Liam Shorte

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All posts tagged Investment Strategy

How you can Fund Children’s Education in your Will

Well this blog is not about Self Managed Super Funds but is about a matter close to the hearts of many of my clients. As a parent or grandparent, ensuring that children receive a good education is one of the most common concerns raised with us at Verante. Many people want to leave provision in their wills for such costs so here is one of our preferred strategies.

You can establish a dedicated education fund through a testamentary trust in your Will. This is a tax-effective and flexible way to provide for the education of your children or grandchildren. It can also help to ensure that the funds you want to be applied for their education are preserved and not misused by young beneficiaries or caught up in the complications caused by the rise of complicated blended families (his, hers and ours issues).

If you are a grandparent, leaving bequests via a testamentary trust for payment of education fees and related costs for your grandchildren is a more tax effective method of providing for their education rather than leaving additional bequests to their parents that may be caught up in marriage breakdowns, business bankruptcy or litigation.

What is a testamentary trust?

In general, a trust describes an ownership structure where the assets of the trust are held by a person or organisation (the trustee) for the benefit of other individuals or organisations (the beneficiaries).

A testamentary trust is a trust that is created within and by your Will. You need to arrange it as part of your Will making but it only comes in to effect on your death.

A testamentary trust may be created using specified assets, a designated portion of your estate or the entire remaining balance of your estate. Multiple trusts may be created by the one Will.

Normally the Trustee of this trust will be the executor of your estate, a surviving spouse or sibling of the deceased. You also have the option of appointing an Independent trustee company. Often this trustee will step down when the beneficiary reaches a target age or completes their education.

What is an education fund?

Assets inherited directly by your beneficiaries become part of their personal assets and are under their control. The future of these assets depends on the beneficiary’s ability to manage their own financial affairs, with no guarantee that the assets will be applied for any particular purpose, such as their education.

An education fund is a trust which focuses on funding the education of a particular beneficiary (the ‘primary beneficiary’). It gives you assurance that the income of the trust will be directed to the educational and other purposes you have specified in your Will.

You set the terms of the testamentary trust in your will. These terms can restrict the ability of any of the beneficiaries to control the activities and investments of the trust or give them complete control. You are in effect choosing to ‘rule from the grave’ to ensure that the inherited assets are protected and used sensibly for the benefit of the primary beneficiary

How does an education fund operate?

The typical features included in an education fund are:

The trust can be funded by your some or all of your assets and by payments in consequence of your death such as superannuation death benefits or insurance proceeds paid to your estate.
A proportion of your estate is held on trust until the primary beneficiary (child/children) achieves a particular level of education or satisfies other conditions established in your Will. Many of our clients choose age 25.
The trustee has the power to apply the income and capital of the trust for a variety of purposes specified in your Will for the benefit of the primary beneficiary, with the emphasis being on the educational needs of the primary beneficiary.
During the financial year, income and capital are distributed to the primary beneficiary to the extent required for the approved purposes. Any remaining income is either accumulated within the trust or distributed to other beneficiaries, as directed by the Will.
When the primary beneficiary has satisfied the conditions specified in the Will (such as attaining a particular level of education or age), they gain control of the remaining balance in the education fund and may either continue the trust or vest it (end it) at any time.
If the primary beneficiary fails to satisfy the conditions within a specified period, the trustee may determine that the remaining balance in the education fund be distributed to other beneficiaries named in the Will or held on trust for the education of those beneficiaries (or their descendants).

An education fund will normally be a mandatory trust imposed upon the beneficiary due to your desire that they continue their education to a specified level. The beneficiary will not normally be given the option of terminating the trust or eventually inheriting the trust without satisfying specified conditions.

Example

George and Helen have a combined estate worth $1,500,000. They have three young grandchildren whom they wish to make their beneficiaries as they had already helped their children to set themselves up as financially secure.

George and Helen are concerned that, in the event of their deaths, their grandchildren will not be sufficiently mature to use their inheritance responsibly. They wish to establish an education fund to ensure that the grandchildren are encouraged to further their education, but are also adequately provided for during their developing years.

As a result, George and Helen’s Wills provide that 50 per cent of the inheritance received by a child ($250,000 each) will be held in testamentary trust funds on the following terms:

Until the beneficiary turns 25, their access to the income and capital of the trust is limited to specified purposes, such as:
- education expenses, including HECS liabilities
- hospital and medical expenses
- rent or accommodation charges
- electricity, gas and other utility payments
- maintenance and income support at the discretion of the trustee.

If a specified level of tertiary education has been completed by the age of 25, the beneficiary will be given full control of the trust at the time of attaining that educational level, with the ability to either continue the trust for tax planning purposes (as a tax-effective vehicle for supporting the education of their own children) or terminate it.
If the beneficiary does not attain the required level of education by the age of 25, the remaining balance of the education fund will be distributed amongst charities specified in the Wills.

The education funds will ensure that each child is adequately supported, but also given an incentive to further their education. If all children were from the one family you could use just one Trust.

