Accounting firms that set up and manage complex tax structures, such as family discretionary trusts (FTs), unit trusts and self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), should be aware of the relevant clauses of their PI policy. The ATO’s renewed focus on certain tax issues relating to these structures, including non-arm’s length income (NALI), Division 7A loans, [read more]
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]
A recent court decision held that a change of director in a company could give rise to duty on the value of any dutiable property held by trustee of a unit trust. After the unfavourable Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision in Tao v Commissioner of State Revenue (Review and Regulation) [2024] VCAT 637, [read more]
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]
Yesterday, the High Court handed down its decision in FCT v Bendel [2026] HCA 18. FCT v Bendel [2026] HCA 18 represents the ATO’s appeal of a 2025 decision of the Federal Court of Australia (Full Court) of the same name. Last year, we considered the impact of the 2025 decision. Accordingly, now, we want [read more]
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]
DBA Network Pty Ltd is an Accredited Educator with the SMSF Association. In addition to DBA Network’s training qualifying for valuable CPD points, attendees who register for a 10-part SMSF Online Update webinar series qualify for free membership with the SMSF Association. This is an ideal pathway to become an Associate Member and fast-track your [read more]
Subject to satisfying the relevant legislative requirements, individuals may be entitled to deduct financial advice fees from their assessable income under sections 8-1 or 25-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) (ITAA 1997).Tax Determination (TD) 2024/7 sets out the ATO’s views on how these provisions apply to financial advice fees. TD 2024/7 does [read more]
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]
Daniel Butler and Bryce Figot of DBA Lawyers are Senior Fellows at Melbourne Law School and are lecturing a subject titled Taxation of Superannuation (LAWS70267). This four-day intensive subject provides an in-depth analysis of the Australian taxation regime for superannuation funds, with a particular focus on self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). [read more]
