One of the most significant changes to the Australian superannuation system in decades has now commenced. From 1 July 2026, Payday Super requires employers to ensure super contributions reach employee super funds within seven business days of each payday. For many businesses, this represents a major shift from a quarterly payment cycle to a more frequent, real-time obligation. While the…
The end of the financial year is fast approaching. For SMSF members and trustees, a few timely checks now can avoid headaches later and help preserve valuable tax and contribution opportunities. Below is a checklist of the things members and trustees should consider before 30 June. Contributions — timing matters When transferring amounts between different banks allow extra days for bank processing times. Contribution strategies…
Fundamental Changes for your business If you run a business, you already know the juggling act that comes with managing cash flow, paying staff and meeting superannuation guarantee and payroll compliance obligations. From 1 July 2026, there is a major change coming that will reshape how you handle superannuation contributions for your staff. The new rules are designed to close…
Following the recent release of the December 2025 quarter average weekly ordinary times earnings (AWOTE) the annual concessional contribution (CC) cap will increase from $30,000 to $32,500 from 1 July 2026. The annual non-concessional contribution (NCC) cap will also increase to $130,000. When considering contribution opportunities some individuals may have higher caps due to the carry forward CC rules or…
Self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) can offer significant flexibility, allowing the members to make investments and enter arrangements that may not be available through retail or industry superannuation funds. However, being an SMSF trustee does come with important responsibilities to ensure that all dealings comply with superannuation law. Two critical areas to keep front of mind are: The Sole Purpose…
When clients sell a long-held family home, they may be able to channel part of the proceeds into superannuation by using the downsizer contribution rules. Basic Eligibility Conditions To qualify, the seller must meet a number of conditions: The downsizer contribution can only be used once per individual and is limited to the lesser of the gross sale proceeds or…
Running, or deciding to set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) gives you control, but it also brings legal responsibilities. The Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SISA) contains detailed rules on trustee duties, investments, borrowing, payments and recordkeeping. Simply put, you cannot identify or avoid breaches you don’t know exist. For trustees, this should mean education is not optional but rather, is essential for risk management. Why understanding SISA matters The ATO’s Focus on Education — What Trustees…
If your super balance is comfortably below $3 million, you can probably relax — the proposed changes to the super rules shouldn’t adversely affect you (yet). But if your super is nudging that level, or if you’re clearly over, the Treasurer’s latest announcement could change how you think about super’s generous tax breaks. For some time now the Government has…
Superannuation is one of the largest assets for many Australians and offers significant tax advantages, however, strict rules apply to when it can be accessed. While super is most commonly accessed at retirement, death or disability, there are limited situations where earlier access may be possible. Early access is generally available in two situations: Compassionate grounds access requires an application…