Additional issues to discuss with your legal expert

Common areas which require further thought are:-

Whether to have one or several Trusts established under the Will
The selection of the appropriate trustee or trustees
The method of appointing replacement trustees
Whether some classes of beneficiaries are restricted to income and some to capital

Back-up Strategy

There is a second chance for your family to establish a testamentary trust after you die but this second chance must be taken advantage of within three years of your death. This enables a trust to be established from your assets and for the income to enjoy the same tax advantages as income derived through a testamentary trust. However, the assets used to establish the trust cannot exceed the amount which the beneficiary would have received under the law, if you died without a Will.

I hope this guidance has been helpful and please take the time to comment. Feedback always appreciated. Please reblog, retweet, like on Facebook etc to make sure we get the news out there. As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options or get a referral do a recommended Estate Planning solicitor. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype. Just click the Schedule Now button up on the left to find the appointment options.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

This information has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. This website provides an overview or summary only and it should not be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter or relied upon as such.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on July 11, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Education costs, Estate Planning

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on July 11, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/07/11/how-you-can-fund-childrens-education-in-your-will/

The Ultimate SMSF End of Financial Year Checklist 2016

OK so here we are with only a few weeks left to the end of the financial year to get our SMSF in order and ensure we are making the most of the strategies available to us. Here is a check-list of the most important issues that you should address with your advisers before the year-end. But before we start, one warning:

Be careful not to allow your accountant, administrator or financial planner to reset any pension that has been grandfathered under the new pension deeming rules that came in on Jan 1st 2015 without getting advice on the current and possible future consequences at the current and higher deeming rates.

1. It’s all about timing!

If you are making a contribution the funds must hit the Superfund’s bank account by the close of business on the 30th June. . Careful of making contributions through Clearing houses as they often hold on to funds before presenting them to the individual’s superannuation fund for 7-30 days and it’s when the fund receives the payment that the contribution is counted except if paid via the government’s SMall Business Clearing house. Pension payments must leave the account by the close of business unless paid by cheque in which case the cheques must be presented within a few days of the EOFY and there must have been sufficient funds in the bank account to support the payment of the cheques on June 30th

2. Review Your Concessional Contributions – 30K under 49 and $35K if you were 49-64 this year and then work test applies for 65+.

Maximise contributions up to concessional contribution cap but do not exceed your Concession Limit. The sting has been taken out of Excess contributions tax but you don’t need additional paperwork to sort out the problem. So check employer contributions on normal pay and bonuses, salary sacrifice and premiums for insurance in super as they may all be included in the limit.

3. Review your Non-Concessional Contributions

Have you considered making non-concessional contributions to move investments in to super and out of your personal, company or trust name. Maybe you have proceeds from and inheritance or sale of a property sitting in cash. As shares and cash have increased in value you may find that personal tax provisions are increasing and moving some assets to super may help control your tax bill. Are you nearing 65? then consider your contribution timing strategy to take advantage of the “bring forward” provisions before turning age 65 to contribute up to the $500,000 lifetime limit based on contributions since 1 July 2007.

4. Co-Contribution

Check your eligibility for the co-contribution and if you are eligible take advantage. Note that the rules have changed and it is not as attractive as previously but it is free money – grab it if you are eligible.

To calculate the super co-contribution you could be eligible to receive based on your income and personal super contributions, use the Super co-contribution calculator.

5. Spouse Contribution

If your spouse has assessable income plus reportable fringe benefits totaling less than $13,800 then consider making a spouse contribution. Check out the ATO guidance here

6. Over 65? Do you meet the work test? (The 40 hours in any 30 days rule)

You should review your ability to make contributions as if you if you have reached age 65 you must pass the work test of 40 hours in any 30 day period during the financial year, in order to continue to make contributions to super. Check out ATO superannuation contribution guidance

7. Check any payments you may have made on behalf of the fund.
It is important that you check for amounts that may form a superannuation contribution in accordance with TR 2010/1 (ask your advisor), such as expenses paid for on behalf of the fund, debt forgiveness or in-specie contributions, insurance premiums for cover via super paid from outside the fund.

8. Notice of intent to claim a deduction for contributions
If you are planning on claiming a tax deduction for personal concessional contributions you must have a valid ‘notice of intent to claim or vary a deduction’ (NAT 71121). If you intend to start a pension this notice must be made before you commence the pension. Many like to start pension in June and avoid having to take a minimum pension but make sure you have claimed your tax deduction first.

9. Contributions Splitting
Consider splitting contributions with your spouse, especially if:
• your family has one main income earner with a substantially higher balance or
• if there is a n age difference where you can get funds into pension phase earlier or
• If you can improve your eligibility for concession cards or pension by retaining funds in superannuation in younger spouse’s name.
This is a simple no-cost strategy I recommend everyone look at especially with the Government moving on limiting the tax free balance on accounts. See my blog about this strategy here.

10. Off Market Share Transfers (selling shares from your own name to your fund)
If you want to move any personal shareholdings into super you should act early. The contract is valid once the broker receives a fully valid transfer form not before.

