The Coalition Government has been re-elected in the 2019 Federal Election, with a small majority of seats in the House of Representatives, after taking a policy of stability for superannuation to the election.
In February this year, the Government passed legislation which prevents trustees of APRA-regulated funds from providing insurance to members with inactive superannuation accounts, unless a member has directed otherwise.
It is a common practice for many individuals with an SMSF to also have a secondary APRA-regulated fund which provides them with insurance.
A surplus election budget is the news coming out of the 2019-20 Federal Budget. With superannuation left largely untouched, the Government focused on further personal income tax cuts.
However, three key announcements include providing more flexibility for individuals to contribute at ages 65 and 66, the ability to choose their preferred exempt income tax method and increased funding for electronic super rollovers are welcomed.
This Federal Budget will provide much-needed stability and flexibility for SMSF members while looking to reduce red tape.
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.
SMSF trustees need to truly understand diversification and better diversify their portfolios.
The benefits of a well-diversified portfolio are numerous but the key ones that SMSF trustees should focus on are the benefits of mitigating volatility and short-term downside investment risks, preserving capital and the long-run benefits of higher overall returns. By spreading an SMSF’s investments across different asset classes and markets offering different risks and returns, SMSFs can better position themselves for a secure retirement.
However, did you know that 82% of SMSF trustees believe that diversification is important but in practice many do not achieve it?
The adviser and firm from Canberra are officially in the running to take home 4 awards at the prestigious SMSF and accounting event of the year.
Stellar Super joins the roster of finalists to win SMSF Firm of the Year at the SMSF and Accounting Awards 2018. The first-of-its-kind, the nationwide industry event recognises state-based performance in SMSF and accounting professions across Australia.
Brooke Hepburn-Rogers is a finalist to win:
– SMSF Adviser of the Year
– SMSF Accounting Professional of the Year – Metro
– SMSF Specialist Accountant of the Year
Brooke has been shortlisted, the second year running, for the prestigious Women in Finance Awards, partnered by NAB, and is in the running to take out one of Australia’s top industry awards, for SMSF Adviser of the Year.
In its second year, the Women in Finance Awards, which covers 28 categories, highlights the outstanding work of women within financial services and puts them on a national stage to support the continuing growth and development of women in the financial arena.
The winners will be announced at a black-tie awards dinner on Thursday, 20 September at The Star, Sydney.
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.
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.
Over my 18 years of experience within the industry, I have seen Trustees incorrectly accounting for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) within their self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF).
