Increase in prohibited loans a concern: ATO

Increase in prohibited loans a concern: ATO

While the amount of illegally accessed funds from SMSFs has reduced, the amount of prohibited loans has gone up, the Commissioner of Taxation has said. . Rob Heferen, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Commissioner, said at the SMSF Association National Conference in...
Investment and economic outlook, February 2025

Investment and economic outlook, February 2025

The latest forecasts for investment returns and region-by-region economic outlook. . Though it has fallen well below its pandemic-era peaks, the nominal pace of U.S. wage growth remains strong, at about 4%. Yet wage growth does not appear to be an impediment to...
SAR non-lodgment continues to be a concern: ATO

SAR non-lodgment continues to be a concern: ATO

The non-lodgment of superannuation annual returns continues to be one of the ATO’s major concerns, the deputy commissioner for superannuation has said. . Emma Rosenzweig, deputy commissioner for the ATO, has said SAR lodgment is a basic expectation for those choosing...
TBC increase not just about pensions

TBC increase not just about pensions

An industry consultant has reminded practitioners the indexation measure to be applied to the general transfer balance cap will have implications for other elements of the superannuation system as well that are unrelated to income streams. . The general transfer...
Up to 700k retirees could be paying more tax than they should: SMC

Up to 700k retirees could be paying more tax than they should: SMC

Lack of proper financial advice is costing hundreds of thousands of retirees in unnecessary taxes, the Super Members Council has said. . The Super Members Council found that around 700,000 Australians over 65 who aren’t working full-time still have an accumulation...
Calls for clarification on NALI/E rulings

Calls for clarification on NALI/E rulings

The ATO needs to provide clarification on a number of issues in the law companion ruling dealing with NALI/E, the joint bodies have said. . The joint bodies, which include the SMSF Association as well as accounting and financial advice industry bodies, have raised...
How to shift into pension mode

How to shift into pension mode

When and how you can access your super to start an account-based pension. . If our working years can be regarded as the time when we aim to build up our superannuation savings, our retirement years can equally be regarded as the time when we aim to spend them. At...
Australia’s economic growth set to recover in 2025

Australia’s economic growth set to recover in 2025

GDP growth is set to gain momentum despite sticky inflation and high interest rates. . Vanguard expects Australia’s Gross Domestic Product will gradually recover and increase by 2.0% in 2025 after experiencing its slowest growth rate in 32 years during 2024.   This is...
Five financial steps for the new year

Five financial steps for the new year

The start of 2025 is a good opportunity to take decisive financial steps. . The new year can often be a trigger point for many people to review their financial plans and strategies for the year ahead and beyond. It makes sense, although the start of the calendar year...