11. Pension Payments
If you are in pension phase, ensure the minimum pension has been taken. For transition to retirement pensions, ensure you have not taken more than 10% of your opening account balance this financial year.

The following table shows the minimum percentage factor (indicative only) for each age group.
Age Minimum % withdrawal (in all other cases)
Under 65 4%
65-74 5%
75-79 6%
80-84 7%
85-89 9%
90-94 11%
95 or more 14%

Sacrificial Lamb

Think about having a sacrificial lamb, a second lower value pension that can sacrificed if minimum not taken. In this way if you pay only a small amount less than the minimum you only have to lose the smaller pensions concession rather than the concession on your full balance. When combined with the ATO relief discussed in the following article “What-happens-if-i-don’t-take-the-minimum-pension” you will have a buffer for mistakes.

Before reading the following:Be careful not to reset a pension that has been grandfathered under the new deeming of pension rules that came in on Jan 1st 2015 without getting advice.

12. Reversionary Pension is often the preferred option to pass funds to a spouse or dependent child.
You should review your pension documentation and check if you have nominated a reversionary pension. If not, consider your family situation and options to have a reversionary pension. This is especially important with blended families and children from previous marriages that may contest your current spouse’s rights to your assets. Also consider reversionary pensions for dependent disabled children. the reversionary pension may become more important with the application of the proposed budget measure on $1.6m Transfer limit to pension phase. If funds already in pension and reverting to another person then not necessarily subject to the ca p for the reversionary pensioner but ATO will have to clarify this later.

13. Review Capital Gains Tax Position of each investment
Review any capital gains made during the year and over the term you have held the asset and consider disposing of investments with unrealised losses to offset the gains made. If in pension phase then consider triggering some capital gains regularly to avoid building up an unrealised gain that may be at risk to government changes in legislation like those proposed this year. Remember if you plan to sell an asset for the next 2 years the Temporary Budget Repair Levy may mean 2% extra tax

14. Review and Update the Investment Strategy not forgetting to include Insurance of Members

Review your investment strategy and ensure all investments have been made in accordance with it, and the SMSF trust deed. Also, make sure your investment strategy has been updated to include consideration of insurances for members. See my article of this subject here. Don’t know what to do…..call us.

15. Collate and Document records of all asset movements and decisions

Ensure all the funds activities have been appropriately documented with minutes, and that all copies of all statements and schedules are on file for your accountant/administrator and auditor.

16. Double Dipping! June Contributions Deductible this year but can be allocated across 2 years.

For those who may have a large taxable income this year (large bonus or property sale) and are expecting a lower taxable next year you should consider a contribution allocation strategy to maximise deductions for the current financial year. This strategy is also known as a “Contributions Reserving” strategy but the ATO are not fans of Reserves so best to avoid that wording! Just call is an Allocated Contributions Holding Account.

17. Market Valuations – Now required annually

Regulations now require assets to be valued at market value each year, ensure that you have re-valued assets such as property and collectibles. Here is my article on valuations of SMSF investments in Private Trusts and Private Companies. For more information refer to ATO’s publication Valuation guidelines for SMSFs.

18. In-House Assets

If your fund has any investments in in-house assets you must make sure that at all times the market value of these investments is less than 5% of the value of the fund. Do not take this rule lightly as the new SMSF penalty powers will make it easier for the ATO to apply administrative penalties (fines) for smaller misdemeanors ranging from $820 to $10,200 per breach.

19. TPD Insurance (Total Permanent Disability – basically “never work again” insurance)

Have you reviewed your insurances inside and outside of super? Check your TPD policies owned by the fund for own occupation definition as the rules about deductibility for these policies have changed. Here is a link to a good guide about this subject from Money Management

20. Do you need to update to a Corporate Trustee

We recommend a corporate trustee to all clients. To understand why please read this article on Why SMSFs should have a Corporate Trustee

21. Check the ownership details of all SMSF Investments

Make sure the assets of the fund are held in the name of the trustees on behalf of the fund and that means all of them. Check carefully any online accounts you may have set up without checking the exact ownership details. You have to ensure all SMSF assets are kept separate from your other assets.

22. Review Estate Planning and Loss of Mental Capacity Strategies.

Review any Binding Death Benefit Nominations (BDBN) to ensure they are valid (check the wording matches that required by the Trust Deed) and still in accordance with your wishes. Also ensure you have appropriate Enduring Power of Attorney’s (EPOA) in place allow someone to step in to your place as Trustee in the event of illness, mental incapacity or death. Do you know what your Deed says on the subject? Did you know you cannot leave money to Step-Children via a BDBN if their birth-parent has pre-deceased you?

