One of the downsides of running a self-managed super fund (SMSF) are the fees, but making sure you know what SMSF expenses are deductible can help you make the most out of your money. Many expenses required for running an SMSF can be deductible unless they are related to gaining non-assessable income, such as exempt…
Since the second half of 2019, industry super funds have begun to merge their organisations in an effort to combat APRA’s growing potential in taking action against trustees of underperforming funds. While supers are assuring their members that funds are only merging for their best interest, what exactly will the merging of your super fund…
Whether you are a newcomer to the workforce or have been working full time for 30 years, you must have come across the concept of superannuation. Chances are, you’ve already been steadily building your retirement funds in one of the 500 Australian superannuation funds but are still unfamiliar with how exactly your super is being…
If you’ve unintentionally been going over your superannuation concessional contributions cap in past years, you may not have to worry about it from now on. As of 1 January 2020, eligible individuals with multiple jobs can apply to opt-out of receiving super guarantee (SG) from some of their employers. You may be eligible to apply…
Once you have met your preservation age (between 55 and 60 depending on when you were born), you can choose to take a super pension. There are six main types of super pension: Account-based pension: this is the most common type of pension. It is a regular income stream bought with money from your super…
SMSF members need to be aware of the rules that govern their fund, including what to do when one member becomes bankrupt. A requirement of an SMSF is that each individual trustee of the SMSF must be a member of the SMSF. In the case of corporate trustees, every member must be a director. This…
The ATO has introduced a new method of updating SMSF trustees of changes to their fund. From 3 February 2020, email and/or text message alert will be sent out when there are changes in the SMSF, such as; Financial institution account details. Electronic service address (ESA). Authorised contact. Members. If you receive an alert and…
Divorce or separation can be emotionally draining and stressful as it is, but the legal and financial responsibilities you also need to think about add an extra burden to dealing with the spit. One key area that needs to be considered to protect your financial future is your superannuation and what happens to it after…
The Superannuation (Unclaimed Money and Lost Members) Act 1999 (SUMLMA), more commonly known as the unclaimed superannuation money protocol, has been updated recently to provide a clearer structure going forward. SUMLMA provides guidance on in relation to unclaimed money, lost member accounts, superannuation accounts of former temporary residents and their associated reporting and payment obligations.…
Most super funds offer insurance as part of their super plan. It is important to be aware of what types of insurance you are covered by through your super fund to help you determine if you need extra cover outside your super and if you have adequate support in the event that you cannot work.…