January
More than 17,000 legacy pensioners set free but issues remain
The federal government is finally allowing SMSF members to exit old-style pensions.
December 2024
Three ways to improve the SMSF sector in 2025
There is no doubt self-managed superannuation funds are unnecessarily complex, so top of next year’s wish list is the long-running call for greater simplicity.
November 2024
Why SMSFs might soon need to load up on cash
Taxing unrealised capital gains on super balances over $3 million will make cash-flow management extremely difficult.
October 2024
Why over 70s are pouring money into super like never before
Removing the work test has allowed more people to take advantage of a strategy that reduces tax on an inherited nest egg.
September 2024
$1 trillion: Millennials drive SMSF ‘renaissance’
SMSFs are undergoing a renaissance thanks in part to interest from Millennials. But it’s not all good news because many operate without any expert guidance.
August 2024
Beware this easily overlooked pension rule with serious consequences
The ATO does not take kindly to SMSFs underpaying minimum pensions.
July 2024
There is a simpler, fairer way to tax super above $3m
Australia will soon become the only pension system in the world to tax unrealised capital gains.
June 2024
SMSFs desert financial advice in face of looming crisis
The government’s quality of advice review was intended to make financial advice more affordable. So why are fewer SMSF trustees seeking financial advice?
May 2024
‘It’s my money’ attitude leading to illegal super withdrawals
Early release of super is only supposed to allowed as a last resort. So why are so many people being approved to use it for dental work?
April 2024
New superannuation tax may hit venture capital
SMSFs will shy away from investing in start-ups for fear of being slugged with big tax bills on unrealised gains.
March 2024
Be careful with property valuations this SMSF audit season
Property valuations are becoming more problematic and will attract the attention of the Tax Office.
February 2024
Proof that SMSFs outperform when markets tank
SMSFs beat regular funds by 4.1 percentage points in the 2021-22 financial year.
January 2024
These families will switch inheritance plans after new $3m super cap
The taxing of unrealised capital gains has become such a red-hot issue that many are looking at new strategies for intergenerational planning.
December 2023
These three steps would help you leave some of your super to charity
Policy settings need to be changed to help SMSFs – and other super fund members – be more active philanthropists.
Accountants the ‘big omission’ from financial advice overhaul
Accountants represent a pool of specialists ideally placed to fill the crucial financial advice gap, but they have been largely ignored.
October 2023
How you can have $20m in super and dodge the new $3m tax
Clawing back concessions for high-wealth individuals may fail. A deeming rate applying to everyone could be simpler and fairer.
October 2023
Why you should worry about new super tax – even with less than $3m
These two worked examples show how the taxing of unrealised capital gains can have unintended consequences.
September 2023
How family super funds can boost wealth
New rules that allow SMSFs six members rather than four offer opportunities for transferring assets to the next generation, as well as boosting contributions.
July 2023
Trustees trapped in nightmare of new expense rules
There have been changes to “non-arm’s-length expense” rules for SMSFs - and they’ve become a total headache for trustees and advisers.
June 2023
$3m super tax cap will hit farmers’ finances
Agricultural landowners are often asset rich and cash poor – which is why they will be gravely disadvantaged by the proposed $3 million cap on super balances.