Contributions caps increase July 1
Contribution caps to increase from 1 July 2024 Following the release of the latest Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) index, the expected increase to the contribution caps from 1 July 2024 has been confirmed. As a result, from 1 July 2024: The standard Concessional contribution cap will increase from $27,500 to $30,0001. The Non-concessional […]
ATO warning regarding prohibited SMSF loans
Navigating Superannuation Compliance ATO’s Focus on Loans to SMSF Members Loans to members continue to be the highest reported contravention of the superannuation laws that the ATO sees in auditor contravention reports. SMSF trustees should remember that they cannot loan money or provide other forms of financial assistance to a member or relative, and if […]
Losses in crypto investments for SMSFs
Navigating Cryptocurrency Investments in SMSFs Understanding Risks and Safeguards Over the last few income years, the ATO has seen some instances of SMSF trustees losing their crypto asset investments. These losses have been caused by: crypto scams, where trustees were conned into investing their superannuation benefits in a fake crypto exchange; theft, where fraudsters would […]
Care required in paying super benefits
Navigating SMSF Benefit Payments: Rules and Risks for Trustees Ensuring Compliance and Minimizing Penalties in Superannuation Benefit Distributions Generally, before SMSF trustees pay a member’s super benefits, they need to ensure that: the member has reached their preservation age; the member has met one of the conditions of release; and the governing rules of the […]
Deduction for contributions denied due to notice requirement problems
AAT Ruling on Personal Super Contribution Deduction Claim Key Notice Requirements and the Impact on Deductions The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (‘AAT’) recently held that a claim for a deduction for personal super contributions should not be allowed, as the relevant ‘notice requirements’ were not satisfied. In order to claim a deduction for personal super contributions, […]
Research shows Gen Zs are financially stressed with high debt
Gen Z more concerned about finances than any generation in Australia New research shows Gen Zs are feeling financially stressed with high levels of debt including Buy Now Pay Later use. New nationwide research released by ASIC’s Moneysmart program shows for seven in ten (68%) Gen Zs, finances are a major cause of concern, more than any […]
Remember the unused concessional contributions cap concession
Enhanced Superannuation Contribution Opportunities Utilising Unused Concessional Contribution Caps for Eligible Individuals As from 1 July 2018, individuals with a total superannuation balance of less than $500,000 as at 30 June of the previous income year may be entitled to contribute more than the general concessional contributions cap (i.e., and make additional concessional contributions to […]
NALI provisions did not apply to loan structure
AAT Decision: SMSF Interest Income and Non-arm’s Length Income (NALI) A Look at the AAT Ruling on Exempt Current Pension Income and NALI Determinations The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (‘AAT’) has held that interest income derived by a self-managed superannuation fund (‘SMSF’) as the sole beneficiary of a unit trust was not non-arm’s length income (‘NALI’), […]
Different meanings of ‘dependant’ for superannuation and tax purposes
Understanding Superannuation Death Benefit Distribution Different Definitions of ‘Dependants’ for Superannuation and Tax Purposes On a person’s death, their superannuation benefits can only be paid directly to one or more ‘dependants’ as defined for superannuation purposes, unless they are paid to the deceased’s legal personal representative to be distributed in accordance with the deceased’s Will. […]
Appointing an SMSF auditor
Important Reminders for SMSF Trustees and Auditors Key Requirements for Appointing and Engaging Approved SMSF Auditors The ATO reminds SMSF trustees that they need to appoint an approved SMSF auditor for each income year, no later than 45 days before they need to lodge their SMSF annual return. An SMSF’s audit must be finalised before […]