Articles by Jason Spits

Death benefits

Remove lump sum restrictions

Death benefit lump sum limits IFPA Institute of Financial Professionals Australia Pre-budget submission

Limits on the number of death benefit lump sums from superannuation are restrictive and should be removed to prevent breaches of the super regulations.

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SMSF, Superannuation

SMSFs top member satisfaction again

SMSF Member Satisfaction Roy Morgan

SMSFs were the only part of the superannuation sector to record a positive level of satisfaction in a recent survey of fund members.

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ASIC, financial advice

Exam changes to be implemented

ASIC Financial adviser exam

Changes to the content of the financial adviser exam proposed by the government will go ahead and apply to the next sitting in March.

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Retirement, SMSF, Superannuation

Definitions key to avoid retirement confusion

Superannuation Retirement definition Financial adviser Accountant Auditor Heffron Leigh Mansell

SMSF practitioners are confusing the definition of retirement for superannuation purposes, but need to be aware there are two ways to view this event taking place.

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Contributions, Superannuation, Tax

Tax cuts offer super boost

stage three tax cuts superannuation balance concessional non-concessional contribution

Proposed tax cuts later this year will allow superannuants to boost their balances without adversely impacting their cash flow.

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ASIC, financial advice

Adviser registration deadline extended

ASIC registration Deadline Extension Financial advisers

ASIC has given a final deadline extension deadline for adviser registration to avoid the end of the summer holiday period.

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Compliance, Death benefits, Superannuation, Tax

Non-cash payouts can be a great solution

ATO Death benefit member benefit Superannuation benefit Redemption of investments

A recent ATO private ruling regarding death benefits could have had a different outcome if an alternate redemption process had been used.

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Legislation, Regulation

Financial law reform desperately needed

Australian Law Reform Commission ALRC financial services legislation final report

Financial services and corporations legislation is overly complex and in dire need of reform with a government agency recommending widespread changes.

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Investments, Superannuation, Tax

Invest stage three savings directly

Stage three tax cuts Superannuation Insurance bonds 30 per cent tax $3 million superannuation earnings tax

Superannuants unable to add planned tax savings to their retirement nest egg can invest in their own name and not via investment vehicles to benefit from the revised taxation brackets.

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Compliance, Documentation, Property

Long-term record-keeping recommended

SMSF property development record keeping ATO NALI audit

Lengthy retention of records related to property development by an SMSF is recommended given the ATO’s increased focus on the past actions of some funds.

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