The ATO has released findings on how much super from SMSFs has left the system before trustees have met a condition of release. Super must remain preserved One of the main features of superannuation is that you typically can’t access your money until you reach age 65 or when you retire after reaching your preservation...

Most people look forward to retirement as it is a chance to finally take time to relax, enjoy life and do things they never had time for when they were working. But sometimes things change and some people feel the urge to return to work. If a return to work is inevitable, it is important...

The ATO continues to see instances in which closely held groups seek to inappropriately divert profits to a related SMSF to access concessional tax rates. Taxpayer Alert TA 2023/2 outlines the ATO’s concerns with arrangements that it has recently identified in which the profits of a property development enterprise are diverted to a related SMSF through the...

Early last month, the ATO issued a reminder around auditors. If you have an SMSF, you need to appoint an approved SMSF auditor for each income year, no later than 45 days before you need to lodge your SMSF annual return (SAR). Your SMSF’s audit must be finalised before you lodge, as you’ll need some information from the audit...

Sometimes promoters of schemes target self-managed super funds (SMSFs). Schemes can include tax avoidance arrangements that inappropriately channel money or assets into your SMSF so you pay less tax. They may also include arrangements promoting the illegal early release of benefits from your fund for personal use. To assist you with identifying schemes that may...

Superannuation and age pension eligibility  Come retirement, many folks rely on a combination of their superannuation savings and the age pension in order to financially sustain them moving forward. Accordingly, a front-of-mind issue for individuals is: at what point does your level of superannuation savings and payments impact your eligibility for the age pension? While...

Super withdrawal options For individuals who have retired and met a condition of release, or who have turned 65 and are still working, you can receive your superannuation as a super income stream, as a lump sum, or a combination of both. This third option is quite popular for those who have yet to pay...

SMSFs and higher interest rates SMSF trustees with limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) are now feeling the impact of 10 interest rate rises since May 2022 in one hit, from July 2023. SMSF trustees relying on the ATO’s safe harbour terms to ensure that an LRBA remains, at all times, at arm’s length will face...

The ATO has issued a new Taxpayer Alert around SMSFs engaging in property developments. Developments can be very lucrative given how much property prices have appreciated in Australia over the past decade or two. For background, while it is permissible for SMSFs to engage in property development, it is subject to a number of stringent...

Are you a self-funded retiree who does not qualify for the Age Pension? If you’ve answered yes, then help may be available for certain living expenses by way of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC). What is the CSHC? The CSHC is a concession card enabling access to  cheaper health care and some discounts if...