ATO

Superannuation

Super advertising campaign cost $16.56 million

The ATO has confirmed the television advertising campaign launched to support Labor’s superannuation changes cost $16.56 million before it was terminated by the Abbott Go...

Superannuation

Budget confirms excess contributions treatment

Budget delivers on allowing withdrawal of excess contributions without penalty....

Superannuation

ATO rulings targeting SMSF loans

ATO appears to be targeting inappropriate loans to SMSFs after focusing on those with uncommercial loan terms....

Policy & Regulation

Smartphone tax returns ready this year

The Coalition is rolling out simplified and “substantially pre-prepared” tax forms allowing Australian residents to lodge returns from a smartphone or tablet device. ...

Superannuation

SMSFs - are they still worth it?

With the increased scrutiny of self-managed super funds (SMSF) from the regulator, the soon-to-be-introduced penalty regime for trustees and the increasing diligence of S...

Financial planning

ATO closes door on dividend washing

The ATO has issued a public ruling which it claims removes any doubt about dividend washing being out of bounds....

Superannuation

ATO signals end to prolonged disputes

The Tax Commissioner, Chris Jordan, has signalled an end to prolonged disputation and audits....

Superannuation

Gen X and Y forego future retirement dollars

Failure to consolidate superannuation accounts or find lost super could be costing younger Australians thousands of dollars in future retirement savings, according to the...

Superannuation

SPAA maintains argument for regulatory status quo for SMSFs

SPAA has used its submission to the Financial Systems Inquiry to restate its claim that SMSFs are appropriately regulated. ...

Superannuation

Looming changes in the SMSF sector

Australia's superannuation sector continues to attract a considerable amount of regulatory and legislative change and it's paramount that taxpayers are aware of any new o...

Superannuation

Macquarie Bank's David Barrett takes a closer look at the cost complexities of setting up a SMSF....

Financial planning

Year-end tax strategies - avoiding unpleasant surprises

No-one likes a surprise when wrestling with tax and superannuation, and financial planners heading towards the end of financial year seem primed on what is about to chang...