The increase in the transfer balance cap presents a significant opportunity for SMSF trustees and professionals to...
One of the excellent sessions I attended at the recent SMSF Association National Conference was a presentation on the...
Accountants may not be able to advise a client to wind up an SMSF, but there are a number of other tasks they can...
With auditing season in full swing and the ATO increasing its scrutiny of the sector, this week’s SMSF Adviser...
An SMSF must amend its trust deed before engaging in limited recourse borrowing, a legal specialist has...
The SMSFA has issued a warning about “nefarious” cold callers selling SMSFs.
Nearly half of Australian women are not financially prepared for retirement, according to new...
Conditions of release are one area of concern regarding financial abuse, a technical expert has...
The capacity to commute legacy pensions is now in place, but several other aspects of the regulations have remained and...
The consequences of natural disasters on primary producers with an SMSF can be catastrophic, a legal expert has...
The AFCA determination over the definition of ‘wholesale investor’ and ‘wholesale client’ could create a raft...
Navigating super and tax rules after the death of a pensioner with an SMSF can be tricky, but the key is to ensure the...
Women are less likely to seek financial advice than men because of cost concerns, according to new...
An SMSF can own real property with other entities but cannot be joint tenants, an industry technical specialist has...
The SMSFA has urged the government to consider creating a “designated role” to sit alongside a primary tax agent...
The consequences at the core of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort for financial advice professionals have put...
Compassionate release of super benefits must not only be allowed through the deed of an SMSF, but also must be approved...
According to Wealth Data analysis, opportunities for advisers in the SMSF sector are...
Insurance in super provides critical protection for 6 million Australians who would otherwise be uninsured, according...
While TR 2010/1 covers the mechanics of how to make a personal contribution, difficulty arises when claiming...
The current design of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort is inequitable, unsustainable and poses a serious risk to...
If deciding to invest out of super, there are several options available, but each has its own tax implications, a...
A top Treasury official has shed light on the confidential document circulated among funds this month, telling Senate...
The recent case of Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2025] FCAFC 15 (Bendel) has implications for SMSFs with...
Advisers should be aware of a recent change in foreign resident capital gains withholding requirements, a leading...
The SMSF Association has urged the government to consider the roles, functions and governance of new entities in any...
SMSFs that own a small business should be aware of how their business could impact the retirement condition of release,...
SMSF professionals, particularly auditors, have a crucial role in supporting ASIC in preventing illegal early access of...
Advised SMSFs have the most diversified allocations and invest more in ETFs, according to the latest report from...
An alternative to an SMSF establishing a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) is for the fund to invest in a...
SMSFs with primary production land could face potential problems if they partake in carbon credit projects, a leading...
The latest ATO data confirms that the SMSF sector is continuing to grow.
Two individuals with connections to the embattled Shield Master Fund have had their assets...
As the population ages, legal professionals increasingly face challenges surrounding capacity, elder abuse, and...
For an asset to be classified as business real property it must first satisfy the business use test, a leading audit...
The Administrative Review Tribunal has intimated that undertaking more than 250 audits per year could compromise the...
The ATO has officially announced that the transfer balance cap will increase to $2 million on 1...
In this special two-part episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a selection of...
The ATO has issued guidance on what it will focus on regarding auditor compliance for...
When it comes to winding up an SMSF, good advisers shouldn’t offer information but rather ask clients what they want...
SMSF members continue to outpace APRA-regulated funds in actively transitioning to retirement phase, according to the...
Smarter SMSF CEO Aaron Dunn joins SMSF Adviser for this video report to explain why professionals need to stay on top...
In this SMSF Adviser video report, Intello partner Karen Dezdjek joins to take a look at the strategic opportunities...
In this video report, SMSF Adviser is joined by Swyftx CEO Jason Titman to discuss cryptocurrency and its role in the...
Ignition Head of Accounting for APAC, Rebecca Mihalic, joins SMSF Adviser for this video report to break down how SMSF...
The non-lodgment of superannuation annual returns continues to be one of the ATO’s major concerns, the deputy...
There is a time frame that needs to be adhered to when documenting a trustee’s decision to commute a pension, an...
SMSFs traded more over the past year and the value of their holdings increased, according to the most recent data from...
It’s best to have a plan in place if a trustee elects to make a voluntary disclosure to the ATO over a compliance...
The major collapses making the largest impact on the cost of the CSLR levy have largely been related to SMSF advice;...
While the amount of illegally accessed funds from SMSFs has reduced, the amount of prohibited loans has gone up, the...
There are four steps that must be completed to successfully claim a tax deduction for your personal superannuation...
Accountants need to get on the front foot and prepare for the sweeping reforms in the Anti-Money Laundering and...
The SMSF Association has said there is an urgent need for the government to prioritise legislative amendments to...
It’s time the government takes the Division 296 tax “off the table” and listens to industry concerns, the SMSF...
To meet the growing demand for SMSFs, HUB24 has announced a collaboration with advisers to enhance its SMSF Access...
The Albanese government has put forward a bold proposal to tackle the challenges of Australia’s swelling retirement...
The “job is not done” regarding NALI/E legislation, the CEO of the SMSF Association has...
Gen X and Millennials are driving the establishment of new SMSFs, according to the latest data from...
SMSF advisers and their investor clients added a broad sweep of blue chip holdings to portfolios in the new year, while...
In recent years cases there have been numerous key reported decisions centred around trust...
Payment of a lump sum disability benefit can present an opportunity for planners to add value by reducing the taxable...
With ASIC heavily scrutinising the establishments of SMSFs, it’s even more important that new entrants into the...
February’s rate decision has been the most anticipated in over a year.
It’s important that any business real property asset in an SMSF meets two conditions, a leading technical expert has...
A recent Administrative Review Tribunal decision may create confusion as to what defines a disability superannuation...
SMSF trustees with an overseas pension plan can now access an SMSF deed compliant with the recognised overseas pension...
The SMSF sector is cautiously optimistic that the Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions Bill will lapse when the...
The importance of adequate documentation at audit has been highlighted in a recent legal case, a leading legal expert...
There needs to be some structural intersection based upon knowledge competencies for accountants to be able to work...
Can a spouse benefit from or be expected to benefit from a death benefit that has been paid to the estate of the...
The SMSF Association is calling on the government to amend legislation in regard to wholesale investor rules in the...
Failure to submit a trustee benefit statement on time can trigger a 47 per cent trustee beneficiary non-disclosure tax...
It’s already been a hectic first few weeks of the year in the SMSF sector with legislative changes and political...
The $3 million super tax bill is likely to become an election issue after a motion to discharge the legislation was...
A recent decision of the renamed Administrative Review Tribunal deals with the calculation and application of excess...
ASIC will continue to conduct a thematic review into SMSF establishment advice focusing on why some clients are advised...
Australians “overwhelmingly distrust” the Albanese government on superannuation taxes and are on the fence...
A recent legal case has highlighted the interaction between the carry forward of unused concessional contributions cap...
The SMSFA has welcomed the government’s decision to reform the educational pathway to become a financial...
SMSFs have outperformed APRA-regulated funds by 1.2 percentage points over the past five years, according to new...
The FSCP has made a two-year registration prohibition order against a financial adviser who recommended clients...
Advisers and accountants need to be aware of the interplay between transfer balance account reporting and minimum...
An increase in cryptocurrency investments by newly established or smaller funds can bring challenges in the lead-up to...
Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones has announced measures to reform financial adviser education requirements to...
Many advisers assume that any deed will allow for streaming, but this is not always the case, a legal expert has...
The SMSF Association has called on the government to review further issues with Law Companion Ruling 2021/2DC regarding...
The ATO has reminded SMSF trustees to access its publications and online education modules containing key points on...
In today’s market, there are numerous options for obtaining legal documents such as SMSF deeds, company and trust...
I’m a huge fan of flexibility and simplicity and I expect many accountants, advisers and SMSF members are the same....
The Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions bill has been re-scheduled for debate on 13 February as the last bill on...
The government’s attempt to coerce crossbenchers to pass the super tax legislation by banning credit card surcharges...
The SMSF Association has called on the government to follow up a review of accountants’ roles in terms of their...
The Institute of Financial Professionals Australia remains steadfast in its opposition to the government’s proposed...
The Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions bill was taken off the Senate debate schedule on Thursday, though it...
SMSF trustees must obtain a clearance certificate and give it to the purchaser when selling or disposing of Australian...
The timing of a binding financial agreement is important to mitigate any potential impact on a relationship, a senior...
The average balance in an SMSF has increased by more than 20 per cent, according to the latest ATO...
With less than 11 months until the transition period to meet the education standards ends for financial advisers, there...
SMSF trustees who have a legacy pension allocated in the asset test exempt area should hold back from making any...
The SMSF Association has called on the government to urgently review Tax Ruling 2013/5A1, saying the commissioner’s...
The government is “backing crossbench senators into a corner” by pairing the Better Targeted Superannuation...
While the increase in the transfer balance cap to $2 million is welcomed by many, not everyone will benefit, a...
One of Australia’s peak accounting bodies has called on the government to scrap the Superannuation (Better Targeted...
The stringent rules applied to the definition of interdependency have again been highlighted in a recent private...
The SMSF Association, as a key contributor to a joint industry submission, has secured an important compliance win for...
The proposed $3 million super tax is “symbolic of everything that is wrong” with the tax debate in Australia, the...
The SMSF Association has said it is “unacceptable” that advisers would be expected to pay for the failures of large...
Lack of proper financial advice is costing hundreds of thousands of retirees in unnecessary taxes, the Super Members...
Property is a particularly Australian obsession – we feel a sense of empowerment when we can see what we own and say,...
Minister Jones has announced a “comprehensive review” of the CSLR following the revelation that the levy estimate...
The ATO needs to provide clarification on a number of issues in the law companion ruling dealing with NALI/E, the joint...
SMSF advice professionals and trustees need to have a thorough understanding of a fund’s balance if they are planning...
ASIC has called on superannuation funds to strengthen anti-scam measures after a review found trustees lacked...
