SMSF Basics

Investing in property through your SMSF can be a powerful retirement strategy—but one paperwork mistake in your bare trust or LRBA documentation can lead to major tax and duty consequences. This article explains how SMSF bare trusts work, when your deed must be dated across different states and why synchronising your legal, accounting and lending team is vital for a compliant property purchase.

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.

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.

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.

Buying investment property in your SMSF can diversify your retirement strategy, but strict rules apply. Learn how SMSF property investment works, from borrowing under an LRBA to trustee structures, compliance requirements, and risks. Discover why corporate trustees may offer more flexibility and why professional advice is essential before purchasing property in a self-managed super fund.

Understand the SMSF Sole Purpose Test, which ensures all fund actions and investments are solely for retirement or death benefits. Learn how it impacts compliance, investments, and trustee responsibilities.

SMSFs in 2025 are taxed at 15% in accumulation, with retirement-phase income often tax-free. Concessional contributions are capped at $30,000 and non-concessional at $120,000. Additional concessional contributions can reduce personal taxable income, while excess contributions may trigger extra tax. Timing and compliance are essential for accurate reporting in both SMSF and personal tax returns.

Explore SMSF minimum balances and costs, including setup, administration, audits, and regulatory obligations. Learn how balance affects cost-effectiveness and whether an SMSF may suit your retirement strategy.

Explore the benefits of SMSF compared to retail super funds, including greater control, wider investment options, potential tax advantages, family pooling, and retirement flexibility. Learn why many Australians choose self-managed super funds to take charge of their financial future.

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.

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.

Learn key facts about spouse contributions to SMSFs in 2025, including eligibility requirements, tax offset benefits, income caps, and how contributions can enhance retirement savings. Learn how to maximise spouse contribution benefits while navigating Australian superannuation rules to support effective financial planning.

Learn the differences between corporate and individual trustees for SMSFs, including legal responsibilities, administrative implications, and how each structure impacts compliance and retirement planning.

This article explains the types of expenses in a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), including tax deductibility rules, operating and investment costs, statutory fees, and trustee remuneration limitations. Trustees and mortgage brokers will gain clear guidance on managing SMSF expenses for compliance and optimal retirement outcomes in line with 2025 Australian Tax Office regulations.

Explore how self-employed income affects SMSF contributions. Learn about voluntary contributions, tax deductions on personal concessional contributions, the absence of compulsory Super Guarantee, contribution caps, and compliance essentials. Maximise retirement savings within SMSF rules while managing tax impacts effectively under Australian regulations.