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Published 10 Jul 2020
Ensuring that the right assets are passed onto the right beneficiaries at the right time is fundamental to any estate plan. This article explores estate planning considerations for your aged care clients. ...
Published 1 Jul 2020

Below we highlight some of the key legislative updates that have passed into law. The legislative measures in this update are law as of 25/06/2020 unless otherwise stated. Super work test and bring-forward provisions The 2019 Federal Budget included three important super measures: Regulations  have been registered for the work...

Published 23 Jun 2020
Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) incur several different types of expenses over the course of an income year. Some of these expenses are deductible against the fund’s income, with most only deductible in part, usually based on the extent to which the expense was incurred in producing assessable income....
Published 23 Jun 2020
The significant superannuation reform package that came into force on 1 July 2017 also saw the ATO release updated guidance on how self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs)  claim exempt current pension income (ECPI). These changes, which apply from the 2017-18 income year have made the question of whether an actuarial certificate...
Published 10 Jun 2020
This article looks at the various decisions made by clients who enter or are living in residential aged care which have implications for Centrelink....
Published 9 Jun 2020
The consequence of this for many Australians has been redundancy. Coming to terms with redundancy can be difficult to deal with, emotionally and financially. In such cases, getting the right financial advice is critical. Advice will not only mitigate the impact of future uncertainty, but also help clients financially transition...
Published 18 May 2020
Recently we have seen large falls in the market and corresponding decreases in superannuation balances due to Covid-19. In response to this, a temporary reduction in the required minimum pension payments for account-based pensions and market-linked pensions (including allocated pensions) has been introduced for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 income years....
Published 26 Apr 2020
About this time every financial year, it’s a good time to review any super contribution opportunities for clients. However, since March 2020 there has been high volatility in investment markets, which may have created extra potential for clients to benefit....
Published 24 Apr 2020
Many clients may not be aware that simple changes like moving to another home or renting out part of the home to a paying guest can impact their Age Pension entitlement. Therefore, advice plays an important role to help clients understand the rules and minimise any impact on current or...
Published 9 Apr 2020
Contribution caps limit the amount a member can contribute to the superannuation system each year without penalty. This article will examine the current contribution rules, and how from 1 July 2017 a member’s total superannuation balance will impact their contribution caps.  ...
Published 5 Apr 2020
This article will look at the requirement to calculate the tax free and taxable components when commencing an income stream, with a specific focus on when an income stream is commuted and recommenced....
Published 1 Apr 2020
This article will explore some fundamental strategies that can help maximise the cash flow of clients who are moving into an aged care home.  ...
Published 1 Apr 2020
This article explains the Centrelink treatment of granny flat arrangements to help you advise on granny flat strategies. ...
Published 1 Apr 2020
This article answers some common questions from advisers about their ‘low means’ aged care clients’ strategies.  ...
Published 19 Mar 2020
Any new income stream commenced in a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) after 19 September 2007 will be an account-based type pension. These pensions must meet the minimum pension standards and are required to pay a specified minimum amount at least once a year....
Published 12 Mar 2020
Everyone enjoys traveling to different countries, which can include taking short holidays, extended trips or even moving overseas. For members of a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), taking a regular holiday is not an issue, but those who are overseas for an extended period need to be aware of what this...