23. Review any SMSF Loans

Have you provided special terms (low or no interest rates , capitalisation of interest etc.) on a related party loan? Then you need to review your loan agreement and get advice to see if you need to amend your loan. Have you made all the payments on your internal or third-party loans, have you looked at options on prepaying interest or fixing the rates while low. Have you made sure all payments in regards to Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBA) for the year were made through the SMSF Trustee? If you bought a property using borrowing, has the Holding Trust been stamped by your state’s Office of State Revenue. Please review my blog on the ATO’s Safe Harbour rules for Related Party Loans here

24. Valuations for EVERYTHING

Not just for property, any unlisted investment needs to have a market valuation for 30 June. If you need assistance on how to value unlisted or unusual assets, including what evidence you’re going to need to keep the SMSF auditors happy, then contact us.

25. Collectibles

Play by the new rules that come into place on the 1st of July 2016 or get them out of your SMSF. More on these rules and what you must do in a good blog from SuperFund Partners here.

26. SuperStream obligations must be met

For super funds that receive employer contributions it’s important to take note that since 2014 the ATO has been gradually introducing SuperStream, a system whereby super contributions are received and made electronically.

If SuperStream compliancy does not already apply to you and you’re not aware of the SuperStream compliancy guidelines, you have until June 30 to familiarise yourself with the obligations. The ATO has given employers with 19 or fewer employees until October 28th, 2016, to become SuperStream compliant.

All funds must be able to receive contributions electronically and will need to obtain an Electronic Service Address (ESA) to receive contribution information. If you are not sure if your fund has an ESA, contact your fund’s administrator, accountant or your bank for assistance.

Many employers are in the process of registering for SuperStream and may ask SMSF members for their ESA, ABN and bank account details. Some employers may also ask for your Unique Superfund Identifier (USI) – for SMSFs this is the ABN of the fund.

Don’t leave it until June, review your Self Managed Super Fund now and seek advice if in doubt about any matter.

Are you looking for an advisor that will keep you up to date and provide guidance and tips like in this blog? then why now contact me at our Castle Hill or Windsor office in Northwest Sydney to arrange a one on one consultation. Just click the Schedule Now button up on the left to find the appointment options.

Happy EOFYS!

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

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by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on June 30, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Checklists, Contribution Strategies, SMSF, Tax Planning

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on June 30, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/06/30/the-ultimate-smsf-end-of-financial-year-checklist-2016/

How does UK vote to leave EU affect SMSF Investors

BREXIT is a reality!

OK, It has happened. I always worried that British pride and fear of immigration would lead to this outcome. So where to from here? What does it mean for SMSF Investors?

The situation is unprecedented and there is no verified or tested procedure for EU exit. This means there is uncertainty as to what happens next. You can expect that:

Article 50 of the EU constitution – the law governing the process of the UK’s divorce from the EU – will be triggered
This will kick-start the formal two-year process determining the terms of the UK’s EU exit, including the shape of its future access to the EU Single Market
There will be significant pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron to resign (Update: that has happened) and for Scotland to review its position within the UK

In the short run, Self Managed Superannuation Fund investors can expect:

Shock to investor confidence and increased asset price volatility primarily in the EU but also with Aussie companies who have exposure to that region especially the UK (BTT, CYBG, Henderson, HVN, IRESS)
This vote combined with global economic conditions, high asset valuations, our election next month and the progress towards the U.S. election in November will all likely contribute to volatility through the second half of the year.
Further strength in the Aussie Dollar short-term and declines in the pound (time to pay in advance for the UK trip of a lifetime!)
Downward pressure on equities, especially financial sector stocks and companies with overseas earnings. Time to buy the world at a discount. If not confident then look to great proven managers like Magellan and Platinum to pick the opportunities and ETFs from Vanguard, Ishares, State Street and Betashares for core or sector specific exposure.
Flight to safety will see USD and GOLD seen as safe havens. We can point you to the right people if interested in Bullion
Upward pressure on corporate bond yields owing to increased uncertainty and the worsening short term growth outlook – as with equities, the financial sector is most
exposed. Look to proven managers in this fixed interest and credit space like Vimal Gor at BT Investment Management to guide you.
Modest declines in-house prices are possible, as our banks may find it harder to raise overseas debt and therefore pass on increased costs to borrowers and hence curtail new purchases.

The leave vote will create short-term volatility and hurt growth prospects as markets deal with increased uncertainty. Inevitably however, the increased volatility should open up potential opportunities to benefit tactically through buying of those companies and assets that show solid traits of being well capitalised and with good management that should be able to best withstand the uncertainty. In a nutshell you will get a one-off opportunity to buy quality assets as a discount but you must search for quality among the chaff.

From time to time, as with the Greek debt Crisis, equity markets experience heightened, event-related volatility. A good adviser will ensure that you focus on your long-term goals and understand:

Volatility is a normal part of long-term investing and equity returns premium revolve around getting higher than cash returns for accepting that volatility.
Avoid being swayed by media hype and overly negative sentiment.
SMSF trustees and other long-term investors are usually rewarded for taking additional equity risk when there is “blood on the streets”
Market corrections can create attractive opportunities to buy quality assets at a discount. Afraid to pick sectors then use a multi-manager like Russell Investments to spread the risk
Some active investment can help navigation in periods of increased volatility. That is why we at Verante believe in passive/active blended portfolio design

So what to do?

