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]
The Albanese Government’s deal with the Greens to secure passage of the first tranche of its major tax changes has placed limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) back in the spotlight. We outline below the press releases in which both parties reached agreement on changes to the LRBA rules, and discuss the amendment moved by Senator [read more]
Background Anyone with a total superannuation balance (TSB) over $3 million no doubt will be aware of the new Division 296 tax. Indeed, anyone who even thinks that they might one day have such a TSB will probably be aware. Division 296 tax will come into effect on 1 July 2026. Significant Division 296 tax [read more]
As the end of financial year (EoFY) approaches, trustees and their advisers need to be aware of their trust obligations to ensure ongoing compliance and to manage tax liabilities. The ATO has released a list of tips designed to assist with this process, which can be found here. We cover the key parts of the [read more]
New Queensland trust legislation has introduced a number of changes to trustee duties, beneficiary rights and court powers. The changes affect trusts subject to Queensland trust law, including discretionary trusts, testamentary trusts, unit trusts and self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). Background The Trusts Act 2025 (Qld) (Act) received royal assent on 19 May 2025, with [read more]
The recent decision of Carrello [2026] FCA 468 illustrates various options in respect of SMSFs and bankruptcy. Carrello contrasts interestingly to Hunt [2026] FCA 389, which is also a recent decision. Carello Mr and Mrs Jones were the trustees of an SMSF. At all relevant times, a principal asset of the SMSF was certain real [read more]
Introduction This article is the first part in a series that covers the key aspects of super contributions. To grow your super with contributions and derive maximum benefits, it is important to understand the opportunities and traps involved. A robust contribution strategy should consider, among other things, the technical rules, contribution caps and the treatment [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]
In Hunt, in the matter of Hunt (bankruptcy) [2026] FCA 389, McDonald J of the Federal Court considered yet another application by an undischarged bankrupt for orders permitting him to continue to act as director of a corporate trustee of a self managed superannuation fund (SMSF). Bankruptcy has immediate consequences under both the Corporations Act [read more]
