August
- Opinion
- SMSFs
Beware – DIY repairs and renovations are a minefield for SMSFs
Doing work on a property owned by your SMSF is fraught with danger because of strict tax and superannuation laws. Here’s what you need to know.
July
- Opinion
- Superannuation
What to do to with your SMSF if you’re moving overseas
The Tax Office requires trustees to pass three tests if they wish to maintain tax benefits.
- Opinion
- Superannuation
The super trick every couple should know about
It can make a material difference to your total retirement kitty and the tax you pay – but you need to get it right.
June
Why the proposed new $3m super tax is simpler than you think
But the devil is in the detail, so the potential for complexity lies in how the “proportion” and “earnings” amounts are worked out.
May
A smarter way to tax high super balances
The government has tried to keep things simple, but in doing so fairness has gone out the window.
March
- Opinion
- Life insurance
There are good reasons to have insurance in an SMSF
An SMSF is allowed to claim a tax deduction for insurance premiums.
February
- Opinion
- Superannuation
The two things you need to know about $1.9m super cap
It can be the most baffling number in retirement savings but figuring it out could help you get more into your fund.
January
- Opinion
- SMSFs
Do this before adding solar panels to your rental property
If the property is owned by a self-managed super fund, be sure to stick to these rules.
December 2023
- Opinion
- Inheritance
How to claim your spouse’s super after they die
There’s a way to move their retirement savings to your super – this is how to get things going.
November 2023
- Opinion
- SMSFs
What to do to protect your SMSF from fraud
Beefed-up proof-of-identity rules aim to protect SMSFs from scams, but will mean more paperwork for trustees.
- Updated
October 2023
- Opinion
- Superannuation
What happens if you make an illegal raid on super to ease tough times
More SMSF trustees are being caught out by the ATO illegally accessing their retirement savings – this is how they’re dealt with.
- Opinion
- Super wars
How the $3m super tax will work
Not all the ‘earnings’ over the threshold will get taxed at 15 per cent, just a percentage – depending on how much of your balance exceeds the cap each year.
September 2023
- Opinion
- SMSFs
Don’t switch super funds without doing these five things
Careful planning can make the world of difference. Don’t be too trigger-happy when it comes to initiating the transfer via myGov.
August 2023
- Opinion
- SMSFs
Watch this tax trap if you’re trying to beat $3m super cap
It’s all in the timing. This is how to cut CGT on a $1 million gain from $71,000 to $33,000.
July 2023
- Opinion
- Superannuation
Get this paperwork right – or risk losing your tax deduction
Made personal super contributions in the last tax year and want belatedly to claim a tax break? This is what you need to do.
June 2023
Can I sell my property to my SMSF?
The answer depends on a number of factors – primarily the type of property and who will rent it from the fund.
May 2023
- Opinion
- SMSFs
When your super fund’s paperwork could get you into trouble
If an auditor is turning down your DIY fund’s investment strategy, what’s probably at fault is your documentation rather than the actual investments.
March 2023
- Opinion
- Pension
Want bespoke retirement income? Here’s how to do it with an SMSF
Running an income stream from an SMSF can mean doing what suits you rather than ticking the boxes of a public fund.
- Opinion
- Super wars
What to do now to beat $3m super cap
One important action is taking steps to even up the balances held by couples.
February 2023
- Opinion
- Superannuation
Should I wait until July to start my pension?
The increase in the tax-free pension cap to $1.9 million doesn’t mean delaying your retirement is a no-brainer.