The Financial Services Minister has announced that he will retire from federal politics at the next...
The general transfer balance cap will increase from $1.9 million to $2 million from 1 July following the release of the...
The superannuation sector has responded positively to the government’s announcement to introduce mandatory and...
There has been significant movement in the digital advice space over the past decade. As the industry accelerates its...
The Administrative Review Tribunal has upheld ASIC's decision to disqualify an SMSF auditor for failing to comply with...
No one begrudges Treasury’s advice that Australia should have a fair and equitable superannuation system. However,...
The government’s proposed changes to superannuation are effectively “stealing money” from younger generations, a...
ASIC will continue its surveillance of assessing the quality of financial advice to establish SMSFs as one of its key...
ASIC has made two orders to permanently ban a financial adviser who was convicted of stealing funds from a client’s...
The controversial Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions Bill is expected to be brought before the Senate on 4...
Financial advisers and accountants need to be aware of the rules around treating investors as wholesale clients and how...
Accountants are not required to report breaches where a claim is based solely on hearsay or simple opinions, according...
Following the high-profile decision involving Billabong Surf Clothing co-founder Gordon Merchant’s SMSF, the Tax...
The actions of Dixon Advisory parent company E&P Financial and the lack of action from the regulator can’t be...
Consumer advocacy body Super Consumers Australia has updated its home-owner retirement savings targets, with its...
The SMSF Association has refuted Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ claims that the government undertook “heaps of...
The FSC has called for a holistic and evidence-based review of the tax and super systems, rather than the “piecemeal...
The Coalition would repeal the Division 296 tax if it passes into law before the election.
Both advisers and clients need to understand capacity and ensure it is considered before issues arise, a lawyer has...
While the controversial measures have received little support in the Senate, the think tank has argued Division 296...
The Tax Institute has called for adjustments to the proposed changes around general interest charge deductions.
Class has reported growth in the number of accounts across its portfolio, while HUB24 has also reported a boost in...
The shadow minister said a Coalition government would “act quickly to fix the CSLR”, with advisers “wearing the...
Australia’s super system is “too complicated”, according to the Grattan Institute, which has proposed a reform...
DBA Lawyers has announced the appointment of two senior lawyers as new directors of the firm.
There is no reason accountants couldn’t fill the same role in financial advice as the proposed new class of adviser,...
While Treasury has acknowledged the value of financial advisers having access to the ATO portal, concerns around cyber...
According to the professional body, there has been a rising influx of inquiries and practical issues emerging from the...
Following on from part one of our ‘Insurance through an SMSF’ series, which looked at taxation on permanent...
While there are strict eligibility rules, a “little-known” benefit of an SMSF can lead to a massive life insurance...
The Tax Office has released a draft Practical Compliance Guideline addressing changes to the Income Tax Assessment Act...
Unions have hit back at reports the Coalition is planning to reduce the superannuation guarantee if it wins the next...
Yet another increasing tax in Victoria will only further incentivise SMSF trustees to review their property investments...
The cryptocurrency finished 2024 as the seventh largest global asset by market capitalisation, according to new...
In the first episode of the SMSF Adviser Show for 2025, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn take a look at the hot topics...
The FAAA said the government’s response to CSLR freedom of information requests was “deeply disappointing”, with...
Understanding a range of compliance areas such as the sole purpose test, NALI provisions and property development...
According to a tax specialist and education provider, a case study in the TPB’s guidance on breach reporting...
The Principals’ Community has told the Dixon Senate inquiry that the existence of the CSLR and the way it has been...
Holistic estate plans are becoming increasingly critical as litigation involving SMSFs and member benefits on death or...
A former Dixon Advisory client has told a Senate inquiry that in-house product promotion allows unscrupulous advisers...
The ATO is reminding trustees that some SMSFs needed to lodge their SMSF annual return (SAR) by 31 October...
The transfer of intergenerational wealth in an SMSF needs to have a family buy-in, an expert adviser has...
Total permanent disability payments received by an SMSF member over 60 are tax-free to the member, a specialist adviser...
One of Australia’s peak superannuation bodies has called for the removal of an outdated law denying most teenagers up...
New legacy pension regulations, applying from 7 December 2024, are now in force. They affect lifetime complying, life...
The FAAA’s Phil Anderson has argued that the insights of former Dixon Advisory clients during the inquiry into its...
SMSF professionals should take note of the wording changes in Law Companion Ruling 2021/2DC, which outline the...
Changes around residency rules, central management and control and the active member test could be on the regulator’s...
The shadow minister says, if elected, he would consider examining how accountants could play a greater role in...
Whenever there is a significant change in a personal relationship, best practice dictates that there be an immediate...
One of the major issues that can impact the SMSF audit process is market valuation, a leading educator has...
Most superannuation funds finished 2024 with double-digit returns, according to a recent...
With the latest ATO statistical data showing younger Australians powering the uptake of SMSFs, it is timely to revisit...
Any market-linked pension that has been commenced in an SMSF and any complying lifetime pension can be commuted under...
To determine if an asset classifies as an in-house asset it is first necessary to determine who or what is a...
Generation X has taken over Baby Boomers regarding property wealth and shares, according to new...
SMSF trustees in Victoria are set to be hit with a raft of new taxes, a legal specialist has...
The Compensation Scheme of Last Resort and the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes packages will continue to be issues...
Trustees must review their investment strategy duty throughout the year to avoid ATO scrutiny at audit time, an audit...
What should trustees be considering in 2025?
What do you think were the biggest wins for the sector in 2024?
Perhaps you don’t have an SMSF, but your parents do. As they age, you might play a more significant role in managing...
Where do you think potential future changes should be targeted?
Do you expect as many changes in the SMSF landscape in 2025 as we saw in 2024?
Do you think the Division 296 tax will be up again in February? If not, will it become a policy issue for the next...
In the first of a six-part Q&A, SMSF Adviser asked its expert contributors what were the biggest events to impact...
This year has highlighted what the power of the people can achieve in a David and Goliath...
APRA’s decision to scrap bank hybrids could further attract SMSF investors to the private credit asset class given...
To call 2024 the SMSFA’s annus mirabilis might be an exaggeration – but only just. As I reflect on the year, the...
A recent case in Western Australia has highlighted the importance of having contingency plans for incapacity and the...
With the new year approaching, it’s a good time to do a superannuation check, the Association of Super Funds of...
The stringent conditions that apply to a death benefit dependent have again been highlighted in a recent private...
The ATO has confirmed the 1 July 2018 start date for general and specific NALE, a leading legal specialist has...
The ATO has issued guidance on the recent changes that will allow individuals to exit certain legacy retirement...
More than half of Australians said that contributing to their super and saving enough money for retirement was a major...
The ATO has released guidelines for individuals wanting to apply for Compassionate Release of Super (CRS) for an...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Tim Miller, SMSF technical and...
It seems the government is still determined to push through its controversial super tax legislation, according to its...
A recent decision provides further lessons regarding trust instruments with no power or inadequate power to...
It’s important for SMSF trustees and professionals to know the difference between part A and part B qualifications,...
SMSF members currently in receipt of an asset test-exempt income stream will not incur a debt if they choose to commute...
The definition of ‘business real property’ is vital if an SMSF owns primary production property and earns extra...
If an SMSF breaches section 85 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act, anyone who was involved with the...
The Financial Services and Credit Panel has handed down a written reprimand to an adviser that it said provided...
The FAAA has said the current lack of standardisation on the advice fee consent process has made it an “inefficient...
To prevent delays in the SMSF audit process, accountants need to get financial statements basics basics correct, a...
Rent from an overseas property is not allowed to be deposited into a foreign bank account per the in-house asset rules,...
ASIC is encouraging auditors to self-identify and self-report noncompliance as part of its project focusing on...
As an early Christmas present and unexpected result for the Industry, Treasury Laws Amendment (Legacy Retirement...
Christmas is a time for giving, but providing financial assistance to family or friends should not come at the expense...
The FAAA has taken aim at the corporate regulator in its submission to the Dixon inquiry, calling its investigation...
SMSFs are placing themselves at capital risk by adopting a high-growth strategy that aims for high returns over the...
When it comes to getting the most out of an SMSF, focusing on smart investment opportunities and tax strategies is key....
The new legacy pension regulations are a “game changer” but there are still some elements SMSF trustees need to be...
An ongoing case before the courts has highlighted the issue of “informal wills”, a top legal specialist has said....
SMSFs should first consider whether a property constitutes business real property when buying from a related party, a...
The government’s decision to disentangle legacy pension regulations from the $3 million super tax legislation is a...
Another private binding ruling has consolidated the difference between a member benefit and a death benefit and the...
The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced another rate hold amid stubborn inflation and faltering economic...
SMSFs are vulnerable to manipulation due to their lack of regulatory oversight, according to a report on financial...
The way SMSFs are being singled out as part of the inquiry into the collapse of wealth management companies is not a...
The SMSF victims of Melissa Caddick have reached an in-principle settlement in a class action against the auditors...
A uniform tax on earnings across all accumulation and retirement accounts is one of the reforms suggested by the...
An ATO assistant commissioner has warned that tax agents and SMSF auditors should be aware that a disqualification as...
The demand for financial advice has reached record highs, especially regarding retirement income, according to the...
The ATO has clarified how a contribution can trigger non-arm’s length income in its latest draft taxation ruling on...
The complexity of the proposed payday super (PDS) legislation due to commence from 1 July 2026 could see many small- to...
SMSF trustees looking at investing with the big four banks should be cautious as other credit institutions enter the...
Buried underneath the chaotic legislative whirlwind in the last week of November was updated ATO advice on NALI...
While there has been a generally positive response to the release of the second tranche of DBFO reforms, industry...
The most recent decision in a continuing legal battle has shown the importance of retaining the trust deed of trusts...
Financial advisers should undertake reasonable investigations of investment options to detect underperformance, ASIC...
Following a whirlwind of legislative activity in the last few days of the parliamentary sitting calendar for the year,...