Make sure you have some cash ready for purchases
Review your portfolio for any stocks or assets over exposed to Europe and seek research or comment on them
Wait for some sign of the market bottoming and take small and targeted purchases in discounted sectors without getting carried away.
Research , research and more research or outsource / work with SMSF specialist advisors like us who have made the contacts and done the leg work in portfolio design.

Finally a table that sums up the fact that those who have to live with this decision were against it.

I hope this guidance has been helpful and please take the time to comment. Feedback always appreciated. Please reblog, retweet, like on Facebook etc to make sure we get the news out there. As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype. Just click the Schedule Now button up on the left to find the appointment options.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

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by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on June 24, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Asset Allocation, International Investing, Investment Strategies

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on June 24, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/06/24/how-does-uk-vote-to-leave-eu-affect-smsf-investors/

My Call – Guvera IPO is not suitable for my SMSF clients – Yours?

A new Guvera – Next Big thing?

As an SMSF Specialist and Financial Planner I do not pretend to my clients that I am an investment guru or that I can tell what will be the next big thing!. I believe my job is to guide them in portfolio construction and advise on diversification while bringing up opportunities to their attention that they may not have considered. This includes some IPO’s and in the last few years I have supported HPI, MPL, QVE, BWP, PIC and avoided some I just couldn’t see long-term value in like MYR, Dick Smith (DSH), McGrath (MEA). I never call them all right but I do limit what clients invest in each to what they can afford to lose.

I did not make these decisions for my clients on my own. I relied heavily for support on services such as our own in-house research team at Magnitude and eQR equities research, third-party research services like Morningstar, Intelligent Investor and discussions with peers and those I believe are thought leaders in the SMSF and Investment space. See the Twitter list here

So when I saw the Guvera IPO come up and having followed them from about 2 years ago when I signed up to their beta service it tweaked my interest. But once I had done my own research and read what others had provided I decided this was a no go area for any SMSF client looking to build wealth for retirement as superannuation is intended.

The figures spoke for themselves. $1.2 million in revenue on a $81.1 million loss and a failed attempt to raise money from size-able seed investors. Believe me there are many sources of venture and angel capital funds out there for good start-up ventures with potential so when an idea has good prospects it will receive support and at such an early stage in its life it should not be seeking a listing on the ASX as it has not proved itself.

I struggle to see how a responsible advisor could recommend a IPO like Guvera’s to many SMSF investors let alone 3000 of them. It appears that the main fund-raiser for this IPO is promoting it via related Accounting firms and rumours of SMSFs being set up just to invest in this IPO as their only current asset. I also question if Accountants and Advisers who have become promoters of this IPO are receiving options or referral fees and assume that they are fully disclosing these to clients who must trust them for guidance. I question whether post July 2016 when Accountants’s will be legally obliged to provide Statements of Advice under a Best Interest’s duty and fully outlining the terms and risks on a personal basis for a client or their SMSF if such an investment could be as targeted to SMSFs.

Its not just me, the Australian Shareholders Association raise concerns about Guvera on Ross Greenwood’s show on 2GB. Listen here for the podcast. http://www.2gb.com/audioplayer/182331

This type of venture is a very, very highly speculative investment suitable for no more than 1-5% of the most aggressive of investors portfolios so I do not believe it should be promoted by private equity through accounting firms or financial planning firms to their SMSF clients. I will call it now as possibly the next Trio or WestPoint.

So that’s my call and guidance I have given to my clients. What are your thoughts? Am I becoming an old fuddy-duddy with no eye to the potential future of this firm?

I hope this guidance has been helpful and please take the time to comment. Feedback always appreciated. Please reblog, retweet, like on Facebook etc to make sure we get the news out there. As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype. Just click the Schedule Now button up on the left to find the appointment options.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

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by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on June 9, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Investment Strategies, News & Stats

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on June 9, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/06/09/my-call-guvera-ipo-is-not-suitable-for-my-smsf-clients-yours/

Why cats don’t need to consider life insurance, but you do…

Ok so as SMSF trustees you are obliged to consider insurance for members but you might think you don’t need it or that you can manage risks. Here is a light-hearted look at some reasons why you might need to reconsider that decision.

Cats have 9 lives. You don’t. Enough said.

Cats get a free ride. You pay the rent/mortgage. Living in an lane way or the bush might work for a feral feline, but for your family, not so much. Your rent or mortgage still needs to be paid regardless of illness, injury or death.

Cats can hunt. You can barely handle the line at the Woolies.
Stalking prey for dinner is not an option. Your family needs cash to put food on the table.

Kittens move out at 8 weeks. Your kids may still be at home when they’re 25..30..and back again at 45 with a few kids in tow!

Your kids may leave for uni at 18, but they could be freeloading off your parental generosity well past their studying years…focusing on becoming an “entrepreneur”, an “artist” or just “finding themselves”.

Cats always land on their feet. You need a safety net. Life on the edge might be thrilling for you, but a nightmare for your family.

