Tax Office homing in property deductions, SMSFs warned

Tax Office homing in property deductions, SMSFs warned

With property deductions a big focus for the ATO this tax time, SMSFs have been warned on some of the pitfalls in this area that can land them in trouble.   The ATO has recently indicated that rental property expense claims will be a significant focus for the...
NALI ‘not going away anytime soon’

NALI ‘not going away anytime soon’

SMSF trustees have been urged to start reviewing any potential non-arm’s length expense issues with the outcome of any future government consultation still unclear at this stage.     Speaking to SMSF Adviser, BDO partner Shirley Schaefer said SMSF auditors will likely...
How much time and money do you need to consider investing

How much time and money do you need to consider investing

There's a common misperception that in order to start investing, you need a large initial sum and lots of time. Here's why that's a myth.   Investing can seem like a daunting task, particularly for those who think they lack the time and resources to...
ATO responds to GST case involving SMSF

ATO responds to GST case involving SMSF

The ATO has issued a decision impact statement on a recent decision that determined whether an SMSF was liable for GST on the sale of subdivided lots. The ATO has released a decision impact statement on the Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision Ian Mark Collins...
ATO statistics show 12 per cent jump in SMSF assets

ATO statistics show 12 per cent jump in SMSF assets

The total value of SMSF assets has climbed to $892 billion during the 12 months to March, according to the latest ATO statistics.   The ATO’s SMSF Quarterly Statistical Report indicates there were 605,469 SMSFs at the end of March — an increase of 17,631 funds since...
How diversification fights investor biases

How diversification fights investor biases

Investing in familiar names may bring a sense of comfort but by focusing too heavily on the Australian market, investors may limit their opportunity set and forgo the benefits of greater diversification.   With the recent surge in global market volatility, many...
Census 2021 Data

Census 2021 Data

Search through the data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and find interesting facts about how the country is changing.   Australia: https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/AUS   State/Territory   Victoria:...
Tax tips

Tax tips

The more detail you can give your accountant the quicker your tax return can be processed and, usually, the better the outcome. The following will help.   Know what you can and can’t claim Whether you work in an office, herd cattle on a farm, fix computers or mend...
Super Contribution Changes starting 1 July 2022

Super Contribution Changes starting 1 July 2022

From 1 July 2022, there will be changes made to super to make it easier for Australians to grow their retirement savings. These include:  Partially removing the work test for those aged 67 to 75. Extending the non-concessional contributions bring-forward age limit to...