Note: We regularly update this article with the latest data on self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) issued by the Australian Taxation Office. This article contains the latest data available as at March 2013 (for data as at December 2012). The latest ATO statistics on SMSFs (representing SMSF … [Read more...]
Q: How do you change your self-managed super fund (SMSF) from accumulation phase to pension phase (husband aged 60, and retired) and transition-to-retirement pension phase (myself aged 57 and still working part time)? If an accountant has to do it, what costs could be involved? Your site has been a … [Read more...]
Effective from 2013/2014 year, the ATO supervisory levy for self-managed superannuation funds is set to jump again, increasing to $259 a year. The Government announced this levy hike as part of the 2012/2013 Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), released on 22 October 2012. You can also … [Read more...]
Each year, the ATO publishes a list of compliance areas that the regulator intends to target when reviewing SMSFs during the year. Note: The ATO’s compliance approach is to deal with less serious breaches in a collaborative way with the SMSF trustees, by helping them rectify and undo … [Read more...]
Read this article to discover the new rules in place for SMSF trustees, and discover what you can do to ensure your SMSF operates within the super laws. New rules are now in place for self-managed super fund rules forcing SMSF trustees to take special care when considering a fund’s investment … [Read more...]
For the 2011/2012 year, the ATO supervisory levy for self-managed super funds has increased from $180 to $200. The levy hike is an 11% increase from the previous financial year, and a massive 400% increase from the ATO levy that was payable 5 years ago. In the 2012 Federal budget, hidden in the … [Read more...]
This article is written by Bruce Sutherland, a regular SuperGuide reader, a self-funded retiree and now ex-SMSF trustee. Bruce is a former CEO, and a former strategy consultant, and he holds a degree in Economics. Bruce has closed his SMSF because he believes that a SMSF is no longer tax-effective … [Read more...]
Note: Every year, the ATO publishes the average audit fees incurred by SMSFs. This Q&A contains data for financial year ending 30 June 2010 (latest available as at May 2012). The next update, for compliance data up to 30 June 2011, will be available in April 2013. Q: SMSF auditors and … [Read more...]
Note: Every year, the ATO publishes the top compliance mistakes made by SMSF trustees. This article contains data up to 30 June 2011 (latest available as at May 2012). The next update, for compliance data up to 30 June 2012, will be available in April 2013. The ATO has published the top 10 … [Read more...]
Q: Thanks for the super site – it has been very useful for me as a trustee of my family SMSF. I have also bought your book, DIY Super for Dummies, which has been very informative and explained many issue in plain English. My question relates to updating the Trust Deed. I have looked at several … [Read more...]
Q: I have my own super fund and when it came to the end of the year I was supposed to withdraw $6,544. I only withdrew $6000 and can catch up this year. Is this a reportable breach to the Tax Office? For the benefit of other SuperGuide readers, I’ll first explain the background to your … [Read more...]
Q: I came across your website which looks excellent. I am about to set-up my self-managed super fund (SMSF) but I am not sure who to handle this for me. Some online providers are reasonably priced but I am concerned about access and professionalism as they are online only. I have checked out various … [Read more...]
Q: I am looking at setting up a DIY super fund whereby I take over from a wrap provider, saving about $5000 in fees. Is there a ready-made program I can buy now, or how would you plan for this? Any books or articles that would assist? Choosing to run your own super fund is not just a cost … [Read more...]
The practice of calling self-managed super funds, ‘DIY super funds’ upsets the regulator, and also concerns many of the service providers making a living from helping individuals set up, and run, self-managed super funds (SMSFs). The key message emanating from the SMSF industry is that you … [Read more...]
