News

ATO, Death benefits

Benefit treatment not clear cut

ATO SMSF Death benefit Member benefit treatment

The tax implications for a superannuation benefit paid after the unexpected death of a member will depend on several factors.

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ETFs

US approves bitcoin ETFs

Securities and Exchange Commission SEC Spot bitcoin ETF Exchange traded fund Global X Betashares

The US financial regulator has approved the use of ETFs that invest directly into bitcoin cryptocurrency, with the decision hailed as a sign of confidence in the asset.

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financial advice

FAAA sets out focus areas for 2024

FAAA Advocacy Financial advice Financial advisers

The Financial Advice Association Australia has highlighted making financial advice more affordable and attracting more advisers to the profession as key focus areas for 2024.

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ATO, Compliance, SMSF

Set-up scrutiny drivers revealed

ATO SMSF Establishment Set-up Compliance Scrutiny

The ATO’s decision to review an application to set up an SMSF is largely driven by the history and circumstances of the individuals involved.

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Property, Regulation

Avoid in-house asset trap

SMSF Property development Non-geared unit trusts Related party In-house asset

SMSF trustees must meet a specific set of conditions to avoid falling into the trap of turning a non-geared unit trust into an in-house asset when investing in property.

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Accounting, financial advice

Opposition looking at accountants advice

Quality of Advice review QAR accountants financial advice Angus Taylor

The opposition is looking at how accountants can be included in the provision of financial advice after noting their absence from industry reforms.

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Property, SMSF

Clean energy a BRP issue

Green energy Business real property SMSF

It remains unclear as to whether clean energy equipment fits the definition of business real property for SMSF purposes.

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Death benefits, Estate Planning, SMSF, Superannuation

Trustee awareness key in benefit payments

superannuation member benefit death benefit ATO SMSF

The ATO has further affirmed its treatment of a superannuation benefit paid after the death of a member will depend on the trustee’s awareness of that event.

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Documentation, Legislation, SMSFA

Digital execution of declarations accepted

Digital execution Statutory declaration Deed myGov

From the start of this year, individuals now have the option of using two digital methods to execute statutory declarations in addition to a traditional paper-based approach.

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Death benefits, Superannuation, Tax

$3m cap issue with death pensions

Total super balance $3 million soft cap tax Calculation methodology Death benefit

A vital element of the calculation methodology regarding a person’s total super balance for the $3 million soft cap is yet to be revealed.

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