Although the SMSF Association has said the framework outlined in the second tranche of the government’s Delivering...
This article is part of a series on SMSF succession planning. In part 2, we explored the important role of binding...
A motion to split the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023...
Unlike multi-member funds, single-member funds have three trustee options available, a leading SMSF educator has...
The ATO has reminded trustees that some SMSFs will need to lodge their SMSF annual return (SAR) by 28 February...
A simple test at the end of each financial year can help determine if an SMSF has any disregarded small fund assets, an...
SMSF landholders in Victoria need to be aware of their obligations under the new Short Stay Levy Act 2024, a legal...
New research has revealed that more than half of Australians would forgo making extra superannuation contributions as...
The temporary shelving of the $3 million super tax legislation has been met with cautious optimism from the SMSF...
The passing of the Objective of Superannuation bill last week is about more than enshrining or making sure preservation...
The ATO has issued updated information on the recent amendments to section 295-550 of the Income Tax Assessment Act...
The Federal Court has ordered the director of a property development company that promoted the use of SMSFs for...
Trustees should reconsider every three years whether an SMSF is still the correct retirement strategy for their needs...
Experts have advised that SMSFs looking to invest in cryptocurrencies must ensure the investment aligns with the...
The government’s plan to increase the tax on superannuation balances over $3 million has officially been abandoned,...
Low-cost auditors are putting SMSF trustees at risk, two of the sector’s leading practitioners have...
The CSLR has said 80 per cent of claims so far have related to personal financial advice, with the vast majority...
Assets in the SMSF sector have surpassed the $1 trillion mark for the first time, underscoring the confidence in the...
To borrow and slightly misquote former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, 24 hours is a long time in politics....
The four conditions of release for insurance policies covering death, total and permanent disability, temporary...
The Senate’s inquiry into the collapse of Dixon Advisory and the minister’s special levy discretion has seen a...
The ATO is reminding SMSF trustees that if they have had transfer balance account events in the last quarter they must...
The controversial $3 million super tax legislation may be off the table for the time being but the industry is not out...
Although it is a principle of Australian superannuation that funds must have liquidity to manage prospective...
More women than men entered into SMSFs in the September quarter, according to the latest ATO...
Although the Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions Bill is again not listed for debate this week in the Senate, it...
Before taking out death benefit insurance in an SMSF, trustees need to consider whether it will ultimately be...
The new pension reforms will see allocations to member accounts from surplus amounts treated as non-concessional...
APRA should release the data it has collected since 2021 on account-based pension investment returns now, says one of...
Most SMSFs pay tax or receive a refund once a year when they lodge their annual return. But some people are charged...
For SMSF clients wanting to claim a larger tax deduction as a result of TD2024/7, there is some urgency if they are...
The IFPA has thrown its support behind a grassroots campaign to educate Australians about the impacts of the proposed...
ASFA has urged the federal government to develop a national retirement income strategy to guide the primary purpose of...
Better retirement products, increased transparency and best practice principles are part of the superannuation reforms...
SMSF trustees can choose to deduct amounts under section 295-470 based on the fund's future liability to pay the...
Acquiring a second limited recourse borrowing arrangement for a property could breach the single acquirable asset...
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said at a press conference on Monday he will be making an announcement today on...
When establishing a reversionary market-linked pension, SMSF members have the option of setting it up based on the...
There is a continued push to look at reforming the legislated definition of ‘child’ regarding superannuation law,...
***Updated*** The Minister says super funds should already have sufficient liquidity to meet existing or prospective...
A recent court case is a stark reminder for advisers of the importance of maintaining an original documents register, a...
SMSF trustees should be aware of the consequences of using legal documents obtained from non-qualified suppliers, warns...
Most Australian retirees and pre-retirees do not have a strong understanding of Division 296 and its implications for...
Withdrawals and contributions can effectively implement a recontribution strategy if an asset sale is impractical, an...
SMSF investment in a private company can be difficult due to compliance rules but it is possible, a legal specialist...
SMSF Adviser and principal partner Mortgage Choice are proud to announce 30 winners for the annual Women in Finance...
Without fanfare or prior notice, the Albanese Government has initiated legacy pension reform.
The Better Targeted Super Concessions Bill has not been scheduled for debate in the Senate next week, creating doubt as...
A parent who cared for their ill adult child has not been deemed a death benefit dependent in a private binding...
A successor director has more strategic and practical advantages than an alternate director in an SMSF corporate...
The ATO is advising SMSF trustees not to use their funds to buy Christmas presents or pay for...
The importance of correctly allocating monies spent on rental property expenses has been highlighted in a recent...
Deciding on shareholders and the number of shareholders is just as important as appointing directors to protect estate...
There has been a dramatic increase in Australians using their SMSFs to invest in property over the past two to three...
If residential land in Victoria has been or will be vacant for more than six months in a calendar year, the property...
The severe financial risk of the proposed Division 296 tax has been highlighted by one of the sector’s best-known...
A death benefit pension does not have to come from a previous pension interest, says a leading SMSF...
Organisations must go beyond recruiting a diverse workforce and embed a culture of inclusion to reap the benefits,...
Terminal illness insurance payouts will remain unrestricted, non-preserved benefits and will be returned to a normal...
ASIC commissioner Alan Kirkland has cautioned against cold calling and inappropriate super switching, calling it the...
Even with interest rate cuts, the property investment market is likely to track sideways for a period before there is a...
The ATO is targeting SMSF auditors who continue to defy independence rules, a senior technical specialist has warned....
There are four major tools to help SMSF trustees and members resolve internal disputes, a leading legal specialist has...
The ATO has published information on why auditors may issue a qualified audit report when SMSFs use an investment...
This article is part of a series on SMSF succession planning. In Part 1, we explored the key elements of a robust SMSF...
Proposed amendments to the tax promoter penalty laws risk further thinning the line between tax advice and scheme...
A lump sum pension payment can cause an issue with pension payment standards, a specialist consultant has...
A global investment management firm executive has called for standardised promotion policies to close the “gendered...
A new private binding ruling has addressed the nuances that can determine if a withdrawal from a superannuation fund is...
Investment in ETFs is the fastest-growing category for SMSFs, the CEO of one of the sector’s biggest software...
Momentum Media has announced 26 winners across 10 individual and 15 group categories for its brand-new Australian AI...
The Federal Court has ruled against ASIC in its proceedings against Dixon Advisory director Paul Ryan, ordering the...
There is potential for “contradictory signals” regarding the transfer balance cap and the Division 296 tax if the...
A trustee needs to obtain an actuarial certificate if the “proportionate method” is used to exclude all or part of...
SMSF members and trustees could face fines of up to $19,800 for a 60-unit penalty from tomorrow, a legal expert has...
The central bank has served up a disappointment for punters on Melbourne Cup Day.
Comments made last week by Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones about the proposed new super tax have raised some critical...
An SMSF must have an actuarial certificate to claim exempt current pension income via the proportionate method, says a...
Death benefit complaints to AFCA increased by about 30 per cent over the past year, according to its latest annual...
SMSF trustees need to make sure they're disclosing all rental income and claiming the correct rental deductions to...
Advisers should be aware of the difference between TRIS in pension and TRIS in retirement phase, says a leading...
A notice of intent to claim a deduction for a personal superannuation contribution can be impacted if it is not...
This is part 10 of our series of ‘employee versus contractor’ articles. Part 10 focuses on recently updated...
The importance of having a “commitment to a shared life” to claim interdependency has again been highlighted in a...
The ATO has issued guidance to SMSF trustees on why auditors may issue a qualified audit report when SMSFs use an...
Failure to have a proper estate plan in place may result in a reduction in wealth passed on to beneficiaries,...
SMSFs are an “integral” part of Australia’s retirement choices and the government cannot allow a “preferential...
The level of disability is an important consideration regarding disability insurance payouts in superannuation, says a...
ASIC has suspended the registration of three SMSF auditors connected to an administration provider for one...
This article is the first in a series on SMSF succession planning. In part 1, we examine the key characteristics of a...
One of the most frequent SIS Act breaches is the failure to separate fund assets from members’ personal assets, says...
There are two methods to unwind a limited recourse borrowing arrangement, but both need to be documented and executed...
SMSF industry stalwart Meg Heffron is one of three new members appointed to the SMSF Association...
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones has said it is a fairer outcome if the government “modestly” reduces tax...
A reversionary pension must satisfy minimum pension requirements irrespective of whether it was paid to the deceased or...
A trading account can go into a negative balance without breaching the SIS Act, but care must be taken, warns an SMSF...
The SMSF Association has urged the government to take a whole-of-government approach to consider all current and...
Insurance in an SMSF should line up with a fund’s overall investment strategy and be reviewed every 12 months, says...
Advisers need to be wary of clients constructing contrived arrangements about their retirement to gain early access to...
The ATO said it is reviewing and assessing all new SMSFs before they can receive a registered or complying status on...
The non-arm's length income provisions contained in s 295-550 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 continue to be a...
Whether a pension reversion nomination conflicts with a binding death nomination is not “black and white”, says a...
Following the success of a pilot program targeting “high-volume” SMSF auditors, the ATO is preparing to roll out...
Without proposed reforms to financial advice, Australians face a chain reaction of financial uncertainty over...
The latest instalment of the (in)famous SMSF-related series of court decisions involving the Friggers has been...
In this special episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a pair of experts on...
Inappropriate financial advice linked to SMSFs made up the majority of claims received by the Compensation Scheme of...
A recent NSW court case has questioned whether assets retained via an SMSF are still subject to attack when the estate...
The High Court in Hill v Zuda held that ‘reg 6.17A has no application to an SMSF.’ Accordingly, SMSF deeds have a...
More Australians are planning on working past 65 for either social or financial reasons, according to new research from...
Confusion over SMSF wholesale classification thresholds and advice for low-balance clients to establish SMSFs were...
Failure to create, execute, perform and retain documents for an SMSF can leave a fund and its trustees unable to...
There are still many SMSF trustees and professionals who lack an understanding of how the proposed Division 296 tax...
