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Advantages of the DBA Lawyers SMSF deed (2026-27)

DBA Lawyers latest SMSF governing rules and related documents include many value-added features. This article briefly explains why our SMSF documents are the best available. Recent changes to DBA Lawyers’ SMSF governing rules Our latest DBA Lawyers’ SMSF governing rules (version 2026-27) includes the following updates: powers surrounding management and provision of information for the [read more]

Jul 7- 2026- 11_26_57 AM

AML changes how you engage with us from 1 July 2026

New Anti-Money Laundering Requirements for Legal Services From 1 July 2026, Australian law firms are subject to new obligations under Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regime. These changes are designed to help prevent the misuse of legal services for money laundering, terrorism financing, fraud, sanctions evasion and other financial crimes. As a result, [read more]

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SMSF Association Technical Summit 2026!

The SMSF Association has invited Bryce Figot and Fraser Stead to present a workshop at the Technical Summit in July 2026. Of course, they were delighted to accept. SMSF Association events are always exceptionally well-run, high-value forums that attract a very engaged and high-calibre audience. They are not only rewarding to attend but also a [read more]

e-tax, Businesman show TAX for Individual income tax return form online for tax payment concept. Government, state taxes. Data analysis, paperwork, financial research, report. Calculation tax return.

Do I need a deed update for Div 296?

With Div 296 now commencing from 1 July 2026 many advisers and trustees are asking us: ‘Do I need to update my deed?’. As usual, the answer is not straightforward. What is Div 296? Generally speaking, tax outcomes for an SMSF are driven by the relevant legislation and regulations, with the deed having a more [read more]

Male Lawyer Discussing Negotiation Legal Case With Client Meetin

Tao v Commissioner: control, directors and landholder duty in Victoria

The recent Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision in Tao v Commissioner of State Revenue (Review and Regulation) [2024] VCAT 637 (Tao) illustrates that a person can incur duty when they acquire control of a landholder (eg, including a change in the directorship and/or shareholding of a trustee company). This can occur even without [read more]

ace of hearts

Advantages of the DBA Lawyers SMSF deed (2025-26)

DBA Lawyers latest SMSF governing rules and related documents include many value-added features. This article briefly explains why our SMSF documents are the best available. Recent changes to DBA Lawyers’ SMSF governing rules Our latest DBA Lawyers’ SMSF governing rules (version 2025-26) comes with the following updates: specific wording to provide for commutations of legacy [read more]

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DBA Lawyers announces new directors

DBA Lawyers is pleased to announce the promotion of William Fettes and Shaun Backhaus as new directors of the firm. This promotion recognises their ongoing commitment to outstanding client service, improving their technical and legal expertise and their ongoing valuable contribution to clients and the firm. William and Shaun’s appointment as directors adds to DBA [read more]

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Katz v Grossman [2005] NSWSC 934 revisited –– why a corporate trustee is much better than individual trustees

Introduction This case note was prepared shortly after the Katz v Grossman decision was handed down in late 2005 and I have updated this newsfeed as it remains relevant today and is a great ‘war story’ for advisers. Indeed, there has been a great number of cases that have since added to our understanding in [read more]