Cover your life and your income. Protect your family’s most important asset—you and your earning capacity (unless, of course, you’re a cat).

I hope this guidance has been helpful and please take the time to comment. Feedback always appreciated. Please reblog, retweet, like on Facebook etc to make sure we get the news out there. As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype. Just click the Schedule Now button up on the left to find the appointment options.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

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by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 14, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Income Protection, Insurance Strategies, Life Insurance, Salary Continuance, Trustee

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 14, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/05/14/why-cats-dont-need-to-consider-life-insurance-but-you-do/

How does the Budget 2016 affect contributions to an SMSF

I am breaking the Budget down in to bite size chunks with strategies to consider going forward for SMSF Trustees. The first part which dealt with pension strategies is available here . This second part deals with changes to contribution options, methods and caps.

Before I go into detail here is a summary of the changes that are relevant to SMSF members (No coverage of Defined Benefit Schemes in this article):

Concessional (Pre-Tax Contributions like employer superannuation guarantee (SGC), salary sacrifice and those contributions where you claim a tax deduction).

Reduction in the concessional contribution cap to $25,000 regardless of age
Carried forward concessional cap for account balances below $500,000 from 1 July 2018
All individuals under 65 will be eligible to claim a tax deduction for personal contributions (bye bye 10% rule). work test applies ot over those 65
Reduction in income threshold to $250,000 where additional super contribution tax applies
Reduction in contribution tax for people earning less than $37,000
Extension of low-income spouse contribution tax offset

Non-Concessional (Post Tax Contribution like personal after tax contributions and Government co-contributions).

Reduction in Non-concessional contribution cap limit to $100 per annum
Reduction of existing annual non-concessional bring forward provisions

Now the detail:

Reduction in the concessional contribution cap to $25,000 regardless of age

The concessional contribution cap will be reduced from the current level of $30,000 to $25,000 from 1 July 2017, irrespective of the age of the individual. The higher cap of $35,000 that currently applies to individuals over age 50 will be abolished. The reduced cap will continue to be indexed in future years in line with wages growth.

Carried Forward or Catch-up concessional contributions
From 1 July 2018 individuals will be able to make additional concessional contributions where they have not reached their concessional contributions cap in previous years. Access to these unused cap amounts will be limited to those individuals with a superannuation balance less than $500,000. Unused amounts accrued from 1 July 2018 will be able to be carried forward on a rolling basis for a period of five consecutive years.

This measure allows some additional flexibility in the timing of your contributions like making $125,000 for a tax deduction on the sale of a property or share portfolio if you did not make contributions in the previous 4 years. Your ability to save may vary throughout your career and this measure will assist to some extent, but falls well short of my preferred option for a lifetime cap on concessional contributions. The restriction based on size of account balance will add complication to the administration of this measure when multiple funds are involved.

All individuals under 65 will be eligible to claim a tax deduction for personal contributions

From 1 July 2017, all superannuation fund members up to age 65 will be able to claim an income tax deduction for personal superannuation contributions up to the concessional contribution cap ($25,000), regardless of their employment circumstances. This is good news for people who are partially self-employed and partially wage and salary earners, and individuals whose employers do not offer salary sacrifice arrangements, as they will benefit from this proposal. Personal contributions for which a tax deduction is claimed will count towards the concessional, rather than the non-concessional cap.

While I accept the government’s intention is to increase flexibility for more people to access the concessional contribution cap if they are able to do so, the mechanism requiring individuals to notify their fund of their intention to claim a tax deduction for their personal contributions will add considerable complexity to fund administration. the “she’ll be right” and “I’ll do it later factor” will lead to many missing opportunities.

Over 65’s will still need to meet the work test.

Reduction in income threshold to $250,000 where additional super contribution tax applies

From 1 July 2017, individuals with “relevant income” greater than $250,000 will pay an additional 15 per cent tax on their concessional contributions, down from $300,000. The additional tax, referred to as “Division 293 tax” after the section of the tax legislation which governs the tax, will be payable where the individual’s taxable income (including reportable fringe benefits and certain other amounts) plus concessional contributions (excluding those that exceed the concessional contributions cap) is greater than the $250,000 threshold.

Superannuation still remains attractive despite this change, the 30% tax applied to concessional contributions is still less than the marginal tax rate on earnings so contributing to super remains attractive. But with the lower $25,000 concessional contribution there will be limited scope for you to make optional concessional contributions. For example, if you earn $250,000 and your employer pays the 9.5% SG on your full salary this is an annual employer contribution of $23,750 which has almost fully utilised the new lower cap. If you are on a higher income with disposable income you may look for alternatives outside superannuation or top up your partner/spouse’s superannuation (and potentially receive a tax offset if they earn less than $37,000).

After earlier reports that the threshold would be reduced to $180,000, the proposed threshold of $250,000 means the tax will apply to only around 1 per cent of superannuation fund members. Retention of the existing mechanism which minimises the administrative costs to superannuation funds associated with this tax is welcome.