The SMSF Association said it is concerned about the impact of the proposed amendments to denying deductions for the...
A lump sum withdrawal from a superannuation account shortly before the death of a member but received days after death...
It is more tax effective to leave superannuation to an estate rather than a binding death benefit nomination to...
Financial advisers will be pivotal in ensuring that wealth is passed on efficiently and in a way that aligns with the...
The inheritance of a reversionary pension is a trigger event for the beneficiary’s transfer balance cap if they are...
It’s essential to “read the deed” after a member’s passing, even if a trust deed has been drafted specifically...
The SMSF Association has urged the government to allow a pension reserve to be exited where the recipient had...
Compliance breachesAcquisition of assets from a related party
The interplay between reversionary pensions and binding death benefit nominations regarding which one takes priority is...
Using a spousal contributions strategy to a second spouse can be problematic because money may not naturally flow to...
Building a network of mentors and coaches with varied skill sets could help women achieve their career goals, according...
Timing the sale of assets is critical to take advantage of tax opportunities, especially in the event of the Division...
An attorney can make or renew a superannuation binding death benefit nomination but there are a number of conditions...
The Financial Advice Association Australia said it supports the draft legislation on legacy pensions but has urged the...
The proposed Division 296 tax will see a change in the definition of total superannuation balance, says a leading...
The SMSF Adviser Technical Strategy Day kicked off on Tuesday in Brisbane in front of a room full of advisers,...
Advisers recommending SMSF clients diversify into the private market space need to consider the difference in the...
With Generations X, Z and Millennials in the early stages of a wealth transfer that will place an estimated $3.5...
A leading technical and education specialist has advised that if an SMSF exceeds the 5 per cent in-house asset limit...
Although the retirement income covenant may not be targeted at SMSFs, it is useful for helping advisers assist clients...
Leading cloud-based accounting software provider Class has launched two significant enhancements to make it easier for...
A recent court case has highlighted that SMSF assets can be protected from the trustee’s personal administration...
The term ‘reserve’ has different meanings regarding superannuation law and tax law, says a legal...
SMSFs should consider diversification into private credit, which offers an attractive income stream and capital...
In this six-part series on the decision of In the matter of Gainer Associates Pty Limited [2024] NSWSC 1138, we’ll...
Is near enough good enough when valuing SMSF assets at market value?
The fight to amend the controversial Division 296 tax passed through the lower house on Wednesday is not over, says an...
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones has claimed it is “simply not true” that unrealised capital gains are not taxed...
Some assets within an SMSF are “so obscure” that it is difficult to get a valuation, says a leading legal...
The SMSF Association has urged the Senate to reject legislation that would inflict a higher tax rate on the earnings of...
Some SMSF members can use six years of unused concessional caps in the current year, says an industry...
SMSFs should do property title searches each year and obtain an annual market valuation, according to an industry...
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has launched a consultation on its approach to superannuation death...
The amendment put forward by the SMSF Association regarding the $3 million super tax has been defeated in the lower...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Julie Steed, senior technical...
The latest ATO quarterly statistics have shown strong growth in the number of SMSFs and growth driven by Generation X...
The complexities surrounding market valuations will mean more onerous obligations and responsibilities for all SMSF...
The SMSF Association stated in a recent submission to the Senate standing committee on economics that SMSF ownership of...
AI is entering the SMSF administration landscape with the launch of a new company founded by an Australian...
A death benefit paid to a charity will be treated as assessable income, according to a recent private binding...
“Good pension paperwork” is essential when electing for a reversionary pension, says a legal...
The Australian government should phase out tax breaks from superannuation and capital gains, according to the latest...
Young Australians are increasingly concerned about retirement security and are turning to SMSFs as a solution,...
There has been a 50 per cent rise in cryptocurrency investment in the SMSF sector, according to a new...
The legacy of the royal commission continues to haunt Australia’s financial services sector, which now faces an...
SMSF members often look to do this by renovating, repairing or making improvements to their SMSF property.
A change in the work test rules has meant that recontribution strategies are easier to use more frequently, says an...
It’s important to distinguish between the rules around legacy pensions and the ability to commute them with the...
Trust in financial advisers is at an all-time high, according to a new report from the Financial Advice Association...
Timing is crucial to maximising exempt current pension income when restructuring investments as fund members approach...
Establishing a superannuation fund for grandchildren is possible in Australia but there are some caveats to be aware...
SMSFs are turning towards gold and other precious metals as a more stable wealth preservation asset than traditional...
All SMSF trustees must appoint an approved auditor to audit the operations of their fund each year. This annual audit...
The passage of the controversial $3 million super tax legislation seems unlikely before the end of the year, says the...
Industry funds are seeing a significant increase in transfers to SMSFs, according to new data....
A technical expert has outlined the benefits and drawbacks of integrating SMSFs into the RIC, suggesting that it may be...
ASIC has taken action against the registration of 13 approved SMSF auditors during the first half of...
Accountants and advisers need to explain to clients with blended families how death benefit payments may be impacted...
Private wealth advisers are under increasing scrutiny by the ATO, says a leading legal...
The shadow treasurer and shadow finance minister have urged their Labor counterparts to formally abandon the...
The definition of arm’s length dealings is not as straightforward as it seems, a technical expert has...
A recent private binding ruling (1052284933968) has again highlighted the ATO’s tough stance on the issue of personal...
Any changes to the negative gearing rules won’t impact the majority of SMSFs, says a leading industry...
The ATO’s June quarterly statistical data on the SMSF sector has been released and has revealed continued...
The Commissioner of Taxation doesn't have the discretion to overlook even a single missed step made in claiming a tax...
Only 1 per cent of SMSFs are using a strategy that creates space in their transfer balance cap and opens up the...
The ATO has released its final determination regarding the tax deductibility of advice...
Both the Treasurer and the Prime Minister have confirmed that Treasury is exploring changes to the contentious...
The government has released a draft amendment clarifying its expectations on how sections 15 and 45 of the...
The second tranche of the Quality of Advice Review will be high on the agenda of the SMSF sector, says an industry...
The tribunal has rejected a taxpayer’s argument that he could choose when to carry forward his unused concessional...
One of Australia’s peak superannuation industry bodies has called for the retirement income sector to work together...
In the decision In the matter of Gainer Associates Pty Limited [2024] NSWSC 1138, the court advised that the SMSF...
There are a lot of big issues to consider for an SMSF looking to invest in a tiny home, says a technical...
A petition has been launched urging the government to amend current SMSF rules to allow members to use their funds to...
ASIC has extended the reportable situations relief and personal advice record-keeping requirements on the same terms...
The central bank has announced its latest rate decision following a month of heightened speculation.
As a lawyer, I do a substantial amount of work advising and representing approved SMSF auditors who are being...
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to the size of an SMSF, says a specialist...
As retirement approaches, it's essential to strategically reduce debt while maximising wealth growth efficiently to...
A Western Australian woman has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for illegally submitting fraudulent...
SMSF advisers are in the running to win one of the coveted Women in Finance Awards...
A superannuation death benefit paid to a deceased estate will not be treated as if it was paid to a death benefit...
In times of market volatility, gold has traditionally been a safe haven for...
The cost-of-living crisis and the change to the work test are impacting non-concessional contributions, according to...
The ATO has updated its publications and online education modules to help trustees navigate the various stages of their...
The ability of beneficiaries to access the records of a discretionary trust is becoming one of the key trust-related...
Data collection and cyber security will become more important as the SMSF sector continues to grow, according to...
The ATO has reminded SMSF trustees that if they have made any transfer balance account events in the last quarter, a...
Perimenopause and menopause training founder and TV journalist Shelly Horton has hit back at calls for businesses to...
The latest episode in Rupert Murdoch’s succession plan has all the expected plot development techniques.
There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the SMSF sector to the draft regulations for Treasury Laws...
SMSF establishments are expected to exceed 30,000 for FY24 – the first time since the transfer balance cap was...
The recently released exposure draft of Treasury Laws Amendment Instrument 2024 – SMSFs – legacy retirement product...
Big four accounting firms EY, PwC and several other accounting firms have been selected as finalists at the inaugural...
In the decision In the matter of Gainer Associates Pty Limited [2024] NSWSC 1138, the court, among other things,...
Over 70 per cent of SMSFs are not benefiting from access to professional financial advice, according to a new...
A recent case before the NSW Supreme Court has highlighted the importance of transferring all assets to a new trustee...
SMSFs with a small business should check their CGT concessions each year, says an industry...
The number of people taking up downsizer contributions has dropped from a high in the 2021–22 financial year – the...
The government has released the long-awaited draft regulations aimed at giving individuals the option to exit certain...
A common question for members planning multiple pension streams is whether to exceed the transfer balance cap or stay...
When it comes to paying out death benefits, there is no such thing as too much documentation, says a leading SMSF...
A new report has revealed there is a stark disconnect between the income sources pre-retirees expect to rely on and the...
The proposed $3 million super tax legislation was put on hold again last week, and the sector now has to wait until the...
Even a small bank overdraft is considered a breach of section 67 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act, says...
An inherited residence can attract CGT, highlighting the need for proper estate planning so beneficiaries aren’t...
A recent court decision has examined the role of trustee discretion and death benefit...
Two new courses are now available for advice professionals to meet the legislated requirements to remain in the...
The principal partner of this year’s Women in Finance Summit has said organisations that practise inclusivity are...
In the decision of In the matter of Gainer Associates Pty Limited [2024] NSWSC 1138, the court, among other things,...
The Superannuation (Objective) Bill, which was to be finalised this week in the Senate, was sidelined on Tuesday (10...
Despite the unsuccessful disallowance motion regarding the tax practitioners’ code of conduct in the Senate on...
The new NALI legislation is “unfair” because it lacks any provision that allows the tax commissioner to overlook...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Peter Johnson, director of...
An SMSF with vacant land cannot claim holding costs, warns a legal...
Asset valuation must be objective, and supportable data should be provided, says a leading audit...
ASIC will, in the coming months, announce the results of its surveillance into how superannuation funds are handling...
