News : Superannuation

ATO, SMSFA, Superannuation

Spike in super release for medical costs

Release of superannuation Compassionate grounds Medical treatment ATO Dental Weight-loss

Requests to access superannuation on compassionate grounds rose in 2023/24, with a notable lift in applications for dental and weight-loss treatments.

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Retirement, Superannuation

Age pension fails to meet retirement needs

Retirement Age pension Superannuation

The age pension is proving insufficient to support even a basic standard of living in retirement, leading to growing concerns about financial well-being among senior Australians.

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Contributions, SMSF, Superannuation

NCCs spike after work test removal

Non-concessional contributions Class Ignite 2024 2024 Annual Benchmark Report NCC Work test Class

The Class “2024 Annual Benchmark Report” has revealed a significant increase in the amount of non-concessional contributions made by SMSF members aged 65 and over.

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ATO, Superannuation

Line between adviser and promoter thins

Illegal early release Illegal early access superannuation SMSF Association Mary Simmons PS LA 2021/1

The most recent update of Practice Statement Law Administration 2021/1 has broadened the ATO’s powers regarding illegal early release schemes.

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ASIC, Superannuation

Super sector in ASIC’s sights

ASIC superannuation Corporate plan SMSF Establishment advice

The superannuation sector’s handling of retirement outcomes will be an area of focus for ASIC, which has also committed to review SMSF establishment advice.

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Retirement, Superannuation

Insurance, healthcare push up retiree costs

ASFA Retirement standard Inflation

Rising home and health insurance costs, along with higher electricity prices, are driving the amount needed for a comfortable retirement to new highs.

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Compliance, Superannuation

Incapacity definition has dual purpose

Incapacity Superannuation Industry Supervision Act Condition of release

SMSFs can use a single definition of permanent incapacity to meet a condition of release and gain a tax concession, but should document and retain that definition to avoid breaching super and tax laws.

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Investments, Superannuation, Tax

Associations call for Division 296 change

JAWG Joint Associations Working Group Division 296 tax Unrealised capital gains Deeming rate Better Targeted Super Concessions Bill

A group of 11 industry bodies representing advisers, stockbrokers and accountants has called for the Division 296 tax calculations to be reopened for further consultation.

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Legislation, Superannuation, Tax

Use $3m tax to boost low balances

Division 296 tax LISTO Low income superannuation tax offset Deeming rate ASFA Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia

ASFA has called for some of the revenue to come from the proposed Division 296 tax to be used to boost the super balances of low-income earners.

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Financial Planning, Retirement, Superannuation

Life expectancy tables imperfect

Longevity risk Median expectancy tables Median age IFPA

It is not sound practice for advisers to rely almost solely on ABS life expectancy tables to manage a longevity risk due to the data involved.

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