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Investment segregation in an SMSF explained

Investment segregation in an SMSF explained

When advisers hear the word ‘segregation’ in an SMSF context, they typically think of segregation for tax purposes. Broadly, this type of segregation involves calculating a fund’s exempt current pension income exemption for a financial year under the segregated method, with any capital gains (or losses) in respect of ‘segregated current pension assets’ being disregarded. [read more]

The best time for an SMSF to make a voluntary disclosure to the ATO is now

The best time for an SMSF to make a voluntary disclosure to the ATO is now

Recently the ATO’s Acting Assistant Commissioner for Superannuation, Steve Keating, outlined the ATO’s current approach to dealing with SMSFs facing compliance issues and making voluntary disclosures. The ATO has recognised that many Australians are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore it is not pursuing its usual audit program. For [read more]

Draft determination provides in-house asset exclusion for SMSFs providing rent deferrals

Draft determination provides in-house asset exclusion for SMSFs providing rent deferrals

On 3 August 2020 the ATO released draft legislative instrument Self Managed Superannuation Funds (COVID-19 Rental income deferrals – In-house Asset Exclusion) Determination 2020 for industry consultation. The determination is intended to protect SMSF trustees from adverse compliance problems under the in-house asset rules where, due to COVID-19, a rent deferral arrangement has been put [read more]

Advantages of the DBA Lawyers SMSF deed (2020-21)

Advantages of the DBA Lawyers SMSF deed (2020-21)

DBA Lawyers provides the best SMSF governing rules and related documents, with numerous 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 2020/21) comes with the following upgrades: enhanced binding death benefit nomination (‘BDBN’) [read more]

DBA Lawyers –– the best BDBN is now even better

DBA Lawyers –– the best BDBN is now even better –– COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised various practical issues for SMSF trustees and members. Members may wish to make a binding death benefit nomination (‘BDBN’) but may be frustrated by the requirement to have two independent witnesses available as this can prove challenging, if not impossible or illegal, during these difficult and dangerous (COVID-19) times. To [read more]

SMSF Lease Review Service

SMSF Lease Review Service –– COVID-19

Click here to provide your instructions Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an immense amount of financial stress on tenants, especially commercial tenants who have suffered a severe downturn in their businesses. As a result, many commercial tenants are approaching their landlords demanding a rent reduction and variation to their lease. Landlords may be willing, [read more]

SMSFs and rent relief due to COVID-19

SMSFs and rent relief due to COVID-19

SMSFs that own property are facing the prospect of tenants falling behind in their rent payments and their other obligations under the lease due to the economic stress arising from COVID-19. Australian states and territories will put a six-month moratorium on evictions for both residential and commercial tenants during the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Scott [read more]

SMSFs, super & international issues

SMSFs, super & international issues

In today’s increasingly globalised world, it is not uncommon for many family groups (ie, fund members and their children) to have overseas-based investments, working/living arrangements and other entanglements over their lifetime. Accordingly, it is not surprising that in recent years DBA Lawyers has seen an increase in the number of matters we provide assistance on [read more]

dishonesty disqualifies

What type of dishonesty disqualifies a person from having an SMSF?

Introduction This article examines the nature of disqualification and what convictions can preclude a person from forever being an SMSF trustee/director. Given the serious consequences of disqualification, it is important to consider the circumstances in which a person may have been automatically, and even unknowingly, disqualified. SMSF members should also consider their children as a [read more]