Patane Accounting Pty Ltd is a CPA Practice
The ATO has reiterated it will be investigating self-managed super fund members who have an estimated $600 million in related-party loans for shares and property in their funds. Some members are taking out loans with a related party, which refers to friends, associates or family, on terms more favourable than what might have been attained…
Self-managed super fund members should revise their strategy regularly to ensure it continues to reflect their circumstances and the fund’s investment objective. A self-managed super fund requires a clear, well-documented investment strategy to be successful. Characteristics of these SMSF investment strategies include: – ability to pay benefits when members retire. A member must be able to…
Superannuation is still one of the best ways to accumulate savings for retirement. To make the most of your super, members need to be ‘super savvy’ and be aware of tax-effective strategies that can help boost their super and achieve their financial goals. 1. Review your super fund and insurance options to determine if it…
It is important for investors to have a good understanding of their SMSF to help reduce tax bills and maximise their wealth. To avoid being issued an SMSF audit by the ATO, investors should take the following advice on board: – Read the trust deed to gain a better understanding of how the fund works.…
While using a self-managed super fund (SMSF) to buy an investment property has become increasingly popular, members must carefully consider whether it supports their overall investment strategy before they go ahead with this investment approach. There is a condition that the SMSF trustee or any of their relatives cannot buy the property with the intention…
For some time now, superannuation experts have been warning Australians not to be distracted by the seemingly large size of their retirement nest eggs. While the total balance of many super accounts may sound impressive, it can distract from the reality of the income stream it is likely to deliver. Between longer life expectancies, inflation,…
A lot of Australians are unaware of the fact that they probably have life insurance provided by their superannuation fund. Due to economies of scale, you are most likely getting a very good deal on your cover, and as such it pays to be aware of a few things that can impact your life insurance.…
As interest rates plummet, retirees who are relying on interest from cash savings in their superannuation accounts may be losing out. The reason for this is that excessive fund fees can eat away at cash balances. Without decent returns from interest rates to offset these losses, the results for super funds can be grim. Despite…
Salary sacrificing part of your income into your superannuation brings about a lot of financial benefits. Employers in Australia are required to contribute the equivalent of 9.5% of an employee’s salary into a nominated superannuation fund. On top of these contributions, employees can request that their employer reduce their salary and direct the additional cash…
If you are over the age of 55 and are still earning income through employment, then you may be able to make significant tax savings using the transition to retirement scheme. When you use the transition to retirement strategy, you have two superannuation accounts. One account receives your employer’s contributions and any additional contributions that…
