By 2026, the industry could have moved to a fully digital SMSF environment whereby tax return and audit functions were automated and “plugged in” to the ATO, according to Challenger retirement income chairman Jeremy Cooper.

News regarding the SMSF sector has never been so significant and so important as the generational shift shines a more intense spotlight on how individuals manage their financial security in retirement.

Small Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) funds (SAF) could be a viable alternative or exit strategy to SMSFs and had the added benefit of removing or minimising conflict between family members, according to a technical expert.

Class recorded a 71 per cent increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $5.83 million for the year ended 30 June 2016, maintaining its ability to pursue new business opportunities going forward.

With the fallout from Brexit, global historically low cash rates and the uncertain state of our own political landscape, it may be easy to overlook this time as a good investment opportunity. The reality is we are at a pivotal point for SMSF clients to consider good investment choices that will serve portfolios for years to come.

There are many reasons why SMSF trustees put their hands inside the SMSF cookie jar and help themselves. The most common ones are a failing business that requires a cash-flow injection or being in desperate need of funds to meet everyday financial commitments.

Revenue and Financial Services Minister Kelly O’Dwyer has revealed the consultation process regarding exposure draft legislation for the proposed changes to the superannuation framework will begin very soon. “Consistent with usual practice, we will listen carefully to advice on the design of the legislation,” O’Dwyer told the Financial Services Council Leaders Summit 2016 in Melbourne. […]

The SMSF Association is of the firm opinion SMSFs are the best structured retirement savings vehicle to accommodate the proposed changes to the system announced in the 2016 federal budget.

The SMSF Owners’ Alliance (SMSFOA) has labelled reports that the Turnbull government may contemplate an exemption to super contributions from lottery wins as “farcical” and, if true, “deeply unfair”.