1. Introduction There are numerous suppliers of self managed superannuation funds (‘SMSFs’) deeds apart from law firms with SMSF expertise. These days, for instance, there are a range of other (non-qualified) suppliers who supply SMSF deeds. These suppliers may deliver complex documents without any qualifications or expertise. This article seeks to explain the main differences [read more]
By Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers The ATO has released material saying that SMSF property developments can be considered tax avoidance schemes that are ‘too good to be true’. Within the program called ‘Super Scheme Smart’, the ATO aims to educate the public about SMSF strategies that concern it. The page, which can be accessed [read more]
Joseph Cheung, Lawyer, William Fettes, Senior Associate, and Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers The total superannuation balance (‘TSB’) is one of the most important new concepts introduced as part of the major superannuation reforms that broadly came into effect on 1 July 2017. Many superannuation obligations and rights depend on a member’s TSB: broadly the total [read more]
By Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers This article looks at the actions and penalties the ATO can impose on trustees of self managed superannuation funds (‘SMSF’). In 2014, a new regime added the following compliance powers to the ATO’s arsenal: Education directions Rectification directions Administrative penalties In addition to the above, the ATO has the [read more]
By Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers Removing a member from a self managed superannuation fund (‘SMSF’) is not a simple process, particularly where there is a dispute or some animosity among members. Here are some situations that DBA Lawyers has come across: family members have a falling out with a particular family member that they [read more]
Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers Small private companies frequently act as trustees for SMSFs or trusts, and sometimes in their own right. These companies are governed by their constitution (a set of internal rules). Standard constitutions for a private company are often outdated and contain many pitfalls for the unwary. On the other hand, the [read more]
By Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers The idea of acquiring shares from employee share schemes (‘ESS’) in an self managed superannuation fund (‘SMSF’) can be attractive for many reasons, but SMSF trustees have to be mindful of the in‑house asset and the related party acquisition rules. Broadly, a company can via an ESS provide employees [read more]
Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers SMSF changes of trustee are a ticking time bomb if not properly drafted by a lawyer with proper experience. While it is easy to put together a document that simply states that one trustee resigns and one trustee is appointed, several real examples exist where SMSF changes of trustee were [read more]
Christian Pakpahan, Lawyer and Daniel Butler, Director DBA Lawyers. For those who are interested in purchasing their first residential premises, the First Home Super Saver (‘FHSS’) Scheme may be an option worth exploring. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Reducing Pressure On Housing Affordability Measures No. 1) Bill 2017 (Cth) passed both houses on 7 December 2017, meaning [read more]
Christian Pakpahan, Lawyer and Daniel Butler, Director DBA Lawyers To reduce pressure on housing affordability, downsizer contributions provide an incentive for super fund members aged 65 years or older to sell a main residence. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Reducing Pressure On Housing Affordability Measures No. 1) Bill 2017 (Cth), which introduces downsizer contributions, passed both [read more]
