Can I buy gold in my SMSF?
Overview One of the great attractions of an SMSF is the ability to invest in a range of assets not typically available to a member of a large industry or retail superannuation fund. One of those assets is physical gold. Precious metals, such as platinum, gold and silver are seen as safe haven investments in […]
Tax-free lump sums aged 60 and still working?
Overview We often get questions from intermediaries about clients who have turned 60, left an employment arrangement, but will continue to work in some capacity, be it full time or part time. Below we outline the route to accessing superannuation for members aged 60, but less than 65, who are not permanently retiring from the […]
Latest ATO Quarterly SMSF Statistics
Overview The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released their latest quarterly statistical report for the Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) sector (June quarter 2025). This report always provides interesting reading and once again, it highlights the growth of SMSFs as the retirement savings vehicle of choice for many younger Australians. The numbers at a glance For […]
Signing SMSF documents electronically
Overview Since the Pandemic, the SMSF world changed fundamentally, particularly the electronic signing of documents. But there is still much confusion as to what documents can be signed electronically, and what documents still need a wet signature. Below we clarify when electronic signing can be done, the practical implications of doing so, and when it […]
ATO and SMSF Lodgement Obligations
Overview The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recently reminded SMSF trustees lodging their SMSF Annual Return (SAR) is the most important compliance obligation they must meet. They also mention in their SMSF Newsroom article over 65,000 SMSFs still have outstanding lodgement obligations for the 2023 year, and they are seeing a similar trend in late lodgements […]
Employee share schemes and SMSFs
Overview We often get enquiries about how to treat an SMSF acquiring shares from a related party in relation to Employee Share Schemes (ESS). Therefore, it is worthwhile having a quick look at the basics when it comes to SMSFs and ESS. Employee Share Scheme (ESS) options and acquisition of shares by SMSFs An ESS […]
The Importance of an SMSF Investment Strategy
Overview An SMSF’s investment strategy forms part of a fund’s specific compliance documentation. As such, the investment strategy should be tailored to individual fund circumstances and should not be a document merely repeating standard verbiage. Each fund member has a unique set of circumstances and given the sole purpose of superannuation is the provision of retirement […]
Should the Auditor do a title search every year?
Overview We often get asked why the SMSF auditor requires a title search every year by trustees and intermediaries. The retort often is “Nothing has changed from last year!” Whilst that may be the case, the audit function ensures the fund operates within the legal framework, protecting the interests of its members and maintaining the […]
SMSF audit and property valuations
Overview As part of the SMSF audit process, assets, including property investments, must be valued at market every 30 June. This does not necessarily mean a sworn valuation by an independent property valuer every year; it does, however, mean last year’s valuation will not suffice for the current income tax year. The days of valuing […]
Valuing assets in an SMSF
Overview The end of another financial year means we now turn our minds to the 2024/25 tax return. With the Division 296 Tax changes looming on the horizon, getting the value of assets right is more important than ever. Not having the correct asset valuations may not only lead to a hefty administrative penalty levied […]
