Tag Archives: Pension

COVID-19 – The Government’s economic stimulus packages explained

Over the past two weeks the Government has announced two economic stimulus packages to cushion the economic impact of the Coronavirus.

A total of $189 billion is being injected into the economy by all arms of Government in order to keep Australians in work and businesses in business.

This includes $17.6 billion for the Government’s first economic stimulus package, $90 billion from the RBA and $15 billion from the Government to deliver easier access to finance, and $66.1 billion in yesterday’s economic support package.

Continue reading →


Superannuation death benefit limitations

As an SMSF trustee, you need to take special care when paying death benefits as you are responsible for ensuring that the payment rules are met. Strict rules apply, affecting who can receive a death benefit, the form in which the death benefit can be paid and the timing of such a payment.

Continue reading →


Superannuation death benefit limitations

As an SMSF trustee, you need to take special care when paying death benefits as you are responsible to ensure that the payment rules are met. Strict rules apply, affecting who can receive a death benefit, the form in which the death benefit can be paid and the timing of such a payment.

Continue reading →


UK Pension – Transfer to Australian Self-Managed Superannuation Fund

We have had success in transferring UK pensions over to an Australian self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF).

There is now an age restriction of 55+ for the members of an SMSF who would like to transfer their pension from the UK, and a deed upgrade will need to occur, however we do see a large increase of Australians working in the UK and having pension scheme balances, that used to feel ‘lost’ upon returning to Australia.

If this is something that you think you could benefit from or would like further information, please contact our office.


Have you considered what you will do if an unexpected event occurs?

Your SMSF is a long-term plan.  Much can happen during this time including illness, incapacity or death of a member.

It is best practice to have contingency plans in place to deal with unexpected events. For example, if a fund member dies, leaving you as the sole member are you happy to continue with the SMSF?

Outlined are some issues to consider planning for as trustees.  Leaving the planning to when, and if an event happens may be too late.

Continue reading →


End of the financial year – is your SMSF ready?

With the end of the financial year fast approaching, now is the perfect time to ensure everything is in place for your SMSF before 30 June. The following are some superannuation strategies that you might want to know more about to get the best out of your SMSF.

Continue reading →


Government delivers SMSF friendly 2018-19 Federal Budget

An SMSF friendly budget is good news coming out of the 2018-19 Federal Budget. With SMSF members still working through the wide-reaching and complex superannuation changes which took effect from 1 July 2017, this Federal Budget will provide much-needed stability while looking to reduce costs for SMSFs and prove additional flexibility.

Continue reading →


Transfer Balance Cap reporting – what does it mean for you?

From 1 July 2017, superannuation fund members are subject to a $1.6 million transfer balance cap (TBC) which limits the tax exemption for assets funding superannuation pensions.

The TBC encompasses a significant amount of monitoring for an individual.  This monitoring is to be facilitated by the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) event-based reporting framework.

Event-based reporting is a significant shift in SMSF administration processes. Therefore, it is essential SMSF trustees understand the event-based reporting framework and get it right.

Continue reading →


Franking credits and your SMSF

You may have noticed significant media coverage recently regarding the Australian Labor Party’s proposed policy to stop SMSFs from receiving tax refunds for the franking credits they receive in conjunction with the dividends paid from Australian companies they own.

First of all, what are franking credits and how do they benefit SMSFs?

Under the Australian tax system companies pay 30 per cent tax on their profits. When these profits are then passed on to their shareholders in the form of dividends, the company also hands the shareholders a credit for the tax the company has already paid (the “franking credit”). The individual shareholder then pays tax on the profit they received from the company less the credit for the tax the company has already paid.  The franking credit ensures that the company profits are taxed at a shareholder’s marginal tax rate.

Continue reading →


Shield Wealth and Stellar Super, in conjunction with Paul Salinas, from Campbell & Co Lawyers are hosting boardroom sessions in March.

Estate planning is a subject that we don’t like to think about but in its simplest form, it is just about ensuring peace of mind. It is about making sure that the investments you make now are passed on to your family or beneficiaries in the most effective way.

Developing an effective estate plan will ensure that:

• Any tax payable is minimised

• The ownership of assets passes to the right beneficiaries

• The assets are protected if any beneficiary has any legal issues

Continue reading →