Taking charge of your super with an SMSF gives you freedom and flexibility, but it also brings extra responsibilities. At TOP SMSF, we’re here to help—and we recognise that keeping up with changes from the Australian Tax Office can feel daunting at times. That’s why we’ve put together this straightforward cheat sheet for 2025. With […]
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced significant revisions to Labor’s proposed superannuation reforms — backing away from taxing unrealised gains and introducing indexation for high-balance thresholds. The changes, unveiled this week, aim to make the super system fairer and more sustainable while addressing widespread concerns from investors, economists, and everyday Australians. No More Tax on Unrealised […]
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) offer a unique opportunity to take control of our retirement savings. One intriguing investment option that’s gaining popularity is purchasing overseas property through your SMSF. Let’s explore. Why Overseas Property Investment? Diversifying internationally through property investment can offer several benefits. By spreading your risk across different markets, you’re not putting all […]
Are you making the most of your retirement savings? Recent data reveals some interesting trends in how people are accessing their pensions. Understanding these patterns can help you make informed choices for your future. What the Data Shows Despite efforts to encourage people to use income streams, many retirees still opt for lump sum payments […]
Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) have become an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolios through property investment. Recent data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) indicates that approximately 9.3% of SMSF assets are allocated to non-residential property, while 5.1% are invested in residential property. However, navigating SMSF property investments can be complex and requires careful consideration. The Sole Purpose Test The cornerstone of SMSF investments […]
Let’s have a chat about everyone’s favourite topic – Non-Arm’s Length Income (NALI). Okay, maybe it’s not your favourite, but it’s certainly important for keeping your fund on the right side of the ATO. NALI: What’s the Go? NALI is income your SMSF receives from transactions that aren’t conducted at arm’s length. In other words, […]
Running a self-managed super fund (SMSF) comes with strict compliance obligations. Trustees must ensure the fund is used solely for retirement benefits, adhere to investment rules, lodge annual returns on time, and keep accurate records. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including loss of tax concessions, penalties, asset freezes, and even disqualification of trustees. Regularly […]
Signing your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) trust deed is a critical step in establishing a valid and compliant fund. Proper execution ensures the legal effectiveness of your SMSF and helps avoid potential complications down the line. This guide will walk you through the process of correctly signing your SMSF trust deed. An SMSF trust deed […]
When establishing a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for a corporate trustee or individual trustees. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your long-term goals. The Corporate Trustee […]
It’s not uncommon to hear a story that goes like this from a SMSF trustee: When I first started managing my SMSF, I thought I had it all figured out. I’d put everything into a handful of “sure thing” stocks and watch my wealth grow. Oh, how naive I was! It wasn’t until I spoke […]