News and Insights

Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are a type of trust. This means that one or more trustees must be appointed to control the fund. But who is best placed to act in this important role?  There are several important considerations to give thou

As owners of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are likely aware, the Australian taxation and superannuation regime is complex and constantly changing.  A SMSF can benefit from concessional tax rates of 15% of assessable income (subject to ba

Disputes over binding death benefit nominations are becoming more common, both in relation to self-managed superannuation funds and retail funds. The main causes for the disputes are: issues of compliance with the terms of the super fund’s trus

The Prime Minister has confirmed that concessional tax rates will change from 15% to 30% for people with more than $3 million of superannuation. While this change will not come into force until 2025-2026, it will impact around 80,000 people. These c

If you have a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) with a corporate trustee company as trustee, then each director will need a director ID – and beware, there is not much time left to obtain one before the cut off. What is a director identific

Background Benz v Armstrong is in many respects a typical tale of a blended family. Dr Benz died leaving a second spouse of 10 years, Erlita and six adult children from his first marriage. Due to the nature of Dr Benz’s estate and although he had

Yes, it is possible to set up a single member SMSF. Although, there are a number of rules and requirements which must be met in order for a single member fund to be considered a compliant single member SMSF. It is important if you are considering est

How long can Binding Death Benefit Nominations last for?   The High Court’s decision On 15 June 2022, the High Court unanimously dismissed an appeal from a decision of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Western Australia, in the case o

If you have superannuation, then the chances are that you have heard of a transfer balance cap (TBC). But how do these impact your super after your death, and how can you ensure your wishes are carried out when you die? TBCs were introduced on 1 July

In some situations, a self-managed super fund (SMSF) can offer a number of advantages especially in relation to increased flexibility when it comes to investments and a greater degree of control over the way funds are managed.   New research The Uni

With an ageing population and the maturing of self-managed super funds (SMSF)s, incapacity is an issue being faced more frequently by trustees and members of SMSFs.   Incapacity poses several difficulties for member and trustees of SMSFs, not least

Many people do not start out with a self-managed super fund (SMSF) thinking about the worst that could happen! Usually, clients are keen to get the SMSF established and often have questions about the day-to-day operation of the fund. Rarely do they a