This designation is vital to a number of different sections of the SIS Act. They include exemptions from various restrictions but what is, and is not business real property is not always clear. This module focuses on identifying what qualifies as business real property and what does not.

This is an asset class that attracts particular scrutiny and is one of the most regulated SMSF investment choices available. This module investigates its finer points and provides insights into some curious legislative consequences.

Covering the essential facets of the investment strategy covenants, this module provides a useful template and draws the distinction between an investment strategy, as required under SIS, and a statement of advice as required by ASIC.

A consideration of insurance is mandatory for every investment strategy. The legislation provides some surprising advantages and disadvantages for holding insurance within SMSFs. This module considers these items and the practical effect that both age and family relationships has on the decision to hold insurance within an SMSF or not.

The issue of SMSF licensing and advice has been an important and controversial development that the sector is still grappling with. This module covers the relevant conduct and SMSF advice disclosure obligations and the risks that should be considered by advisers and disclosed to clients when providing personal advice about SMSFs.

Covering all the material aspects of fund establishment including the ATO registration process and the mandatory fund establishment documentation requirements.

This module covers borrowing generally and limited recourse borrowing in particular. It also considers the practical implementation, consequences and use of related party loans.

Every trustee should be aware of their responsibilities as encapsulated in the trustee declaration. This module considers the more important of these and how to ensure they are observed.

Trustees that fail to meet their responsibilities may be subjected to considerable penalties which range from monetary fines and taxes to periods of incarceration. We consider a range of examples and their likely penalty outcomes. 

The fund auditor is the ATO’s most important gatekeeper to ensure the integrity of the SMSF sector. We consider the purpose of an SMSF audit, the severity of different breach types and the responsibility of auditors to report.

Always a vital superannuation consideration, this module explains the tax rules that apply to SMSFs, including how income and capital gains are treated, which expenses can be claimed as a tax deduction and the tax effect of paying pensions.

Covers the definition of a superannuation contribution and typical SMSF transactions which constitute a contribution. Also covers how and when a contribution is made to an SMSF and the relevance of a member's total super balance.

This interesting and sometimes controversial subject is covered in a practical way. From contribution reserves to reserves of a more esoteric nature, we provide a practical assessment of their opportunities and pitfalls.

This module and the Death Benefits module are closely linked given that one is intrinsically linked to the other. Whilst super benefit payments are covered in general, the additional features available when sourced from SMSFs, including the rule of constructive receipt, are considered in particular.

The complexity of the super pension arrangements will be covered with particular emphasis on SMSF variations including establishment, ongoing administration and the calculation of exempt current pension income.

The complexities of super death benefits are considered in detail with particular emphasis on the additional considerations required of SMSFs.

SMSFs are a more powerful estate planning vehicle than a will or any other type of superannuation fund. They are also the most dangerous. We consider what can go right and what can go wrong and provide practical guidelines on how to maximise your client’s position.

Very few trustees or advisers actually read their deed. The presumption is that they are all much the same. The reality is that they may differ markedly so advisers should understand the strengths and limitations of their clients’ deeds and, in particular, any deed they recommend.

Covering everything from the most mundane to the most complex, proper SMSF administration is mandatory. No matter what SMSF options and features are available to the trustees, they may fail in their implementation unless the fund administration is of the quality required. We look at the material aspects of this quandary.

Winding up an SMSF takes time and planning. We cover the requirements and obligations and provide a step-by-step guide to ensure you do the job well.