The effective use of technology is driving best practices, enabling financial professionals to scale their businesses,...
A motion to disallow the code changes for Tax Agents has failed to succeed in the vote held in the Senate...
The application of regulation 8.02(b) and compliance in relation to the 2025 end-of-year valuations will be the...
The number of SMSF auditors referred by the ATO to ASIC has risen slightly in the 2023–24 financial...
Further consultation is required over ongoing concerns with the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct)...
A recent private binding ruling has clarified that if a notice of intent to claim a deduction for contributions has not...
Even if dealing with younger clients, advisers should be asking end-of-life questions to ensure SMSF deeds cover all...
As SMSFs prepare to lodge their returns, it is the perfect time to review the fund’s investment strategy, says an...
Accounting bodies have published an open letter ahead of today’s (6 September) roundtable with the Assistant...
An Australia-based asset management company has joined the conference as a gold...
Former Melbourne financial planner Bradley Grimm was sentenced to 18 months in jail with nine months served for...
The controversial $3 million super tax bill is due to be debated again in Parliament next Thursday (12...
The ATO has released its decision impact statement on Merchant and Commissioner of Taxation [2024] AATA 1102, stating...
A senior SMSF auditing specialist has warned that AI is moving into uncharted territory that will continue to affect...
Ahead of her keynote address at the Women in Finance Summit 2024, Ella Baché CEO Pippa Hallas has outlined how her...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Matthew Burgess, director of...
There will always be debate about whether it is best for an SMSF to have an individual or a corporate trustee, says an...
It is better to have death benefits paid directly to an intended beneficiary rather than indirectly via the estate of a...
The ATO is reminding trustees to make sure their return is completed in its entirety, including SMSF auditor details;...
Non-arm’s length income (NALI) applies a 45 per cent tax to both ordinary and statutory income of a superannuation...
The latest concessions offered by the Assistant Treasurer in regard to the code changes “are too little too late”,...
An off-the-shelf deed for an SMSF should offer a degree of flexibility, says a legal specialist.
More than a million Australian retirees have been left out of APRA’s quality test of super funds for the fourth year...
Explore why SMSF trustees should consider bullion in this free webcast. Join us for an insightful, free live webcast...
Recent updates in the Practice Statement Law Administration (PS LA) 2021/1 show that the ATO means business when it...
Whether an SMSF should register for GST is generally an easy decision, but there are some instances where it could be a...
The ATO has warned advisers to be aware of recent changes to the promoter penalty laws and the consequences for anyone...
There have been significant changes over the past few decades with respect to female participation in the workforce and...
An SMSF member can have as many pension accounts as they want but only one accumulation account, says a leading...
The way in which a will is drafted can determine whether a recipient will receive a “gift” as intended and can...
Total self-managed super fund assets increased by more than 7 per cent in the 12 months to 30 June 2024, according to...
Anja Pannek has urged organisations to measure their recruitment, retention, and incentive strategies to ensure that...
As the ubiquitously stated trust mantra confirms – it is critical to “read the deed”, particularly where an...
It’s important that trustees and auditors don’t just consider SIS Act compliance but also the professional...
A former Adelaide accountant who worked for an SMSF specialist firm has been sentenced after stealing over $2 million...
The SMSF Association said although losses from scams have more than halved in the first six months of this year,...
A technical expert has urged advisers to consider tax planning strategies aimed at minimising tax obligations for...
Trustees should ensure they maintain accurate and consistent valuation methods in preparation for the Division 296 tax,...
There are four types of non-arm’s length income (NALI), and each has a separate test and operates differently, says a...
Class has launched an enhancement to its trust accounting and administration software cloud solution, Class Trust,...
Former financial adviser and director Ben Jayaweera has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for fraud at retrial....
A recent case in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal involving stamp duty exemption and an SMSF has highlighted...
The “commitment to a shared life” has again been highlighted in a Private Binding Ruling regarding the criteria...
The Early Release of Super scheme implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic had little impact on financial resilience or...
Many advisers favour automatically reversionary pensions (ARPs) as a popular strategy for SMSF succession planning....
Capital losses can be used to reduce or eliminate NALI tax exposures in relation to a tainted capital gain, says a...
ASIC has recommitted to conducting surveillance of personal advice provided to retail clients about the establishment...
The SMSF Association (SMSFA) has joined forces with BizCover and insurance brokerage Numerisk to provide SMSFA members...
Transition to retirement income streams are regaining popularity as a way to reduce tax and support retirement, says a...
A petition from October 2022 requesting changes to allow self-managed superannuation funds to make capital improvements...
The ATO is encouraging SMSF trustees to use its voluntary disclosure service to inform it early if a contravention has...
The government would most likely still proceed with its plan to implement the Better Targeted Superannuation...
The case of Dawson v Dawson [2019] NSWSC 826 shows how important estate planning and appropriate deed wordings are,...
SMSF members don’t have to stop work to qualify as retired and access their superannuation legally, says a leading...
The SMSF Association has appointed Keddie Waller as policy manager, strengthening its advocacy and policy work at a...
In this special episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn celebrate the 100th episode of the...
The decision in Slade v Brose [2024] NSWCA 197 provides a stark reminder of where first-order focused advice, or...
If an SMSF member is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it is best not to close out the fund before the insurance has...
An industry expert has urged advisers and their clients to keep pace with the intricacies of Div 296 as it contains...
The ATO is a large bureaucracy and produces a lot of guidance material. Thus it is important that advisers and...
The Joint Associations Working Group (JAWG) has joined the call for amendments to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better...
The delay in the changes to the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 (determination)...
An executive at the Institute of Public Accountants has suggested that a discussion around the need for gender quotas...
An SMSF can retain its Australian compliance if a member is overseas for an extended period if an enduring power of...
The portfolio administration and compliance software has added a new bank account verification feature to reduce the...
More female advisers are needed in the private wealth sector to support the inflow of wealth to female clients,...
The SMSF Association CEO says there are “growing concerns” among senators about the unintended consequences of...
Professional bodies have taken aim at comments by the assistant treasurer that practitioners and associations were...
The taxation of unrealised gains and forced sale of illiquid assets are the top concerns that a group of independent...
A technical expert has cited a recent ATO private ruling to highlight the interaction between the timing of an...
In light of recent changes to the professional and ethical obligations of tax practitioners, it is important for...
SMSFs should consider diversification into private credit investments as the cost of living continues to rise, says an...
The SMSF Association has urged the government to further engage with stakeholders over its plans to amend eligibility...
Former federal MP Julia Banks insists that all women can use their personal power to advocate for a more inclusive...
The federal opposition will seek to disallow the government’s code of conduct changes for tax practitioners, which it...
A senior SMSF educator has warned that even if a total super balance is below $3 million on 30 June 2026, the proposed...
After calling for a public inquiry into the Dixon collapse, the FAAA’s Phil Anderson has broken down the role that...
The SMSF Association says its annual Audit Day event will focus on enhancing the quality and integrity of SMSF...
Members may be able to recover mistakenly contributed funds under the Law of Restitution, says an industry...
Revenue generated by the proposed Division 296 tax should be “ring-fenced” to increase the low-income...
An increase in the volume of superannuation fund movement has seen ASIC issue a reminder to financial advisers to...
The change in the preservation age for superannuation to 60 years has brought a raft of considerations regarding...
There are several things to consider if a client decides to make a deathbed withdrawal, says an industry...
SMSF provider SuperConcepts and The Principals’ Community have joined forces to provide 122 member firms and around...
Just as there are conditions of release regarding accessing retirement funds, there are also conditions of release...
If a family member loses capacity and doesn’t have a power or attorney, an application to a state tribunal may need...
If legislated in their current form, the new Division 296 tax rules (the extra tax for those with more than $3 million...
A more traditional option of wealth building is coming back into play as SMSF trustees consider the impact of the...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Chris Hill, co-founder –...
Accountants working on an SMSF will now need to complete a trust income schedule and lodge it with the fund’s 2024...
There are three principal differences between a reversion of a pension to the spouse of a deceased member and the issue...
The conference is returning for the 11th year in 2024 to arm SMSF professionals with the knowledge and insights on...
The importance of correctly executing a will was highlighted in the culmination of a high-profile court...
Changes to the work test mean that advisers must ensure clients over the age of 67 understand that there is no ability...
It’s important to consider whether the trustee of an SMSF is using their “discretion” in line with the trust deed...
The consequences of failing to meet pension standards are significant following a recent amendment to a tax ruling,...
Not all criminal records will disqualify a person from being an SMSF...
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority is concerned about a rise in sophisticated scam activity in the...
With the Division 296 tax looming it is important to think strategically about restructuring investments regarding...
Practitioners and professional bodies have vowed to keep the pressure on authorities to fix broad provisions around...
As a lawyer, I do a lot of work advising and representing approved SMSF auditors who are being audited/reviewed by the...
Financial advisers have experienced substantial client attrition due to recent fee increases, according to a new...
The new financial year has started, so it is time to collect and collate your SMSF records. This can be a more onerous...
A recent private binding ruling has stated that financial dependency can be achieved even if the beneficiary became so...
After a successful inaugural event last year, the Women in Finance Summit is returning in 2024 with more business...
ASIC has banned a former adviser for 10 years after it found representatives from his company recommended prospective...
The Coalition would reverse the proposed Division 296 tax if it won the next election, says shadow assistant treasurer...
There are a number of assumptions that are included in obtaining “market value” for an asset inside an SMSF, says a...
Superannuation cannot be dealt with under a will so it is vital that a comprehensive estate plan is written including...
A Melbourne accountant was fined $20,000 and sentenced to a 70-hour community correction order for falsifying the...
One of the most significant advantages of holding insurance policies inside superannuation is the tax deduction for...
As the incidence of blended families continues to rise, the issue of stepchildren and superannuation benefits is also...
There is an urgent need for cost-effective, trusted financial advice, especially for young people, who are increasingly...
Withdrawing assets from an SMSF to help minimise Division 296 liability can incur costs, but there is a way to do it...
