Are you managing the risks with SMSF borrowing arrangements?
Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements / Professionals / SMSF / Trustee education

Are you managing the risks with SMSF borrowing arrangements?

The ability to borrow to acquire property within a SMSF using a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (“LRBA”) is experiencing exponential growth. This property acquisition strategy has been embraced not just simply by “Mum & Dad” SMSFs but is becoming increasingly popular with business “partners”. The prospect of acquiring property from which to operate a business, … Continue reading »

No news is good news for super in this year’s Federal Budget
Federal Budget / Professionals / SMSF / Trustee education

No news is good news for super in this year’s Federal Budget

There were many people waiting with bated breath for this year’s Federal Budget to see if the Labor Government had any further ‘superannuation tricks’ up their sleeve to address what seemed an ever-growing budget deficit.  After announcing a range of reforms on 5 April 2013 to appease much of the constant rumours of an attack … Continue reading »

Increased concessional contribution cap to commence from 1 July 2013
Contributions / Professionals / SMSF / SMSF Compliance / Trustee education

Increased concessional contribution cap to commence from 1 July 2013

The Government has moved quickly on their 5 April 2013 announcements to increase the concessional contribution (CC) cap, with Treasury releasing of an exposure draft (for industry consultation) which outlines details proposed increases from 1 July 2013. The increase in the CC cap is to be phased in, with an: increase to $35,000 from 1 … Continue reading »

What impact will SMSF licensing have on an accountant’s business model?
Licensing / Professionals / SMSF / Webinars

What impact will SMSF licensing have on an accountant’s business model?

There are a range issues for accountants to consider as they look to move into licensing to advise their SMSF clients.  Whilst some may retain a ‘status quo’ until the removal of the removal of the accountant’s exemption from 1 July 2016, many are doing the training and education now, along with the necessary planning … Continue reading »

Related party property improvements and contributions
Contributions / Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements / Professionals / SMSF / SMSF Compliance

Related party property improvements and contributions

The growing interest of property investment within self-managed super funds has certainly extended to individuals looking to undertake some of the property improvements themselves to build retirement savings (e.g. builders). Recent discussion within the NTLG Superannuation Technical Sub-group (March 2013) looked at the issue of a related party undertaking improvements to a property at no … Continue reading »

Are you managing legislative risk within your SMSF?
Federal Budget / Professionals / SMSF / SMSF Strategy

Are you managing legislative risk within your SMSF?

Everybody’s appetite for risk differs. When it comes to superannuation, managing risk is typically isolated to death and disability. However, with the continued growth of superannuation, we have seen in recent years an increasing propensity for politicians to make change, ranging from contribution caps through to taxation on contributions and fund earnings. This continued uncertainty … Continue reading »

The return of capital gains tax at death?
Federal Budget / Pensions / Professionals / SMSF

The return of capital gains tax at death?

It was with much relief in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) that the Labor Government responded to industry concerns raised about when a pension ceases at the death of a member.  This announcement (currently as draft regulations) provided tax certainty for deceased estates, effectively continuing a fund’s tax exemption after the death of … Continue reading »

Has Labor got the balance right with it’s proposed super changes?
Contributions / Opinion / Professionals / SMSF / SMSF Compliance / Trustee education

Has Labor got the balance right with it’s proposed super changes?

After speculation of changes to superannuation reached fever-pitch, we saw today the Treasurer, Wayne Swan and Minister Bill Shorten announce reforms to address issues of adequacy and sustainability for the long-term future of superannuation.  It’s pitch was clear, fairer super for all Australians. It is important to remember, these are simply announcements to be delivered … Continue reading »