Since the SMSF member limits recently increased from four to six, larger families may be considering having one large superannuation fund for all family members. Interestingly, recent ATO statistics tell us that the SMSF population comprises of 24% single-member funds and 69% two-member funds and the balance are three-member funds (3%) and four-member funds (4%)....

Superannuation is an investment vehicle specifically designed to help you save for retirement – this is one of the key reasons why you should take an interest in your superannuation.  Whether you’re employed, self-employed or even nearing retirement, it’s never too late to build up your superannuation to boost your retirement savings. Concessional tax environment...

Most contributions to a SMSF are made in cash, but did you know you can also contribute certain assets to your fund too? These types of contributions are called “in-specie” contributions and may be a good alternative to consider if you don’t have available cash on hand and want to make a contribution to super....

If you’re a small business owner, you’ll know that you’re required to pay your employees (and certain contractors) superannuation guarantee (SG) in addition to their salary or wages. But how do you pay your SG contributions in a simple and effective way? The answer is through a superannuation clearing house (SCH). What is a SCH?...

Thinking about setting up an SMSF? Or do you already have an SMSF with an individual trustee structure? If so, now might be the time to consider adopting a corporate trustee structure for your fund. With over 60% of all SMSFs having a corporate trustee structure, there are many benefits in setting up a company to...

Thinking about making up for lost time and making extra contributions to top up your super? The good news is that the “catch-up” concessional contribution (CC) rules can help individuals who feel they have missed out on building their retirement savings to make extra before-tax contributions. Remember, CCs can include super guarantee contributions from your...

Did you know that there are approximately 10 million unintended multiple super accounts, which represents around 35% of all member accounts held by funds? While in some cases this outcome may be intended, more often than not the creation of multiple accounts is unintended and mainly occurs when employees change jobs and do not nominate...

Commencing a pension from an SMSF can be easy process provided it is done the right way and you follow the rules that apply. Once a pension has commenced from a SMSF, ongoing administration, such as obtaining an actuarial certificate, may be required to determine how much of the pension’s investment income will be exempt...

SMSF trustees that are financially impacted due to COVID-19 because of extended lockdowns in certain States and Territories will be granted extended relief to cover the 2021-22 financial year. The relief was originally offered by the ATO to SMSFs for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial years where certain situations may have caused SMSF trustees to...

A new law will level up the playing field for divorcing couples to ensure both partners have fair and equitable access to superannuation, particularly during acrimonious family court proceedings. For many Australians, superannuation is their second biggest asset aside from the family home. In a divorce situation, it’s important that both partners, including those with...