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Case Study – The Impact of Noting the Incorrect Entity on a Contract of Sale
Incorrect entity details on an SMSF Contract of Sale can trigger double stamp duty, finance delays, and compliance breaches. This case study explains why precise entity naming is critical when purchasing property through an SMSF, the risks involved, and how reviewing Bare Trust and Holding Trust documents before signing can prevent costly settlement issues.
3 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
Strengthening Your Credit Score: Why It Matters for SMSF Investors
Your credit score plays a vital role in your ability to secure SMSF finance, negotiate better rates, and support your investment strategy. Learn how common credit issues—defaults, late payments, and enquiries—impact loan eligibility, and discover proven steps to protect and repair your credit profile. Get expert tips for SMSF trustees to unlock better borrowing terms, safeguard fund growth, and strengthen your financial future.
4 min read
SMSF Property Valuation Challenges: What Every Trustee Needs to Know
Valuing SMSF property correctly is critical for compliance, accuracy, and smooth audits. This article breaks down the ATO’s valuation rules, the most common trustee mistakes, and practical steps to avoid delays or costly errors. Learn how to achieve annual market valuations that meet SIS Act and ATO standards with confidence.
5 min read
Single Acquirable Asset: SMSF Property Investment Rules
When buying property through your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) under a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA), you must comply with strict rules around a “Single Acquirable Asset.” Learn what this means, what’s allowed, and how to stay compliant while investing in residential or commercial property within your SMSF.
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
Compliant SMSF Investment Strategy
Learn how SMSF trustees can prepare a compliant investment strategy that meets ATO requirements. This guide covers diversification, risk assessment, liquidity, insurance considerations, and how to document your strategy to satisfy regulatory obligations.
3 min read
Related Party Loans and SMSF Property Borrowing
A related party SMSF loan occurs when the fund borrows from a member or associate. While these loans can be cost-effective, they require strict compliance with superannuation rules. Mortgage brokers can explain general SMSF loan mechanics and risks, but trustees should seek legal and accounting advice for structuring and compliance.
2 min read
Rules for Unlocking Equity in SMSF Property
SMSF members cannot release equity from fund properties for personal use or use SMSF property as security for other loans. Repairs and maintenance are allowed, but renovations or improvements must follow strict superannuation rules. Understanding these restrictions is critical to keeping your SMSF compliant and safeguarding retirement savings.
2 min read
Residential Property in SMSF
Discover the unique rules for owning residential investment property in an SMSF. Trustees cannot live in or rent the property to friends or family, cannot acquire residential property from related parties under most conditions, and must use an LRBA structure for borrowing. Learn what it takes to stay compliant with these property rules.
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
SMSF Residency Rules that Trustees Must Know
SMSF residency rules are crucial to keeping your fund compliant and eligible for concessional tax rates. To remain an Australian SMSF, funds must satisfy establishment, central management and control, and active member tests. Temporary absences overseas may be permitted, but long-term or permanent absences can risk non-compliance. Learn how the rules work and why planning ahead is essential for trustees.
2 min read
What Information is Required to Set Up a Bare Trust for Your SMSF?
See what information is required to set up a bare trust for your SMSF, including property details, lender information, and loan specifics. Discover why professional guidance is essential to ensure compliance with LRBA rules and safeguard your SMSF property investment.
2 min read
Understanding Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBA) in SMSFs
A Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) enables an SMSF to borrow to acquire an asset while restricting lender recourse to that asset. Trustees should understand LRBA mechanics, borrowing risks, and that lenders may require personal guarantees which can reintroduce personal liability. Professional legal and financial advice is recommended before entering into LRBA lending arrangements.
3 min read
Can I Buy an Overseas Property in my SMSF?
Can you buy overseas property in your SMSF? The ATO allows it, but strict rules apply. Overseas property cannot be used as a holiday home, and borrowing against it is almost impossible with Australian banks. Trustees must meet complex compliance requirements, manage audits, and navigate foreign ownership laws. Discover the risks, challenges, and professional help needed before your SMSF invests abroad.
3 min read
Who and What Is an SMSF Trustee?
In an SMSF, trustees are legally responsible for managing the fund, complying with superannuation law, and acting in the best interests of members. Whether as individual trustees or directors of a corporate trustee, their role includes managing investments, ensuring compliance, and protecting members’ retirement savings. Learn what an SMSF trustee is, their obligations, and why this role is critical to running a successful fund.
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
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