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SMSFs 101

November 2023

How much people with SMSFs accumulate, in seven charts

DIY super funds can help build wealth for a luxury retirement. Here is who is most likely to have one, and what they invest in.

  • Tom Richardson

May 2023

Can I put more into super now that work test has gone?

A self-employed reader over 67 wants to know how to meet the ‘gainfully employed’ rules to make a tax-deductible contribution.

  • John Wasiliev

February 2023

Australian small cap stocks are trading at the biggest discount to big cap stocks in 20 years after an indiscriminate sell-off last year.

Opportunities in small caps as big investors move on

As giant super funds look for bigger fish to fry, specialists say the outlook for the sector this year is bright.

  • Stewart Oldfield

January 2023

How to use super to help finance your business

Looking at expansion and not sure where to find the funds? Veteran SMSF specialist John Wasiliev helps a reader work through the options.

  • John Wasiliev

November 2022

Can my super buy a home for me?

While an SMSF can buy a direct property, buying one you can live in is not as easy as you think.

  • John Wasiliev
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September 2022

Attempting to fit the round peg of an SMSF into the square hole demanded by the US IRS is best avoided.

The one thing you must do to protect your SMSF as you age

The great thing about keeping the fund running is that there is no need to sell assets, stop pensions or pay extra taxes.

  • Meg Heffron
The overwhelming driver for starting an SMSF still lies in the ability to control the choice of investments.

Eight biggest mistakes made by DIY super funds

Many trustees are losing out on returns or paying unnecessary penalties – this is what they need to change.

  • Jeremy Chunn

August 2022

How to boost your super with a tax break

Personal contributions and transfers of shares are among strategies worth considering.

  • John Wasiliev

July 2022

What you need to know about buying property with your super

If you take the time and trouble to research it, investing in direct property though an SMSF can be a profitable way to accumulate wealth for retirement.

  • John Wasiliev

May 2022

The ATO is stepping up surveillance of GST claims.

ATO turns screws on SMSF property developers avoiding GST

A recent court case involving a DIY super fund subdivision highlights the importance of ticking all the boxes.

  • Duncan Hughes

April 2022

afr

Financial distress contributes to 40,000 SMSF breaches

Ten tips from the experts to ensure your DIY super fund is compliant.

  • Duncan Hughes
A reversionary pension enables a dependant to be nominated to automatically receive the deceased’s super pension.

Why poor SMSF planning will leave less for your heirs

A well-considered estate plan will make life easier for any beneficiaries – the invaluable parting gift.

  • John Maroney

February 2022

Purchasing and owning a property outright means there are no restrictions on carrying out renovations and improving the property if existing funds are used and not any borrowings.

Can we borrow $400,000 to renovate our SMSF holiday property?

Being an active investor at retirement stage has been given a boost by a new entitlement to top up super without satisfying a work test.

  • John Wasiliev

January 2022

Partial commutations feel exactly the same as a pension payment to anyone who receives one but with an important difference – a partial commutation “gives back” some of the $1.6 million pension cap that has already been used up.

Super strategies for when you need a lump sum

If you’ve got both accumulation and pension accounts, it pays to plan carefully where you’ll make the withdrawal.

  • Meg Heffron

December 2021

The government wants to lower the age for downsizer contributions from 65 to 60 from July 1, 2022.

What’s ahead for SMSF trustees in 2022

An election year means super reforms could be scrapped, with more changes on the cards if there is a change in government.

  • John Maroney
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November 2021

The benefit of having multiple members in an SMSF is that their super benefits can be combined into a single investment portfolio which can be efficient and cost-effective.

Want to set up an SMSF? Here’s what you need to know

As a general rule, at least $500,000 is needed to set up a viable DIY super fund, with the trustees/members making the investment decisions.

  • Michael Hutton

October 2021

Becoming involved in self-managed super can be a lifetime exercise in financial awareness from the moment you embark on it.

SMSF rookie errors to avoid

If you’re serious about running your own fund, this is what you need to know.

  • John Wasiliev

September 2021

Involving family in SMSF decisions can cut confusion and ill-informed choices after you die.

What to put in your ‘when I’m dead’ folder

This seven-point checklist will help your loved ones make good decisions when you’re no longer here.

  • Tim Mackay
It may be worth offspring keeping on industry fund membership for insurance purposes.

Pros and cons of son joining DIY super fund

Families considering pooling resources can ‘test the waters’ with a dummy run to see how things work out.

  • John Wasiliev

July 2021

The definition of dependants includes couples who are financially dependent on each other.

Can I leave my super to my girlfriend?

It gets complicated when you’re not living together, and a partner may not be regarded as a dependant. Your super questions answered.

  • John Wasiliev

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/smsfs-101-1nax