News

ATO, Auditing, SMSF

ATO updates SMSF auditor’s report

ATO SMSF independent auditors report ASQM1 ASQC1 SMSF auditors

The SMSF independent auditor’s report has been updated, reflecting changes to audit standards that came into effect in late 2022.

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financial advice

Financial abuse protocols needed

FAAA Financial Advice Association Australia Financial abuse reporting

The processes for financial advisers to report suspected financial abuse are unclear, with some current laws preventing appropriate action taking place.

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AFCA, BDBNs, Superannuation

Federal court upholds BDBN decision

Corbisieri Nguyen BDBN AFCA Nguyen v Australian Financial Complaints Authority [2024] FCAFC 77 Federal Court

The Federal Court has ruled a suicide note sent via text message was not sufficient to terminate a relationship for the purposes of a binding death benefit nomination.

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Death benefits, Estate Planning

Death benefits to estate can help keep assets

IFPA super death benefit estate planning SMSF tax

Paying a super death benefit to a member’s estate can reduce the tax bill a beneficiary may receive and assist them in retaining specific assets from the fund.

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LRBA

Marginal rise for safe harbour rates

LRBA Related-party loans Interest rates

The safe harbour interest rates for related-party loans under an LRBA have increased slightly for the next financial year, avoiding the sharp rise of 12 months ago.

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financial advice, SMSFA

Adviser references need specificity

Licensed advisers SMSF Association Unlicensed operators Advisers

A call has been made for financial services stakeholders to properly acknowledge the difference between licensed advisers and illegal operators.

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Administration, Death benefits, SMSF

Ready fix for benefit payment issue

Member benefit payment Death benefit In-specie transfer

A particular strategy can ensure a member benefit payment will be treated as such even when the relevant person dies before the transaction is completed.

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Accounting, Documentation, SMSF, Tax

Confusion over super tax reporting

Annual return SMSF Untaxed Tax-free Accounting

Misunderstanding the difference between taxable and tax-free components of superannuation benefits is causing some accountants to file incorrect annual returns for their clients.

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Death benefits, Estate Planning

Estate useful for directing super benefits

superannuation Death benefits Estate Institute of Financial Professionals Australia IFPA Natasha Panagis SMSF Self-managed super

A deceased estate can be a useful place to send super death benefits as it can provide wider options for distribution to beneficiaries than that allowed under the SIS Act.

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Contributions, SMSF, Strategy, Tax

A real opportunity to maximise tax deductions

SMSF Contribution reserving Double deduction strategy

The 2024 income year is offering up a good opportunity for SMSF members to enjoy a significant tax benefit from contributing to their fund.

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