Auditors should insist upon a written agreement for transactions with related parties, says a leading industry...
Financial planning professionals should be having conversations with their clients as soon as possible about their aged...
The regulator has banned a financial adviser for five years and cancelled his firm’s...
The SMSF Association is hoping a meeting with Greens senators in late June will help pave the way for amendments being...
An SMSF trustee and accountant who tried to leverage the decision of the recent case against Billabong Surf Clothing...
SMSF Adviser is now accepting nominations and submissions for the Women in Finance Awards, to be held in November...
A key challenge for financial advisers when servicing their SMSF clients relates to difficulties encountered with the...
A recent private binding ruling has stated that the payment of a superannuation death benefit to the trustee of a...
Historically, deeds were required to be written on paper (or parchment or vellum), as well as being signed, sealed and...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Craig Day, head of technical...
The taxing of capital gains in relation to the NALI bill is the new frontline in the ongoing battle for the SMSF...
A death benefit guardian is a way to add flexibility around paying death benefits, says an industry...
Safe harbour provisions cannot be applied to units purchased in an unlisted unit trust through an LRBA arrangement,...
BGL has announced an integration with Digital Rapport, an AI-driven reporting platform revolutionising SMSF financial...
Liquidators in the Vestey Trust case of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Master Wealth Control Pty Ltd...
The ATO has released two new education courses for trustees to build their knowledge on setting up and winding up an...
It’s time to rethink the traditional view of the home as a “nest egg” and start thinking about it as a key...
The proposed Division 296 tax will be highly reliant on accurate valuations as part of the methodology used to...
SMSF accountants, auditors and advisers are at risk of cyber crime and should take precautions to secure their...
The shadow assistant treasurer has demanded the urgent withdrawal of new rules he says are unrealistic and rife with...
There are plenty of complexities and potential challenges to be navigated when investing overseas. Trustees will...
SMSF auditors should “slavishly” follow the relevant ATO webpages and monitor changes in wording, says a legal...
Despite cryptocurrency having a low correlation with traditional SMSF investments, it can give a fund a generous return...
SuperMate has announced an integration with Macquarie Bank’s Cash Management Account (CMA) that will streamline the...
Two recent court cases highlight the need to adopt a holistic approach in relation tax and estate planning,...
While we all know that rising interest rates is good news for term deposits savers, there are other investments that...
With ASIC increasing its regulatory scrutiny in relation to registering new companies, it is imperative for advisers...
Accounting giant BDO has partnered with SuperConcepts to deploy its newly upgraded SuperMate SMSF software...
A recent case in the NSW Supreme Court highlights how deathbed withdrawals can be problematic, says an expert legal...
SMSF trustees considering investing in cryptocurrency should remember the asset class has been designed to fit into...
The ATO has now registered the Income Tax Assessment Amendment (Superannuation) Regulations 2024 with a commencement...
There will be additional reporting requirements for SMSFs when the new $3 million super tax legislation comes into...
Boosting superannuation contributions with extra funds from the newly introduced stage 3 cuts needs to be considered...
Leaving superannuation to charity has been problematic but there is a renewed push from various lobby groups to amend...
The SMSF Association said it “firmly opposes” the new Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct)...
SMFS auditors and trustees who received a letter from the ATO earlier in the year regarding its focus on asset...
After more than 10 years, the ATO has finalised the updated tax ruling on pensions commencing and...
Whilst the focus was on end-of-financial-year matters, the ATO released the final updated version of its pension ruling...
Related party transactions continue to be regularly caught up in ATO decision impact statements despite a longtime lack...
ASIC has told the profession to stay on top of updating systems and processes as required after the Treasury Laws...
AFCA has released the final number of complaints made against Dixon Advisory, with the amount reaching 2,773 at the...
The case of Merchant v Commissioner of Taxation [2024] AATA 1102 and the eventual overturning of the Commissioner’s...
An industry stalwart has questioned how significant the application of the NALI changes will be now they have finally...
Submissions and nominations have opened for the inaugural Momentum Media Australian AI Awards 2024, which champions the...
In this special episode, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the flurry of activity happening on the regulatory...
Grandparent carers are becoming an increasingly more common scenario and there is the possibility that this situation...
The SMSF Association has urged the federal government to implement a key recommendation in the Senate Economics...
Given the role a binding death benefit nomination plays in estate planning, it could be argued that the capacity to...
How SMSF trust deeds are drafted can reduce or increase the risk of disputes over a member’s benefits when they die,...
A fund’s status has changed to “regulation details removed” on Super Fund Lookup. Why has this occurred and what...
Rushing to lodge a tax return could have implications for claiming personal deductible superannuation contributions,...
The question of how non-arm’s length income can apply to an SMSF in receipt of fully franked dividends has been...
The ATO has issued guidelines about how the new non-arm's length income (NALI) legislation may impact...
Speculation is growing that the government may be rethinking its approach to the controversial $3 million super tax...
The committee has recommended separating ASIC into two bodies and lightening the load on small businesses by...
After passing the Senate on Thursday afternoon, the first Delivering Better Financial Outcomes bill has passed the...
With the House of Representatives due to debate the $3 million super tax tomorrow, SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess...
SMSF trustees have to use SuperStream in rolling over funds or they will be breaching regulation 6.17, says a leading...
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia said the latest ‘Pulse check on retirement income...
The timing and definition of what constitutes the official ending of a relationship can be problematic and can impact...
To classify as having an interdependency relationship, there has to be more than a close relationship and rather...
If a member of an SMSF has received a Division 293 assessment, several steps have to be taken before any payments can...
After last week's further postponement of the third reading of the proposed $3 million super tax in the House of...
How the industry manages risk around SMSFs is important but equally so is the role professional advisers play going...
A recent Federal Court decision demonstrates the circumstances where contributions into a super fund will not protect...
Before making a tax claim or entering into a more novel transaction, SMSF trustees should be prudent and prepare a...
A tax ruling on superannuation contributions is still to be finalised and is causing concern for SMSF trustees, a...
SMSFs would likely benefit if there were an increase in the diversity and quality of investment opportunities on the...
The contribution caps change from 1 July 2024. In particular, the annual non-concessional cap goes from $110,000 to...
The impending Division 296 tax is leading SMSF trustees and advisers to think about whether investing all their savings...
The safe harbour interest rate for related party limited recourse borrowing has changed for...
The decreasing number of qualified financial advisers could be forcing people wishing to establish an SMSF to seek help...
Fraudulent illegal early access schemes can leave SMSF trustees open to not only ramifications from the ATO but also...
There are a number of hurdles and potential tax penalties that may apply if an SMSF elects to have their family...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, Adrian Fisher, head of distribution and product at RedZed, joins host Maja...
There will now be certainty around the NALI/E provisions with the passing yesterday of the Treasury Laws Amendment...
Now that the 2023–24 financial year is coming to a close, it will be necessary for individuals receiving pensions...
The termination of a relationship requires more than a text message, as has been highlighted in the Federal Court case...
Any income derived by an SMSF as a beneficiary of a trust can be subject to penalty tax, warns a legal...
The ATO has updated its SMSF independent auditor’s report.
The SMSF Association is continuing to push its case against the new $3 million super legislation due to be debated in...
Starting a pension on or after 1 June can be strategic from a tax perspective leading up to the end of the financial...
A tax agent who appealed deregistration by the Tax Practitioners Board to the Federal Court for incorrectly lodging the...
Trustees are reminded that as the new financial year approaches it is time to make sure investment valuations are done,...
SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess has reiterated his call for a more united front in the financial services sector in...
People nearing retirement often want to know how much they can earn before it affects their pension, and now there is a...
The economics legislation committee has released its findings on the DBFO bill and its controversial section...
If you use trusts as part of your business or personal investment structure, there are some important considerations...
The introduction of the Division 296 tax may see a change in investment appetites for more exotic property purchases,...
A recent ruling in the NSW Supreme Court has highlighted the importance of timing in nominating beneficiaries as well...
Accountants, auditors, bookkeepers, and rising stars were among those declared winners at this year’s...
The impact of identity theft and its threat to superannuation savings was highlighted in a case that went before the...
A recent private binding ruling has highlighted how stringent the ATO is on the definition of interdependency in...
One-third of Australians expect they will still be paying off their mortgage in retirement, according to new...
Draft legislation that includes the non-arm’s length expense changes is stuck in Parliament after almost five years...
The ATO is “cracking down” on family trust elections, warns a leading legal...
Many grey areas need to be addressed in the wholesale versus retail investor classifications, says the head of policy...
The central bank has announced its latest rate decision amid sticky inflation and ongoing geopolitical tension,...
As the value of superannuation increases it is important to understand how to make complying death benefit nominations,...
The CEO of the Super Members Council says her remarks were “not intended to be generalised to all financial...
Liberal senator Andrew Bragg raised concerns over whether ASIC's involvement in the legislative process has impacted...
There are a number of critical issues surrounding deathbed benefit withdrawals, including whether the member has a...
Almost 300 finalists are set to battle it out for the trophies at this year’s prestigious...
The proposed new breach reporting provisions will present several challenges for registered tax agents (RTA) when...
As the end of the financial year draws to a close, we must ensure that trustees draw their minimum pension. Failure to...
There are two conditions for a company to qualify as a special purpose superannuation trustee company, says a legal...
The ATO has issued a warning on cryptocurrency scams for SMSFs and reminded trustees that it will use a data-matching...
While separation of assets remains one of the most reported contraventions by SMSF auditors, the question is: does a...
An SMSF doesn’t need to have an empty balance sheet during the winding-up process, says a technical...
There are three key areas within limited recourse borrowing arrangements that the ATO has indicated it will focus on...
New research has recommended that superannuation tax concessions should be ended or at least...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Tracey Scotchbrook, head of policy and advocacy...
Grandchildren challenging estates is becoming a growth area that shows no signs of slowing down, says a legal...
The SMSF Association is calling on the government to amend the legislation governing the GST treatment of adviser fees...
