Carrying forward significant capital losses can be a viable strategy for trustees wanting to offset gains and achieve tax savings in the near future. This kind of strategy is suitable in circumstances where it is likely that younger members may join the fund or when members are considering switching back to the accumulation phase. One…
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) that are not well diversified are quite risky investments since they aren’t as protected as they could be against shocks and volatility in the market. Diversification aims to maximise an individual’s return by investing in different asset classes that react differently to the same event. Although it does not guarantee avoiding…
Starting a self-managed super fund (SMSF) may be a good idea for those after more control over investment choices and fund running costs. However, those considering an SMSF need to ask themselves some key questions such as: if they can do a better job investing their super than the trustees of their existing super fund…
It is vital for those with a self-managed super fund (SMSF) to carry out all the necessary checks before purchasing a property in their SMSF, especially when borrowing is involved. Investment strategyThe SMSF’s investment strategy must be considered. If the purchase of a property will cause the fund’s other investments to be out of alignment,…
With the end-of-financial year looming, there are some key strategies you can utilise to maximise your nest egg ahead of 30 June. Maximise super contributionsReview your contribution types and amounts to ensure you have maximised (not exceeded) your contribution caps for the financial year. The non-concessional contributions cap for 2015/16 is $180,000 or $540,000 over…
The ATO has extended its 30 June 2016 deadline to 31 January 2017 for SMSF trustees to review limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBA) for non-arm’s length income. The Tax Office issued the Practical Compliance Guide 2016/5 in April to provide guidance for SMSF trustees to ensure LRBA arrangements are on terms that are consistent with…
Since change is an inevitable part of Australia’s superannuation system, trustees and taxpayers should always be aware of and on the lookout for tax-saving strategies to prevent the consequences of unforeseen super changes. One such strategy, which is not only straightforward but also highly-effective, is splitting superannuation with your spouse. Splitting super with your spouse…
An investment strategy is fundamental when it comes to self-managed super funds. Not only is having one a statutory requirement, but it also helps SMSF trustees know what to invest in to meet the fund’s investment goal. Above all, an SMSF investment strategy must be designed to help trustees reach their retirement goal. To do…
Changes announced in the 2016 Federal Budget will see the shutdown or conversion of tens of thousands of transition to retirement pensions (TTRPs) into full pensions. An estimated 550,000 TTRPs are currently in place around Australia, used mainly by taxpayers in their late 50s and early 60s who are reducing their work hours, or by…
The Budget has made changes that reflect that the current superannuation system is at a kilter with individuals current lifestyles, with the introduction of more flexibility to address this. Concessional contributionsIndividuals under the age of 75 will now be able to claim tax deductions for personal superannuation contributions. From 1 July 2017, individuals can make…