Selfmanagedsuper would like to welcome you to its new-look newsletter for practitioners servicing the SMSF space.

The introduction of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap and the reduction in contribution caps mean many clients need to consider structures outside of super for the distribution of wealth via their estate plans.

We all know SMSFs are the fastest-growing sector of the super industry and this trend is likely to continue.

The latest industry survey has found a reverse trend occurring in the first quarter of the year, with a spike in the allocation of lump sum payments versus pension payments as a result of the new super changes.

The Productivity Commission’s draft recommendation for a “best-in-show” shortlist of super funds has been commended as a measure that should help improve the efficiency and performance of the superannuation system.

Few SMSF trustees are taking advantage of the ability to make personal deductible contributions to their super fund because they remain unaware of the change in legislation allowing them to do so.

The SMSF Association has said the Productivity Commission’s draft report into superannuation is a timely reminder to SMSF trustees to pay close attention to the fees and costs their funds incur to ensure retirement savings are being optimised.