December 2024
- Opinion
- SMSFs
3 things to consider before bringing children into your SMSF
Thinking about a multi-generational self-managed superannuation fund? They can be great, but it’s not a decision to make lightly.
November 2024
- Opinion
- SMSFs
Why SMSFs can never lend money to relatives – ever
An SMSF can lend money to a person or business completely unrelated to members of the fund but all loans must be made on commercial terms.
October 2024
- Opinion
- SMSFs
A big new tax on super is coming but don’t do anything rash – yet
While a government plan to increase tax on super balances above $3 million is anxiety inducing, yanking money out too soon could be a costly mistake.
September 2024
- Opinion
- SMSFs
How to get your kids more tax-free super when you die
Re-contribution strategies allow you to withdraw money from super and put it back again to minimise tax for whoever inherits it. Such strategies are making a come-back, particularly in SMSFs
August 2024
- 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 2024
- 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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
- 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 2024
- 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 2024
- 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.