Category: Blogs

Division 296 Advocacy Update

On Tuesday I was in Canberra meeting members of the Senate cross bench. It was apparent from those discussions that some cross bench members had been approached by the Government […]

ATO statistics reveal a resilient SMSF sector

Despite the lingering possibility of the proposed new Division 296 tax being introduced, recently released ATO statistics point toward a resilient and mature SMSF sector – which continues to grow […]

Clarity for Financial Advisers who cease to be authorised as the end of education transition period nears

  With less than 11 months until the transition period to meet the education standards ends for financial advisers, there has been some confusion how the standards may apply if […]

Minimum Pension Underpayments: Compliance win for the sector, but the fight for pragmatic outcomes continues

The SMSF Association, as a key contributor to a joint industry submission, has secured an important compliance win for our industry. In June 2024, an update to TR 2013/5 included […]

Increase in CPI a positive for superannuation strategies

According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released yesterday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.2 per cent in the December 2024 quarter and 2.4 […]

New Super Tax: A Sucker Punch to Economic Growth

No one begrudges Treasury’s advice that Australia should have a fair and equitable superannuation system. However, continual claims that the proposed new tax on large superannuation balances will only affect […]

Legacy Pension Amnesty now law

Late last week the SMSF sector was handed a somewhat unexpected, but much welcomed, early Christmas present. But this gift was richly deserved – just reward for your Association’s extensive […]

Division 296 – the walking dead!

To borrow and slightly misquote former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, 24 hours is a long time in politics. Certainly, it seemed that way to me yesterday as I traversed […]

The ATO’s Tough Stance on Illegal Early Release Schemes – What SMSF Professionals Should Know

Before diving into the details, let me just say up front – I’m not a lawyer. What follows is my take on the recent developments in the ATO’s approach to […]

New TPB code obligations issued by Minister

On 1 July, Minister Stephen Jones signed a new legislative instrument that will expand the code of ethics applicable to registered tax and BAS agents. The Tax Agent Services (Code […]