One of the unique characteristics of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), which make them attractive to some investors, is their ability to invest in direct property. A significant number of SMSFs do invest in direct property and statistics from Class Limited showed this to be as high as 27.1% in 2016. This ... Read more
SMSFs and capital gains tax (CGT)
Capital gains are profits made on the sale of capital assets, such as property or shares. Capital gains (including those made by SMSFs) are potentially liable for capital gains tax (CGT). What are the CGT rules for SMSFs? Superannuation assets can be either in the accumulation or retirement phases. Assets that are ... Read more
Which asset classes are popular with SMSFs?
Of the many benefits of running your own SMSF, one of the major drawcards is the wider choice of investment strategies that can be established compared to a traditional super fund. Along with the safety of cash and term deposits, SMSFs can also directly invest in Australian and international shares, property trusts, ... Read more
What are the SMSF borrowing rules?
A relaxation of rules around borrowing in self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) nearly a decade ago now means that SMSFs can borrow to invest in some circumstances. Although loans were originally allowed for borrowing to invest in shares, restrictions around the rules mean that in most cases they are now used for ... Read more
Guide to in-specie transfers for SMSFs
In specie superannuation transfers (also known as off market transfers) are transfers of assets in and out of super funds, rather than actual transfers of money. In specie is a Latin phrase meaning “actual form”. An in specie transfer to or from a super fund is therefore the process of transferring an asset in or ... Read more
Investment scams: What are they and how do you avoid them?
Scams in the 21st Century There’s no argument that advancing technology has been the one of the biggest game-changers this century. The digital age has revolutionised how we conduct our daily lives. And while technology offers more convenient ways of doing things, it also comes with risk. Cyber scamming - or digital ... Read more