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Categories | SMSF cases & decisions

Deed of trust

Does a change of trustee deed in NSW require registration?

Preparing a valid change of trustee deed can prove complex as, among other things, the governing rules of the trust or SMSF must be complied with, the correct parties must be made a party and the deed needs to be appropriately drafted. Moreover, in New South Wales (NSW), the question also arises –– whether a [read more]

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AAT decision on the assessable component (applicable fund earnings) of foreign super fund transfers

The AAT decision of Came and Commissioner of Taxation [2023] AATA 3951 highlights some complexities related to foreign superannuation fund transfers to Australian superannuation funds under the rules in sub-div 305-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) (ITAA 1997). Facts The taxpayer, Mr James Came, migrated from South Africa to Australia in 2004. [read more]

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Recent AFCA decision protects SMSF interests

A recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) decision highlights the consequences for financial advisers when they fail to meet their service obligations. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (CA) financial advisers are required to ‘act in the best interests of the client’ and ‘must only provide advice if it would be reasonable to conclude that [read more]

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Victoria’s new annual tax on commercial and industrial property from 1 July 2024

Overview A new commercial and industrial property (C&I Property) tax of 1% p.a. applies in Victoria from 1 July 2024. This new tax will be levied on the land’s unimproved value and is payable in addition to any land tax. Duty on the purchase of C&I Property will be phased out. This article reflects the guidance [read more]

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Vacant residential land tax — Q&A from recent DBA webinar

This question and answer sheet was prepared following a recent webinar on VRLT presented by DBA Lawyers. A number of queries were raised at this webinar. This Q&A is a summary of the key queries with brief answers. Naturally, we would be pleased to assist with any query. Q-1. Can VRLT be tax deductible? A-1. [read more]

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Family trust subject to surcharge land tax in NSW as deed did not exclude foreign persons

Overview Unless a discretionary trust deed excludes foreign persons, foreign trustees and foreign corporations, significant additional duty and land tax is typically imposed if the trust acquires residential property. The best way to minimise such tax is to make sure you obtain assistance from a quality supplier and obtain advice well in advance. Why did [read more]

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SMSF Staff Discount Policy –– do you have one?

DBA Lawyers is pleased to announce our SMSF Staff Discount Policy. We have been assisting many firms in relation to documenting an appropriate SMSF staff discount policy and providing training in relation to managing non-arm’s length income (NALI) and non-arm’s length expenditure (NALE) issues. For a recent webinar outlining the issues relating to SMSF discount [read more]

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ASIC takes action against a number of approved SMSF auditors

ASIC recently took action against a number of approved SMSF auditors. ASIC felt that the  approved SMSF auditors’ conduct did not meet the required standards and the action taken by ASIC included: disqualifying some auditors; imposing additional conditions on some approved SMSF auditors ; and cancelling the registration of other approved SMSF auditors. For more [read more]

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New decision highlights options for disqualified persons: Barry, in the matter of an application by Barry [2024] FCA 13

In an urgent matter brought to Shariff J as the vacation duty judge this January, the risks to SMSF compliance, where all members of the fund become disqualified persons, were on full display with orders needing to be granted simply to allow the disqualified members to act to wind up the fund. The case, Barry, in [read more]

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New ATO guidance on employee/contractor distinction – Part 6

The ATO has recently released TR 2023/4 – Income tax: pay as you go withholding – who is an employee? (Ruling), as well as Practical Compliance Guideline 2023/2 (PCG) to provide additional guidance in respect of the distinction between an employee and independent contractor. This is part 6 of our series of articles focusing on [read more]