Growth in house prices in Australian capital cities could accelerate in the second half of 2024 and in 2025, with the...
The controversial CSLR has made its first payments to four claimants who suffered from financial services misconduct,...
With the $3 million super tax entering its final stages in Parliament, new research has shown that “tax bunching”...
The SMSF Association said it is concerned by the number of measures being introduced as a “response to PwC” and...
There are some important things to consider when choosing a name for your SMSF, says the...
A unit trust is often an attractive investment vehicle for SMSFs as it can offer many similar benefits to a corporate...
Advisers are coming together to protest the government’s handling of key legislative and regulatory matters...
The ATO has released instructions on what SMSF trustees should do and mistakes to avoid when preparing their annual...
SMSF trustees need to be aware that there are situations where a notice of intent may not be valid, which could impact...
Before 30 June, SMSF trustees need to check the level of any in-house assets to ensure they haven't exceeded the 5 per...
The introduction of the $3 million super tax has sparked a fresh debate about limited recourse borrowing arrangements,...
This checklist includes some items that aren’t exclusively end of financial year or SMSF-related but might be...
There is increasing uncertainty and fear among SMSFs with the further postponement of the passing of the NALI/E...
The introduction of the Division 296 tax should be used as an opportunity to open conversations with clients around...
The Super Members Council is urging the government to slash red tape on super accounts in retirement to save tens of...
SMSF trustees that invest in qualifying use property in Victoria from 1 July 2024 will need to be aware of how the new...
SMSFs have a little more flexibility when it comes to making contributions and deductions in time for the end of the...
The SMSF Association has called for the government to take the burden off financial advisers and cover the cost of all...
This is part 8 of our series of ‘employee versus contractor’ articles. Part 8 focuses the ATO’s decision impact...
It has already been revealed that there will be some superannuation members who will be excluded from Division 296, but...
When making direct death benefit payments, whether as a lump sum or as a pension, there are specific legal limitations...
The Global Multi-Strategy Fund (GMF) from Victor Smorgon Partners has been added to the HUB24 investment platform,...
Discover the potential of cryptocurrency to diversify and enhance your SMSF by joining us for this free, live...
Although the proposed Division 296 tax legislation is the headline issue in the new superannuation legislation, there...
The repayment of a limited recourse borrowing arrangement presents an opportunity to consider changes to the...
An improved professional registers search from ASIC will help SMSF trustees search for approved SMSF...
A recent Victorian court decision has provided a stark reminder of the interplay of superannuation entitlements and...
A recent private binding ruling has once more consolidated that payments from a foreign pension scheme will be taxed as...
Increasing medical costs and insurance premiums are driving up the cost of a comfortable retirement, according to the...
As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, it is crucial to ensure your SMSF is in order....
Many Australians close to retiring won’t have nearly enough super to live on during their golden years and may need...
When contemplating an SMSF being an investor in a related unit trust structure, many advisers and SMSF trustees focus...
There are three big ethical issues the SMSF sector will face in the coming years, says an industry...
The total assets in SMSFs grew nearly 9 per cent in the March 2024 quarter, according to the latest statistics from the...
Three Queensland women who illegally attempted to access superannuation payments under a federal government COVID-19...
The court has upheld a decision by the AAT and Tax Practitioners Board to terminate an agent’s registration after she...
If a deemed contribution is sourced from an entity or individual other than a member or spouse, it will count towards...
The corporate regulator has permanently banned a former Queensland-based financial adviser after he was convicted of...
A super rollover can affect a range of financial planning strategies, says a superannuation technical...
Advisers need to ensure that clients currently in pension phase have met their minimum pension requirements in the...
Chris Holloway, senior tax manager for Equity Trustees, an independent specialist trustee company, said while...
With the expansion of the downsizer contribution, the timing of when it is used can affect how to use non-concessional...
The SMSF Association has called on the government to exclude an individual’s principal place of residence from the...
More SMSFs are investing in ETFs as a younger demographic continues to enter the sector, according to the latest...
A resounding yes. Let's explore why.
Unless carefully managed, unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) and beneficiary accounts in family/discretionary trusts...
It is important for advisers to be aware of the key issues the ATO will consider when assessing the tax treatment of...
A government pension or allowance was still the main source of personal income at retirement, according to the latest...
With the stage three tax cuts set to be implemented in around six weeks, opportunities for tax-saving strategies should...
SMSF trustees are less concerned than the general population about outliving their retirement savings, especially if...
To access the experienced pathway, financial advisers need to make a written declaration and give a copy to their...
The latest ATO quarterly SMSF statistics show the sector continues to grow, led by younger members and women.
A recent court decision has highlighted that there are nuances in any case that can determine whether breaches of an...
The absence of any mention of the Objective of Superannuation legislation in last week’s budget could be an...
As the transfer of inherited assets continues to grow, advisers will need to leverage digital channels to help...
The ATO’s additional guidance on trust distributions shows this is an area it is likely to check closely, says a...
Providing life interest or life estate is becoming an increasingly common way to protect the inheritance of children in...
The complex nature of limited recourse borrowing arrangements means it is necessary for SMFS to carefully consider...
Exemptions under the in-house asset rules can help SMSFs regarding investments in unit trusts, says a superannuation...
If an SMSF has lost documentation regarding limited recourse borrowing arrangements, paying out the loan can be one way...
Failing to follow the specific requirements of a trust instrument when appointing a beneficiary can potentially leave a...
The SMSF Association CEO said it was encouraging to see a number of independent and Coalition politicians voice their...
When buying a business real property, such as a commercial property, an important first step is confirming what assets...
The National Farmers’ Federation has reiterated significant concerns over the federal government’s proposed tax...
More than 12 independent and Coalition senators spoke out against the new $3 million super tax legislation in the Lower...
Although there was a notable absence of any major superannuation announcements in Tuesday’s federal budget, there...
All transactions regarding SMSFs need to be completed by 28 June to avoid compliance issues and...
With recent increases in property values and ongoing changes to the land tax rules, more property owners may wish to...
The government found room for a sweet potato levy reduction in the federal budget, yet financial advice didn’t rate a...
In this special budget episode, hosts Keith Ford, Maja Garaca Djurdjevic, and Aaron Dunn discuss the outlook for...
Superannuation was a no show in the federal budget last night but whether that means good news or bad news is...
Superannuation may still be viable beyond a $3 million balance but doing some financial analysis and seeking...
The corporate regulator has permanently banned a financial adviser who “dishonestly attempted to induce clients to...
Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered the Albanese government’s third federal budget on Tuesday evening, 14 May, touting a...
While an amnesty on legacy pensions is top of the budget wishlist of the SMSF Association, there is also concern about...
The SMSF Association said it is bitterly disappointed the Senate Economics Legislation Committee recommended that the...
The FAAA's budget wish list includes a fairer ASIC funding levy, improved tax deductibility for financial advice, and...
SMSF trustees are required to have lodged their SAR by tomorrow (15 May) or risk losing their compliance...
Superannuation will no doubt become a political football ahead of the next federal election with the Senate...
The final draft of the $3 million super tax legislation remains unchanged and will include the taxing of unrealised...
The FAAA says new AFCA figures will cost every adviser an additional $4,165 on top of what has already been...
It will come as no surprise that superannuation’s preservation age has been gradually increasing.
The fight isn’t over for amendments to the $3 million super legislation, SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess has...
Primary producers and small businesses with SMSFs are beginning to sell their assets in anticipation of the $3 million...
Shadow finance minister Jane Hume launched a scathing attack on the Labor government’s economic policies on...
The corporate regulator has commenced “urgent” Federal Court proceedings against a Brisbane-based financial...
The transfer balance cap looks set to increase to $2 million in 2025 as inflation continues to remain high, says an...
A new SMSF specialist adviser course has been added to the stable of...
There were 25 winners at the first-ever Australian Wealth Management Awards, held in Sydney...
Managing SMSF expenses with diligence and care is the first step to avoiding general expense...
The SMSF Association has made a last-minute submission to the Senate economics committee voicing its concern over three...
SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess “encouraged” the government to cease the progress of the Better Targeted...
The central bank has announced its latest rate decision amid stubborn inflation and increasing geopolitical...
Despite the proposed legislation to introduce an additional impost on high-balance super accounts being referred to the...
ASIC has warned consumers to be wary of cold-calling operators offering inappropriate super-switching...
A recent AAT case has offered some valuable insights into how tax residency can be determined if clients move overseas,...
ASF Audits has joined forces with Acumentis, a provider of residential and commercial property valuations....
The ATO has issued a reminder to financial advisers and accounting professionals to ensure their readiness for year-end...
A legal expert has warned that using a standard bank account for an SMSF can carry a risk, especially if it becomes...
The ATO has issued a draft decision impact statement on the recent Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision of BPFN and...
The corporate regulator has shared some “disappointing” findings upon reviewing the public communications of more...
The SMSF Association has asked for clarification on two points in the amendments to the draft legislation on successor...
The increasing engagement of women investing and SMSFs suggests things are moving in the right direction regarding...
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Tony Negline, superannuation...
Before making a distribution from a discretionary trust it’s important to check that the person, company, trust or...
Certain legislative amendments from 2022 allow for some legacy pensions to be commuted and converted into new...
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) said it is “disappointed” to see Australia’s...
This is part 7 of our series of ‘employee versus contractor’ articles. Part 7 focuses on recent changes by the...
In this episode of the SMSF Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by shadow treasurer Angus Taylor to discuss the...
It doesn’t matter how late a non-concessional contribution is made before starting the pension phase as long as there...
SMSF expenses have to pass the “smell test” if trustees don’t want auditors to start digging for evidence, says a...
The Financial Services Minister defended the CSLR funding model, adding that to “sustainably” solve the problem,...
With the concessional contributions threshold about to increase, it’s a good time to revisit strategies to avoid...
Appropriately structured and administered trusts can provide significant protection in the event of a spousal...
The Actuaries Institute is calling for the annual Superannuation Performance Test to transition to a two-metric test,...