Reduction in tax for people earning less than $37,000

From 1 July 2017, the Government will introduce a Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) to reduce the tax on superannuation contributions for low-income earners. The measure will apply to individuals with taxable income less than $37,000, and will effectively refund the tax on concessional contributions up to an annual cap of $500. This measure will replace the Low Income Superannuation Contribution (LISC) which was scheduled to be abolished from 1 July 2017, however, the mechanism will be slightly different. Rather than the government making a direct
contribution to the individual’s superannuation account, the offset will apply to the contribution tax deducted by the superannuation fund. The Australian Taxation Office will determine an individual’s eligibility for the LISTO and advise their superannuation fund annually. The fund will then contribute the LISTO to the individual’s account. The government will consult on the implementation of this scheme.

Extension of low-income spouse contribution tax offset
The government will increase access to the low-income spouse superannuation tax offset by raising the income threshold for the low-income spouse from $10,800 to $37,000 and phasing out up to $40,000. This arrangement provides a tax offset of 18 per cent of contributions made by the contributing spouse, up to a maximum offset of $540 per annum.

Non-concessional contribution cap limit of $100,000 or phasing down towards $300,000 using the bring forward provisions

For 2016-17 the single year capped contribution amount is $180,000 and then from 1 July 2017 it reduces to $100,000. So this year you can still use the bring forward rule to contribute the full $540,000 before June 30th 2017 and that has been confirmed by treasury. However if you do not have enough to meet that full contribution limit you can still trigger your cap by contributing at least $180,001 before the end of the year. Note that you may also have already triggered that rule in one of the 2 previous financials years and be wondering how much of the cap you have remaining. Well this table will clarify that for you.

bring-forward-caps

In summary the Limit to Bring Forward Contributions based on year triggered are:

bring-forward-caps-summary

See a full explanation in this article : So How Much Can I Contribute to my SMSF Using the Bring Forward Rule

The cap now also limits the ability to use the cash-out and recontribution strategy for members who have triggered a condition of release. We normally used this between age 60 -65 to reduce the taxable component of your account balance. Before considering this strategy you should check the available lifetime cap with your administrator / advisor including all retail / industry funds you have been a member of at any time. Many SMSF members took annual pensions and simply recontributed the payments as NCC every year. DO NOT DO THIS! check your cap first PLEASE!

Phew! that was a lot!

I hope this guidance has been helpful and please take the time to comment. Feedback always appreciated. Please reblog, retweet, like on Facebook etc to make sure we get the news out there. As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype. Just click the Schedule Now button up on the left to find the appointment options.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

2 Comments

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 5, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Contribution Strategies, Contributions, Salary Sacrifice, Superannuation Splitting, Tax Planning

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 5, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/05/05/how-does-the-budget-2016-affect-contributions-to-an-smsf/

How does the Budget 2016 affect those with SMSF pension / Income streams

Budget 2016 Analysis

I am breaking the Budget down in to bite size chunks with strategies to consider going forward for SMSF Trustees. Let’s start with Pensions.

The government is removing the tax exemption for earnings on assets supporting ‘transition to retirement’ pension / income streams but has allowed the pension payments and withdrawals from superannuation by people over age 60 to remain tax-free. No special rules for Self Managed Superannuation funds so these rules apply to all.

Taxing Transition to Retirement Pension earnings

From 1 July 2017 in the TTR pension phase of superannuation the tax-exemption on earnings will no longer apply to transition to retirement (TTR) pensions from.

Most TTRs were started as a tax planning strategy using salary sacrifice and the exempt status of pension income. From 1 July 2017 tax will be applied to the earnings derived in a TTR pension.

In addition, you cannot elect for payments to be taxed as lump sums rather than as pension payments to gain a better tax outcome. We used this for people aged 55-60 and fully retired up until now

Strategy implications for current TTR clients:

SMSFs with existing TTRs for members may wish to maintain them until the changes take effect (and legislation is passed). At that point they should consider one of the following options:

Do a commutation of the pension and roll back to the accumulation phase of superannuation
Convert to a full account-based pension if a condition of release has been met
Continue the Transition to Retirement pension if it suits your circumstances.

Seek advice before making any rash decisions.

From 1 July 2017, 15% tax will be applied to the earnings derived in a TTR pension and combined with the lower concessional contribution caps these strategies are likely to be less effective and less popular but still offer some opportunities for clients so we will review the appropriateness on an individual basis before 1 July 2017

Pension transfer cap of $1.6 million

From 1 July 2017, the maximum amount of superannuation that a person can transfer into pension phase is limited to $1.6 million.

Clients who are already in pension phase before 1 July 2017 will be required to transfer any balance above $1.6 million back into accumulation phase. Clients who are starting pensions from 1 July 2017 cannot roll more than $1.6 million into the pension phase (in total), but the balance rolled over can grow over $1.6 million due to earnings without penalty. some CGT relief will be available on investments moving back to accumulation phase but I will deal with that in a later blog.

The capital value of any Defined Benefit Income Streams will be counted towards the $1.6m limit using a multiple of 16 times the annual income stream.

