News : SMSF

Documentation, Regulation, SMSF, Trusts

New trust reporting requirements for SMSFs

MTAS Modernisation of Trust Administration Systems SMSF Self-managed superannuation Trusts Capital gains SMSF Association ATO

New ATO reporting rules for SMSFs receiving trust distributions are now in effect, impacting lodgements for the 2024 income year onwards.

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Investments, Property, Regulation, SMSF

Local law limits overseas property exposure

Direct property SMSF Self-managed superannuation Overseas property 13.22C entity In-house assets

While SMSFs can invest in property overseas, Australian laws may consider such an action a breach of trustee obligations and caution should be exercised.

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Insurance, SMSF, Tax

Tax restricts insurance advantages

Life insurance SMSF Self-managed superannuation

The advantages of holding life insurance inside super are offset by the limits as to who can receive benefits and the tax they may pay as a result of the payment.

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Legislation, SMSF, Tax

Div 296 tax most impactful change

Super balances Division 296 tax SMSF Self-managed superannuation Super balances Yigit Gunhan Investment trends

Practitioners have nominated the proposed Division 296 tax as the legislative change that will have the greatest impact on clients in the immediate term.

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AAT, Compliance, Investments, SMSF

Strategy must match investment actions

SMSF Investment strategy SIS Act Merchant v Commissioner of Taxation [2024] Administrative Appeals Tribunal DBA Lawyers Shaun Backhaus

SMSF trustees cannot only articulate an investment strategy, but must give effect to it each year to be compliant with their obligations under superannuation law.

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Auditing, Documentation, Regulation, SMSF

Auditors in court over poor records

SMSF auditors ATO ASIC Documentation Asset valuations

Auditors are increasingly ending up in court for not properly documenting their reasons for approving asset valuations in the funds they audit.

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ATO, Auditing, Compliance, SMSF

ATO auditor notices spark confusion

SMSF Self-managed superannuation SMSF auditors ATO Unchanged asset valuations

SMSF auditors are confused by the ATO’s compliance program targeting funds with unchanged asset valuations due to unclear guidance on which funds are at risk.

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ASIC, Regulation, SMSF, Superannuation

Senate inquiry slams ASIC over Dixon response

ASIC Senate Dixon Advisory Self-managed superannuation SMSF Senate inquiry

A Senate committee has criticised ASIC for its response to the Dixon Advisory case as part of an inquiry into the regulator’s handling of corporate misconduct.

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Administration, Insurance, SMSF, Superannuation

No distinction in insurance benefit treatment

Life insurance SMSF Self-managed superannuation Premiums Death benefits Member benefits

Benefits paid from a superannuation-funded life insurance policy do not have different status to other benefits, unless held by a separate super vehicle.

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Legislation, SMSF, SMSFA

Early election could delay Division 296 bill

SMSF Association Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) bill SMSF Self-managed superannuation Division 296 tax

The proposed Division 296 tax may not pass through parliament until 2025 if an election is announced in August.

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