A specialist adviser recommends considering whether to hold or sell assets held in an SMSF before winding up the...
It’s not ideal to personally pay a deposit for property bought in the name of an SMSF, warns an...
Even if a home is owned by only one spouse, the other may make a downsizer contribution if they meet all other...
The release of regulations around the proposed Division 296 tax was “deliberate” after backlash from the Australian...
The Joint Associations Working Group (JAWG) has put forward “core principles” to improve the pathways for new...
SMSF trustees are being warned to be on the lookout for crypto investment...
The SMSF Association is urging Treasury to prioritise an amnesty for legacy pensions in the upcoming Federal Budget on...
For more than a decade, our mission has been empowering investors with unexplored and intelligent solutions. Our ETFs...
In an appearance before the Senate Economics Legislative Committee last week, the Tax Institute recommended the...
A recent private binding ruling has further highlighted the conditions that need to be met to claim interdependency in...
The ATO is advising SMSF trustees about a change to its SMS alerts that aims to prevent scam and phishing...
It may only be April, but while we are distracted with the upcoming federal budget and the May lodgment date, the end...
It can be difficult but not impossible to prove dealings are consistent with arm’s length terms, as a recent court...
A recent AAT decision confirmed the ATO’s ruling on the timing of concessional contributions for tax purposes, says a...
The SMSF Association said it does not support the introduction of a performance test for...
Buying a property in an SMSF can be a great investment strategy to generate long-term retirement wealth, but it is...
The interaction between the IHA rules and Part 8 of SIS underscores the legislation’s holistic approach to SMSF...
The Financial Advice Association Australia has argued strongly against the implementation of the CSLR, calling the...
While contribution reserving can be used to maximise a tax deduction, it can also be useful for handling work test...
The fund manager has announced a new range of funds that financial advisers can take advantage of gearing for their...
The key super thresholds that will apply for the 2024–25 financial year include a number of changes, as well as some...
Responding to the Senate inquiry on the measures to reduce the tax concessions for super balances above $3 million, CA...
The software firm has announced an integration with Sydney-based wealthtech firm HeirWealth.
Following a two-week delay, the Federal Court has approved the $16 million class action settlement.
The Tax Office says tax and super professionals play a key role in helping address illegal early access to...
An incorrect valuation of fund assets could lead to an incorrect value for pensions, warns a senior adviser.
SMSFs may no longer be prepared to invest in illiquid assets such as start-ups if the super tax legislation is passed...
The importance of supplying a Notice of Intention in relation to cashing out superannuation was highlighted in a recent...
Personal deductible contributions must be made before the age of 67 to avoid the work test, says a technical...
The number of Class accounts has grown 3 per cent, with HUB24 also reporting a boost in adviser numbers.
A recent tribunal decision regarding non-arm’s length income is unlikely to apply to private lending arrangements...
Advisers are bracing for the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort levy while Jones has hit the campaign trail and...
The corporate regulator has announced it will have an interim chief executive amid an executive leadership...
SMSF trustees who want to undertake property development need to be aware of the compliance and tax issues on which the...
ASIC has filed civil proceedings against three blockchain mining companies and their sole...
The asset protection strategy, often referred to as a 'gift and loan back' arrangement (and various iterations of it),...
It’s important advisers consider who qualifies as a spouse early in their client interactions, especially when...
A trust instrument with a variation power that is considered too narrow to achieve wider objectives can be difficult to...
With the NALI/E bill now passed through both houses of Parliament, SMSFs need to take some crucial steps in accounting...
Advisers should be mindful of the non-concessional caps and total super balance threshold changes when recommending...
Loans to unrelated or related parties must satisfy the prudent person test, says an SMSF legal...
Correct pension documentation is equally important as death benefit nomination in an SMSF, says a financial...
Solving the in-house asset (IHA) compliance maze is complex due to the legislation that applies to IHA...
Contribution reserving provides an opportunity for SMSF trustees to optimise their contributions and tax positions,...
In the event of a dispute over the contents of a will, Family Provision Applications involve many ancillary issues and...
A large concessional contribution this year could be useful in dealing with a one-off capital gain or significant...
Calculating the tax payable on a defined benefit fund under the new proposed $3 million super tax will require more...
A senior ombudsman from AFCA has cautioned advisers to “tread with caution” when applying the wholesale test to...
The JAWG has said there is still time to fix the first QAR bill – but the government needs to move...
The recent ATO communication about SMSF valuation compliance should be viewed as a warning that the regulator will be...
Another private binding ruling has been issued, clarifying the distinction between a member benefit and a death...
If an SMSF is notified of penalties for contraventions, it’s best practice to go straight to the ATO’s law...
Australia’s superannuation system has seen a number of significant changes in recent years....
Without a clear change of trustee provisions in a deed, section 6 of the Trustee Act 1925 (NSW) must be relied upon and...
A recent private binding ruling highlighted that if an SMSF member resides overseas for some time, their fund must...
The ATO has reminded SMSF trustees that funds that do not meet their release authority obligations may incur...
The $3 million super tax legislation intends to change the calculation of the total super balance for a defined benefit...
Leaving superannuation in the superannuation environment for as long as possible is likely to produce a more tax...
The Senate Economics Legislation Committee said it is “encouraged” by the overwhelming amount of support garnered...
The recent decision in Kirk as trustee of the Property of Smith (a Bankrupt) v Smith [2024] FCA 240 provides a timely...
There is growing support from the Senate crossbench for the government to rethink its plans to tax unrealised gains in...
There is no relief for SMSFs for specific expenses which will be subject to the usual NALI rules in section 295-550...
A new SMSF investment solution is now available for the growing Islamic community in...
Changes to the Small Business Super Clearing House data integrity standards may impact the ability of some people to...
Regulation 7.04 in the SIS Act is important in determining which members of an SMSF can receive contributions and what...
Nearly 34 per cent of all reported SMSF contraventions indicate trustees may have inappropriately accessed their...
The SMSF Association said the government needs to carefully consider funding arrangements before implementing reforms...
A recent Federal Court ruling has found that the transfer of super from a husband to his wife’s superannuation...
The audit profession is facing major challenges in attracting and retaining qualified staff, according to a new...
The government has introduced a bill to Parliament to legislate the first stream of the QAR reforms.
To access financial hardship provisions, a member must be on financial benefits for at least 26 weeks of the year if...
We are introducing a new feature on our website to ensure we meet the needs of our audience and offer the most...
More than 16,500 SMSFs are being scrutinised by the ATO as they allegedly reported certain classes of assets at the...
A leading auditor suggests that instead of introducing the $3 million super tax, the government has two alternative...
The SMSF Association was working until the final bell gathering support to overhaul the government’s proposed $3...
Although the Centrelink age for a pension is 67, SMSF members can access their super from age 65, says an...
A comprehensive power of variation is one of the most important aspects of any trust deed, says a leading legal...
There are three tests to determine whether non-arm’s length income has been incurred in an SMSF, says a specialist...
Parents of a deceased person may not qualify for interdependency relationship regarding superannuation death benefits...
The SMSF Association said it was disappointing to see the introduction of some statements that perpetuate myths and...
A recent decision of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) shows a “deed of rectification” to vary a...
Younger SMSF members should not “squander” any chances of boosting their superannuation balances before the $3...
It’s that time of the year. Self-managed superannuation fund trustees that are using an accountant, and are not...
The SMSF Association said it is “extremely concerning” that financial advisers are being asked to fund compensation...
The CSLR will hit advisers for almost $1,200 to cover 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, but this figure could...
SMSF Adviser is now accepting nominations and submissions from SMSF professionals for this year’s awards, now in its...
ASIC has permanently banned a Queensland-based financial adviser who recommended six SMSF clients invest their super...
More SMSF trustees are seeking financial advice due to the uncertain market conditions of 2023, according to a leading...
As the saying goes: nothing is certain except death and taxes. When it comes to death and the main...
The question is whether to restructure in an attempt to reduce your tax bills or those of your future...
The government has announced an increase in the standard concessional and non-concessional contribution caps.
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn get out their crystal balls and take a look...
A step-by-step guide to adding Bitcoin to your SMSF portfolio with Digital Surge, including guidance on fees, the...
With almost 16 million Australians having a superannuation account, allowing super funds to provide advice could enable...
We are thrilled to invite you to a momentous event that promises to set new standards in celebrating excellence in the...
Changes to the Transfer Balance Account Reporting (TBAR) regime are set to take effect on 1 July this year. These...
SuperConcepts releases quarterly SMSF Investment Patterns Survey analysing the investments of over 4,400 funds,...
Documentation and education provider LightYear Group has appointed a chief executive officer and announced changes to...
The demand for quality accounting staff is significantly outstripping supply but, what can we do to facilitate...
Self-managed super funds exist to provide their members with a high degree of control over their retirement savings....
Promoted SuperConcepts
Promoted by SuperConcepts Tight new Director ID changes are now in place and failure to comply could soon result in...
Promoted by SuperConcepts The ATO's ruling on non-arm’s length expenditure has been an area of great debate...
Promoted by SuperConcepts
Promoted by SuperConcepts What happens to your SMSF once you are gone? Death benefit nominations ensure that...
Promoted by SuperConcepts The flexibility of self-managing your superannuation comes with a myriad of key...
Promoted by SuperConcepts Last month, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a reshuffle of the cabinet which...
With any reforms to stamp duty unlikely to extend landholder duty, SMSF professionals should be careful not to...
Super death benefits trusts can provide flexibility in the estate planning process for SMSF trustees and advisers,...
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has refused an application by the director of an SMSF administration firm to halt...
Some SMSF practitioners are making some critical errors with the documentation for TRISs, which could have significant...
CFDs are used by many trustees for SMSF investment. But there are some things to bear in mind before adding CFDs to an...
The federal government is again being lobbied to extend the superannuation guarantee to include the self employed, as...
Despite cryptocurrency not being regulated as a financial product, the requisites of best interests duty still strictly...
A recently established fintech company plans to launch a digital advice platform for SMSF advice that is targeted at...
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