taxation

Superannuation

Tax system crippling retirement product innovation: ASFA

Current tax rules around retirement products are increasingly impinging on the flexibility of retirees, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia says....

Policy & Regulation

Taxman struggling to manage HWIs

High wealth individuals are using complex business arrangements and trusts to minimise their tax liabilities, an Australian National Audit Office report reveals....

Superannuation

Why income bonds are making a comeback

In the rush to put money in superannuation, other investment vehicles with concessionary tax benefits have been overlooked. Income bonds have become one of the forgotten ...

Editorial

Tax concessionality vital to superannuation

While both Treasury officials and economic commentators have strongly criticised the cost of superannuation tax concessions, Mike Taylor writes that one of the men who he...

Policy & Regulation

Repair levy may lead to tax deferment

High income earners will look for “clever ways” to avoid being hit by the Federal Government’s new 'repair levy’, a tax expert believes. ...

Financial planning

Temporary Budget Repair Levy hits high income earners

The Government has, as expected, introduced a three-year levy on Australians earning over $180,000 while closing off FBT loopholes....

Superannuation

Budget confirms excess contributions treatment

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

Policy & Regulation

Government levies could promote tax avoidance: accountant

Some of the Federal Government’s proposed new levies could foster tax avoidance by increasing perceived inequality, an accountant believes. ...

Accounting

IPA welcomes Division 7A change proposals

IPA welcomes Board of Tax discussion paper canvassing key changes to Division 7A of the Tax Act....

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

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...

Financial planning

A margin loan is still a loan

Julie McKay argues that while margin loans have their own dynamics, those using them should not lose sight of the fact that they are a loan and they need to be repaid. ...

Superannuation

It’s time to talk about the future of superannuation

With eight years having passed since the ‘Simpler Super’ review, it could be time to reopen a dialogue about the future of super, Bryan Ashenden writes....