09:25 AM | The ATO is considering changes to income tax laws that currently provide the Commissioner of Taxation with an unlimited period to make an amendment to a taxpayer's assessment.
17 March 2010 | The Federal Government is considering introducing changes to its superannuation contributions cap regime to eliminate perceived discrimination against women and some part-time workers.
17 March 2010 | SMSFs appear to have heeded the ATO's warnings about compliance, but personal loans to SMSF members have become a concern in troubled economic times.
17 March 2010 | The proposed changes to gearing rules in superannuation will open a "can of worms" for investors who use unlisted or DIY gearing in their super funds, said Alpha Structured Investments founder, Tony Rumble.
17 March 2010 | MLC Lifetime has reached an agreement to settle a dispute with the ATO regarding the tax treatment of a reinsurance contract entered into by MLC Lifetime in the 1998 tax year.
16 March 2010 | The chairman of the Cooper Review has recommended monetary penalties for employers with sloppy super admin, and said that the current paper-based system should be addressed.
10 March 2010 | There could be changes in the 2010 Federal Budget to the way gearing in super operates, although there has not yet been any official indication from the Government, according to a Multiport report on self-managed super funds.
8 March 2010 | The SMSF sector has cemented its place in the superannuation industry over the past few years. Damon Taylor looks at the issues facing SMSFs and the debate that will determine the shape of their future.
8 March 2010 | Peter Townsend explains the five perils faced by SMSF borrowers, and shows how they can be avoided.
8 March 2010 | As the self-managed super fund industry continues to grow rapidly, Andrew Yee explains how to ensure your clients effectively manage their SMSFs.
8 March 2010 | Mike Taylor warns about the large number of industry bodies in financial services, focusing on AIOFP.
19 February 2010 | Mercer is urging tougher rules around SMSFs including around accountants and whether people should actually be in them.
19 February 2010 | Financial planners need to establish self-managed super funds with reserves to create more flexibility, argues SMSF Strategies principal Grant Abbott.
04:38 PM | The chairman of the Government’s Super System Review, Jeremy Cooper, said SMSFs may be the way of the future as more people seek to take control of their retirement savings.
17 February 2010 | Professionalism in the SMSF industry has improved greatly, but the ATO must remain firm with the sector, said Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo.
17 February 2010 | The SPAA has criticised the ATO for the way it handles new SMSFs in its Super Fund Look Up system, claiming that new SMSFs do not appear to be compliant.
15 February 2010 | A Commonwealth and Taxation Ombudsman report has found that the ATO has established sound guidelines in the use of its 'access without notice' powers.
15 February 2010 | The Heffron technical team take a look at the current state of play for defined benefit pensions and the social security asset test exemption rules and how they affect SMSF members.
5 February 2010 | Draft legislation aimed at boosting the tax integrity of trusts could provide a $150 million boost to revenue.
1 February 2010 | A number of recent changes to superannuation have had a significant impact on the wealth creation capacity of transition to retirement strategies. Martin Breckon weighs up their effectiveness following these changes.
1 February 2010 | Troy Smith outlines strategies for avoiding a large excess contributions tax bill in cases of simple or small miscalculation.
09:25 AM | The National Institute of Accountants (NIA) is calling on the Government to reflect the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO's) revised draft position on unpaid present entitlements (UPE) amid widespread uncertainty among tax practitioners.
15 January 2010 | More people are at risk of an ATO risk review or audit with the ATO's 'wealthy' barometer falling from $30 million net assets to $5 million.
21 December 2009 | Troy Smith discusses the tax implications of holding trauma cover, and receiving payouts for it, in super.
16 December 2009 | Those avoiding paying tax through offshore trust structures may be subject to penalties if they do not disclose these activities to the Australian Taxation Office.