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Categories | SMSF cases & decisions

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How the NALI provisions and the CGT provisions interact: draft ATO determination provides important guidance (TD 2023/D1)

There has been uncertainty as to how the following two provisions interact: (1) the non-arm’s length income (NALI) provisions in s 295‑550 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) (ITAA 1997); and (2) the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) provisions in s 102‑5 of the ITAA 1997. The ATO has recently released Draft Taxation Determination TD 2023/D1. [read more]

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Payroll tax crackdown on professional structures such as medical, healthcare and similar arrangements — Part 5

Overview We have previously issued four prior articles linked to this series focusing on the employee versus contractor distinction. In our article ‘Employee or contractor — Payroll Tax considerations — Part 3’ dated 30 September 2022 (DBA Payroll Tax Article – Part 3) we provided a top-level summary of how the payroll tax regime   applies [read more]

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Does your SMSF or trust deed unnecessarily require general purpose, more costly, financial statements?

From July 2021 changes to the Australian Accounting Standards (AAS) have meant that many SMSFs and trusts (including discretionary and unit trusts) are required to prepare general purpose financial statements that comply with AAS. Importantly, SMSFs and trusts are impacted by the changed standards where: The SMSF or trust deed or other document requires the [read more]

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New SMSF case demonstrates how not to have non-arm’s length income

A recent AAT decision illustrates the sorts of evidence that might be necessary in order for an SMSF to not have non-arm’s length income (NALI). Accordingly, advisers working with SMSFs should pay close attention to this decision and the evidence that an SMSF should collect and retain. The decision is BPFN and Commissioner of Taxation [read more]

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Are invoices an SMSF or personal expense and will NALE or a contribution arise?

SMSF trustees must only pay expenses that belong to the fund’s activities. They should not pay expenses for anyone else. Conversely, SMSF trustees and members must not pay an invoice (outside of the fund) if the expense is properly payable by the fund. Moreover, some invoices need to be split between the SMSF and another [read more]

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Federal Court confirms AFCA award of $270,000 against a financial adviser for investment loss is a debt due and payable

The Federal Court of Australia held that a self managed superannuation fund (SMSF) could recover the amount of an Australian Financial Complains Authority (AFCA) determination relating to a compensation claim against a financial adviser for an investment loss. This article focuses on SMSF trustees rights to complain and seek compensation via AFCA for inappropriate financial [read more]

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How to deal with lost trust deeds – Upcoming webinar

The issue of a lost deed can create uncertainty and complications within a trust, including a superannuation fund. When critical documents are lost, the effects can be far-reaching and cause legal and administrative complexities. Over the past four months, six important judgements have significantly evolved the law on lost deeds, providing greater certainty for trustees. [read more]

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A new case on SMSF BDBNs has key lessons for all SMSF advisers

Introduction Consider this important question: an SMSF member is married to a second spouse. The member and his second spouse are the two trustees of the SMSF. The member wishes to make a valid binding death benefit nomination (BDBN). The member however does not want to tell his second spouse about the BDBN. Does the [read more]

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What to do if a company’s constitution is lost?

All is not ‘lost’ if a company’s constitution cannot be located. There are several methods to address the situation. The most appropriate method will depend on several factors including what evidence can be located. Where to start looking Naturally, exhaustive searches should be undertaken of current and prior advisers (including accountants, financial planners and lawyers), [read more]