Super

  The ATO has issued guidance on its approach to commutation requests, which is an essential piece of information for SMSF trustees because it explains which commutation requests will not be subject to an ATO review. The practical compliance guideline concerned is PCG 2017/5. With recently introduced superannuation rules now in effect (from 1 July

• 15 November, 2018

  The dramatic rise in value (and then fall) of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has sparked interest among SMSF trustees on its potential as an investment, particularly in a marketplace of low-interest rates, erratic sharemarkets and an easing in property. While bitcoin may be the most well-known cryptocurrency, there are nearly 1,500 in existence. In

• 13 November, 2018

  The ATO has announced that it is reviewing arrangements where members of an SMSF (typically at, or approaching, retirement age) purport to divert income earned from their personal services (that is, PSI) to their fund, which results in minimising or even avoiding tax altogether on that income. The ATO says these arrangements typically display

• 31 October, 2018

  Many tax agent and accounting industry representative bodies, including Tax & Super Australia (TSA), have been pushing for the re-instatement of the accountants’ exemption (see TSA’s submission to the Royal Commission here). But it seems that any discussion on the matter, let alone reaching any decision, is not going to occur any time soon.

• 29 October, 2018

  There are times when the terms of a deceased’s will are not suitable and the beneficiaries involved seek to have the will varied. There are various situations where this may be the case, such as changing circumstances over a long period of time from when the will was first drafted, or an estrangement between

• 18 October, 2018