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SMSF denied complying status – recent AAT decision

The recent AAT decision in Driscoll and Commissioner of Taxation [2021] AATA 3892 has important implications that all SMSF professionals (and trustees) should be aware of. We explore the facts, the implications and the lessons learnt from this case in this article. Facts On 23 January 2009, the Driscoll Superannuation Fund (Fund) was established. Mr Driscoll [read more]

NALI –– unit trusts and draft LCR 2019/D3

SMSFs, employee share schemes & NALI

Acquiring shares under an employee share scheme (ESS) via your self managed superannuation fund (SMSF) may appear attractive but greater uncertainty has arisen following the ATO’s recent ruling, LCR 2021/2, on the application of the non-arm’s length income (NALI) rules to such a transaction. This ruling focuses on NALI arising from the non-arm’s length expenditure [read more]

DBA Lawyers –– the best BDBN is now even better

SMSF Wills versus BDBNs — what is best?

Overview SMSF Wills have become a topical issue in recent times as some claim they have certain advantages over binding death benefit nominations (BDBNs). This article briefly examines SMSF Wills and compares them to BDBNs. In broad terms, it is DBA Lawyers’ view that SMSF Wills are subject to significant legal risk, and therefore, we [read more]

Street Sign the Direction Way to Pleasant versus Nasty

LCR 2021/2 — discounts to SMSFs invoke NALI

The ATO’s ruling, Law Companion Ruling LCR 2021/2, outlines the application of the ATO’s view on the non-arm’s length expenditure (NALE) provisions, and clarifies when and where an outgoing, expenditure or loss can constitute non-arm’s length income (NALI). The ATO’s view is that, where an expense is incurred by a fund that is less than [read more]

LRBAs — current tips and traps

What’s the dividing line between NALI and a contribution?

The ATO issued its comprehensive ruling, TR 2010/1, on what constitutes a contribution to a superannuation fund in February 2010. A revised draft for consultation of TR 2010/1-DC (DC) was issued on 28 July 2021 reflecting changes as a consequence of the ATO’s views provided in Law Companion Ruling (LCR) 2021/2. LCR 2021/2 confirmed the [read more]

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Two AAT decisions on what constitutes business real property

Two recent AAT decisions shed important light on what constitutes business real property: Allzams Trust and Commissioner of Taxation [2021] AATA 2767 and Allen and Commissioner of Taxation [2021] AATA 2768. Both cases involved a disappointed taxpayer seeking a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of a decision of the Commissioner of Taxation. These decisions [read more]

NALI –– unit trusts and draft LCR 2019/D3

SMSFs with units in unit trusts and NALI –– review and action may be needed

There are a considerable number of SMSFs that invest in private unit trusts. These unit trusts may include pre-99 unit trusts, unrelated unit trusts and non-geared unit trusts (under div 13.3A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (Cth) (SISR)). The ATO’s Law Companion Ruling 2021/2 (LCR 2021/2) outlines, among other things, the ATO’s view [read more]

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Discretionary trusts – variations and issues

Discretionary trusts are an extremely popular structuring and investment vehicle in Australia. In FY2016, there were around 850,000 trusts in Australia with assets of more than $3 trillion with one report predicting there could be more than a million trusts by 2022. In most Australian jurisdictions a discretionary trust can last up to 80 years (and in [read more]