This is Part 3 of our series of articles on key issues relating to family trust elections (FTEs) and interposed entity elections (IEEs). In this article, we examine the meaning of ‘distribution’ for the purposes of the relevant provisions of Schedule 2F of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth) (ITAA 1936). Distributions made outside of [read more]
From 1 July 2026, the Payday Super regime will be in effect and will require employers to pay superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time as they pay salary/wages (Payday Super). Payday Super replaces the current requirement to pay SG quarterly where employers have had 28 days from the end of each quarter to [read more]
Daniel Butler and Bryce Figot of DBA Lawyers are Senior Fellows at Melbourne Law School and are lecturing a subject titled Taxation of Superannuation (LAWS70267). This four-day intensive subject provides an in-depth analysis of the Australian taxation regime for superannuation funds, with a particular focus on self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). [read more]
Many SMSF clients want to understand how the new Division 296 tax might work. We have found that it can be difficult to succinctly communicate this in practice. However, we hope we can provide a helpful tool! The tools are the following formulas. These formulas provide a succinct summary of how the new tax might [read more]
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions) Bill 2025 was released on 19 December 2025 for members with superannuation balances over $3 million. The closing date for feedback on the revised exposure draft legislation was 16 January 2026 and The Tax Institute made a comprehensive submission on the revised provisions. The revised provisions include [read more]
This is Part 2 of our series of articles on key issues relating to family trust elections (FTEs) and interposed entity elections (IEEs). Part 1 provided a general overview of FTEs, the family group and the ATO’s recent increased focus in this area. In this article, we examine IEEs, revoking an election and lost election [read more]
From 1 January 2026, significant changes to the vacant residential land tax (VRLT) will take effect. This article will cover both the legislative changes as well as updated revenue rulings and Treasury guidelines on the VRLT. VRLT on unimproved land Broadly, for VRLT to be imposed, land must satisfy the definition of ‘residential’ and ‘vacant’ as [read more]
SMSF super splits, the tips and traps – Part 2 This is the second article in our series examining key technical issues that arise in SMSF superannuation splits following a relationship breakdown. Part 1 focused on the compliance and procedural requirements under Division 7A.2 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (Cth) (SISR) and the Family [read more]
SMSF super splits, the tips and traps – Part 1 This article is the first part in a series that covers some of the key tips and traps of SMSF super splits following a relationship breakdown. Superannuation interests, particularly in SMSFs, require careful handling in family law settlements. Although court orders and binding financial agreements [read more]
This article is by Robyn Jacobson We are pleased to offer this second detailed article on Payday Superannuation, prepared by Robyn Jacobson, Tax Advocate and Specialist, Chartered Tax Adviser of The Tax Institute, and a Fellow of both CA ANZ and CPA Australia. Robyn has over 30 years as a tax professional, trainer and advocate on [read more]
