May 21, 2025
he $3 million super tax has been headline news around the country over the past couple of weeks and has finally made the front pages of the mainstream media. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn highlight a critical aspect of the debate that has captured the media’s attention: the difference between the perception and the reality of the implications of the Division 296 tax.
Listen as they discuss:
- The misconceptions and a lack of understanding about the legislation’s nuances.
- The political dynamics surrounding Div 296 and its complexities.
- The broader implications of Div 296, particularly its potential impact on estate planning and family businesses.
- The need for advisers to play a crucial role in guiding clients through the complexities of the new tax laws.
June 24, 2025
EOFY super planning and tax strategies
As the end of the financial year approaches, SMSF professionals are gearing up to navigate the complexities of superannuation contributions and tax planning. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, industry stalwart Liam Shorte, director of Sonas Wealth, explains the essential areas that advisers and accountants should address in the next three weeks to optimise super strategies for their clients.
Managing clients’ total super balance (TSB) effectively is right at the top of the list, with Shorte explaining the importance of having accurate information and why it’s not always a good idea to maximise unused contribution caps if there are any uncertainties around the exact figures.
Listen as they discuss:
- How to access accurate superannuation data through the ATO.
- How to ensure that 2024 financials are reported promptly.
- Contribution strategies for different age cohorts and how they can benefit future planning.
- The increasing problem of debt for those approaching 60.
March 6, 2025
Budget 2025: the implications for the SMSF sector
In this special post-budget episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn navigate a complex web of budgetary and political issues.
Although it was a budget with nothing much in it for the SMSF sector, it was what wasn’t included that may have dramatic implications for the sector moving forward.
With the departure of Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones, the sector faces uncertainty over future leadership and policy direction, while the emergence of the Teal independents and the potential for a minority government add layers of complexity to an already unpredictable political landscape.
The budget’s limited offerings with small tax cuts and cost-of-living adjustments taking centrestage.
The alignment between the reduced tax rates and superannuation accumulation rates.
The broader implications of the upcoming election on the SMSF and financial services sectors.
The DBFO 1.5. proposed changes, including the shift from a statement of advice to a client advice record.
July 2, 2025
Where to from here planning for the new financial year
It’s the start of a new financial year, but there are still many uncertainties in the SMSF world. In the latest episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the implications of the upcoming Division 296 legislation, which is set to impact individuals with superannuation balances over $3 million.
As the new financial year kicks off, there is a raft of other topics that SMSF professionals need to pay attention to and plan for the year ahead, and Aaron breaks down all of the areas that deserve a closer look.
Listen as they discuss:
- How a lack of certainty is impacting the sector.
- The continued pushback from a growing cohort of industry bodies.
- The rise in SG and its effect on contribution strategies.
- Timely reviews needed now of investment strategies and estate planning.
