top of page
What Is an SMSF? Benefits, Rules & Who Should Start a Self-Managed Super Fund
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) give you direct control over your retirement investments, from shares to property. This guide explains the key SMSF rules you must know — the Sole Purpose Test, tax treatment, in-house asset limits, and the trustee choices that affect borrowing. Learn why many Australians choose SMSFs and how partnering with SMSF specialists makes setup and compliance straightforward.
4 min read
Setting up an SMSF: Key Steps, Trustee Structures & Compliance essentials
Establishing an SMSF involves more than setting up a fund — it requires making strategic decisions, choosing between a corporate or individual trustee structure, rolling over super, and maintaining compliance. This article walks you through the key steps to set up an SMSF, explains trustee responsibilities, and highlights the ongoing maintenance required to keep your fund operating smoothly and within Australia’s super rules.
4 min read
Transition to Retirement Pension: Reaching Preservation Age and Still Working
Reaching preservation age lets SMSF members start a Transition to Retirement Pension (TTR) while still working. TTR pensions are taxed differently from retirement phase pensions, regardless of age. If your SMSF is fully in pension phase, a Trust Income Schedule may not be required. Failure to meet minimum pension withdrawals risks losing tax exemptions. Trustees must understand these rules for compliant retirement planning.
3 min read
What is Preservation Age in SMSF
Preservation age in SMSFs sets the earliest age for accessing superannuation benefits, shaped by birthdate and retirement status. This article explains preservation age, exceptions where it may not apply, its influence on SMSF retirement and investment strategies, and the role of advisors like financial planners, accountants, and lawyers in assisting trustees and mortgage brokers.
3 min read
Understanding the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) provides a tax-effective way for first home buyers to save a home deposit via voluntary super contributions. Learn about eligibility, contribution limits, ownership exclusions, withdrawal rules, and how to maximise your savings with this government-backed scheme.
3 min read
Accessing Your SMSF Benefits: Overview to Preservation Rules, Multiple Members, and Conditions of Release
Accessing SMSF benefits requires following preservation laws and SMSF trust deed rules carefully. Preservation age, conditions of release, and member-specific eligibility in multi-member SMSFs affect when you can withdraw. Trustees must verify conditions, ensure compliance, and maintain records to avoid tax penalties and protect the fund’s tax status while providing member benefits.
3 min read
What is the Transfer Balance Account Report (TBAR)
From 1 July 2023, all SMSFs are required to lodge Transfer Balance Account Reports (TBARs) quarterly within 28 days after each quarter’s end. The Transfer Balance Cap rises to $2 million in July 2025 with proportional indexation applied to individuals. Some reportable events, such as excess commutations, require faster reporting. Timely and accurate TBAR lodgement is critical to maintain SMSF compliance and pension phase tax exemptions.
3 min read
SMSF Annual Compliance Guide
Trustees of SMSFs must meet annual compliance and administration requirements to stay within superannuation laws. This includes lodging the SMSF Annual Return, completing an independent audit, asset valuations, contribution reporting, investment strategy reviews, and maintaining proper records. Follow this comprehensive checklist to ensure your SMSF remains compliant with the ATO, ASIC, and other regulatory obligations.
3 min read
SMSF Estate Planning and Wills: When a Member Passes Away
Estate planning is key for SMSF trustees and members, especially regarding death benefits and trustee succession. This article explains binding death benefit nominations, tax implications, legal cases affecting SMSF wills, and how trustees manage the fund on a member’s death. Mortgage brokers and trustees alike benefit from understanding SMSF estate processes and compliance.
3 min read
What is the Transfer Balance Cap (TBC)
The Transfer Balance Cap limits tax-free super savings in retirement phase accounts to $2 million in 2025. Transitional CGT Relief helps SMSF members avoid tax on pre-cap gains by resetting asset cost bases. All TBAR events must be reported quarterly, with faster deadlines for excess commutations. Exceeding the cap triggers tax penalties, making timely pension adjustments vital for compliant, tax-effective retirement planning.
3 min read
What Are SMSF Non-Concessional Contributions
Explore the details of non-concessional contributions to SMSFs in 2025, including caps, the bring-forward rule, eligibility based on total super balance, tax implications, and compliance requirements. Understand how to navigate contribution limits to optimise your retirement savings in line with Australian superannuation regulations.
2 min read
The Journey of Buying Property in an SMSF
Buying property with your SMSF is a unique journey that involves specific legal structures and specialist finance. With major banks no longer offering SMSF loans, trustees must navigate niche lenders, varying loan policies, and strict compliance rules. This guide explains each step — from structuring your SMSF and setting up a bare trust, to applying for a loan, drafting contracts, and managing the investment property long term.
4 min read
How to Buy Life, TPD, and Income Protection Insurance Through Your SMSF
Trustees and members can purchase Life, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD), and Income Protection insurance within an SMSF, offering control, tax advantages, and strategic alignment with retirement goals. This article explains how SMSF insurance works in 2025, compares it to industry funds, and highlights compliance, tax, and provider selection rules relevant for mortgage brokers and trustees.
3 min read
How to Wind Up an SMSF
Winding up an SMSF involves careful steps to comply with trustee duties and ATO regulations. Learn why SMSFs are wound up and essential tasks including asset disposal, member benefit payments, final audit, tax reporting, and documentation. This guide helps trustees manage the SMSF closure process compliantly and efficiently.
3 min read
What is an SMSF Actuarial Certificate?
An SMSF actuarial certificate certifies the tax-exempt income proportion in funds with both pension and accumulation members. This guide covers when a certificate is required, segregation vs proportionate methods, consequences of losing the certificate, impacts of losses, and considerations for cash-only investments.
3 min read
Commercial Properties in SMSFs: Overview
Commercial property in an SMSF offers unique advantages, including the ability to lease to related businesses on market terms. Learn the rules for buying, leasing, managing, and selling commercial property within an SMSF, and see how it differs from residential property.
3 min read
How to Transfer Super from a Retail Fund into Your SMSF
Transferring superannuation from a retail fund to your SMSF requires accurate setup, use of SuperStream, and compliance with ATO rules. This article outlines the necessary steps, expected timing, documentation to keep, insurance and fee considerations, and tax implications to ensure a smooth, compliant rollover to your SMSF.
3 min read
bottom of page