Superannuation

By Andrew Reynolds A total and permanent disability (TPD) claim enables you to a compensation of a lump sum if you have experienced an illness or injury that inhibits you from returning to work. Though, once a TPD claim has been approved through Superannuation, the vast majority of members withdraw the bulk or their entire…

By Julie Steed, Senior Technical Services Manager, Australian Executor Trustees  (on behalf of firstlinks) The introduction of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap, effective from July 1 this year, will impact the estate plans of many superannuation members. This article reviews the role of insurance as part of an SMSF’s investment strategy and the changes that people may…

By Noel Whittaker, Firstlinks. The new superannuation rules have been passed, but judging by the emails I am receiving, many of you are more confused than ever. One reader says, “It has been widely reported that from July 2017, superannuation contributions will be tax deductible to the limit of the concessional amount of $25,000. Does…

By Graham Hand, Cuffelinks. Treasurer Scott Morrison is facing some tough choices in his forthcoming budget, with an election before the end of the year and a deficit that continues to blow out. He has ruled out the $35 billion item, increasing the GST to 15%, and he has to scrape around for dollars without offending…

The Australian Taxation Office has recently warned that SMSF trustees and advisers need to exercise care when investing in real property, with a number of arrangements identified as not complying with the superannuation law. It is important to ensure any arrangements entered into by an SMSF to invest in property are properly implemented, particularly those involving the use of limited recourse borrowing arrangements or related unit trusts.

The assets of a Self Managed Superannuation Fund can be pooled or segregated. A pooled investment strategy is where no assets of the Fund specifically relate to any particular members account, or any phase that the member may be in (i.e. accumulation or pension). Whereas, a segregated investment strategy is where specific assets can be…

Estate Planning is an important component of successful financial planning. The constant increase in blended families further highlights the emphasis that should be placed on this area, as there are often various relationships that need to be considered to ensure that the generational transfer of wealth is distributed as desired and in an equitable manner.…