Category: SMSF
Payday super checklist for employers – steps to stay compliant
From 1 July 2026, employers must pay their employees’ superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time as salary or wages. This new system is known as payday super. Currently, most employers pay super on a quarterly basis. From July 2026, super will instead need to be paid each pay cycle. The ATO has released...
Six changes impacting your super in 2026
Superannuation rules are always evolving, and 2026 is shaping up to be another year of important changes. Some of these updates may only affect a small group of people, while others could impact almost everyone with super. Whether retirement feels a lifetime away or it’s already on the horizon, understanding what’s changing can help you...
Thinking of a Christmas stay in your SMSF property? Think again!
If your SMSF owns a beach house, country cottage or apartment that feels like the perfect Christmas getaway, this is your friendly end-of-year reminder: you and your family can’t use it over the Christmas and New Year period, not even “just for a week,” and not even if it’s sitting vacant. It’s one of the...
Using super to invest in property – How SMSF borrowing works
Thinking about using your SMSF to invest in property? With the right structure, your SMSF can borrow to invest. The key is using what’s called a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). An LRBA can help grow your retirement savings, but it also comes with some important rules and risks. What is an LRBA? An LRBA...
SMSFs hit $1 trillion – what the latest ATO statistics mean for you
Australia’s love affair with SMSFs shows no sign of slowing down. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has just released its June 2025 quarterly statistical report, and the numbers highlight how significant SMSFs are in shaping retirement wealth. If you’ve ever wondered how SMSFs fit into the bigger picture, here’s a simple breakdown. SMSFs by the...
Helping your kids buy their first home using super
If you want to give your children a head start on saving for their first home, the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) is worth considering. It offers a tax-effective way for young people to grow a deposit more quickly and is open to anyone who meets the eligibility rules and has never owned property....
Protecting your super from scams
With more than $4 trillion in superannuation, it’s no surprise scammers see it as a goldmine. ASIC has warned Australians to be on high alert after a rise in pushy sales tactics and false promises designed to lure people into risky super switches. Since your super is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make,...
Claiming a deduction on super contributions – A guide for ages 67 to 75
If you’re aged between 67–75 and want to claim a tax deduction for a personal super contribution, you must meet the work test (or a one-off work test exemption). The work test requires that, at some time in the financial year, you were gainfully employed for at least 40 hours in any 30 consecutive days...
When should I cancel insurance inside my super?
Many people have life and disability insurance as part of their superannuation fund. This can be a convenient way to get cover, but there comes a time, especially as you approach retirement, when you might wonder if it’s worth keeping. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right decision will depend on your personal circumstances, your finances,...
What to do if you exceed your super contribution caps
Superannuation is a great way to save for retirement, but the government sets strict limits on how much you can contribute each year. These limits are called contribution caps. If you go over them, you could face extra tax. But don’t panic – here’s what you need to know and the steps to take if...