The ATO has promised a portal or access to a central place where people can check their balances across SMSF, retail, DB and industry funds will be available soon.

Amounts transferred in excess of $1.6 million to retirement will be taxed in a similar way to excess non-concessional contributions. That means both the excess amount and earnings on that excess amount in retirement phase will be taxed. So please do not ignore this limit which applies from 01 July 2017.

Strategy implications for current SMSF pension clients:

This measure limits the tax-free benefits generated from pension phase but do not limit the amount that can be saved in accumulation phase which is only taxed at a maximum of 15%. However the overall amount you can get in to Superannuation is limited by changes to contribution caps.

Those clients who have pension balances in excess of $1.6 million can choose to:

leave savings in the accumulation phase of superannuation where tax on earnings is applied at 15% or
withdraw to invest outside superannuation or
withdraw and recontribute to a spouse / partner with a lower superannuation balance who has not used up their caps.

The $1.6 million cap will be indexed in $100,000 increments in line with the consumer price index. Where a member has previously used up a proportion of their retirement balance limit, they will be able to us the remaining proportion of the indexed cap.

Investment Strategies

We will look at each available strategies to consider the tax implications and comparisons of investment options inside or outside superannuation.

For many the option to withdraw some funds when fully retired and seek other tax effective arrangements including using the Low Income Tax Offset and Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset to minimise tax on earnings outside of super

For the funds kept in Superannuation we will look at ways to maximise returns from investments within the caps by looking at segregating assets supporting the pension and focusing those on high yield, high return assets that can grow the tax exempt pension balance through earnings above the minimum withdrawal rates. That means we will focus on cash, fixed interest and term deposits in the still concessionally taxed accumulation balance, taxed at a maximum 15%.

Other issues

We have been strong advocates of evening up balances in superannuation between partners and this strategy implemented over the last 10 years will benefit many clients.

The Government has also confirmed that they will remove tax barriers to the development of new retirement income products by extending the tax exemption on earnings in the retirement phase to products such as deferred start lifetime annuities and group self-annuitisation products (Yeah , I am not sure what they are either).

These products can provide more flexibility and choice for Australian retirees, and help them to better manage consumption and risk in retirement.

This change was recommended by the Retirement Income Streams Review. The Government has released the Review and agreed all its recommendations. The announcement also states that they will consult on how the new retirement income products will be treated under the Age Pension means test.

I hope this guidance has been helpful and please take the time to comment. Feedback always appreciated. Please reblog, retweet, like on Facebook etc to make sure we get the news out there. As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype. Just click the Schedule Now button up on the left to find the appointment options.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

2 Comments

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 4, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in News & Stats, Pension Strategies, Pensions, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning

Tagged Account Based Pension, Baulkham Hills, budget, Castle Hill, DIY Super, Dural, Hawkesbury, income planning, Investment, Investment Strategy, pension phase, Pensions, Self Managed Superannuation Fund, SMSF, Tax Free Pensions, Tax Planning, Transition, Transition to Retirement

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 4, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/05/04/how-does-the-budget-2016-affect-those-with-smsf-pension-income-streams/

#SMSF Alert : ATO guidance on related party SMSF loans (LRBAs) – Update 2025-26

Rate for 2025-26 Related Property LRBA is 8.95% and Listed Shares 10.95%

Old Rate for 2024-25 Related Property LRBA was 9.35% and Listed Shares 11.35%

The ATO have issued long-awaited guidelines providing SMSF trustees with suggested ‘Safe Harbour’ loan terms on which trustees may use to structure a related party Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) consistent with dealing at arm’s length with that related party.

By implementing these “Safe Harbour” loan terms, SMSF trustees are assured by the ATO Commissioner that

..for income tax purposes, the Commissioner accepts that an LRBA structured in accordance with this Guideline is consistent with an arm’s length dealing and that the NALI provisions do not apply purely because of the terms of the borrowing arrangement.

It is absolutely essential that all non-bank SMSF borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) be reviewed prior now extended to 1 Jan 2017

Where has this come from?

The ATO first released and then re-issued ATO Interpretative Decisions in 2015 (ATO ID 2015/27 and ATO ID 2015/28), dealing with Non-Arm’s Length Income(NALI) derived from listed shares and real property purchased by an SMSF under an LRBA involving a related party lender – where the terms of the loan were not deemed to be on commercial terms.

These ATOIDs state that the use of a non-arm’s length LRBA gives rise to NALI in the SMSF. Broadly, the rationale for this view is that the income derived from an investment that was purchased using a related party LRBA, where the terms of the loan are more favorable to the SMSF, is more than the income the fund would have derived if it had otherwise being dealing on an arm’s length basis.

NALI is taxed at the top marginal tax rate, currently 47% – regardless of whether the income is derived while the fund is in accumulation phase where tax is normally 15% or in pension phase when the income would usually be tax exempt.

After that bombshell, the ATO announced that it would not take proactive compliance action from a NALI perspective against an SMSF trustee where an existing non-commercial related party LRBA was already in place, as long as such an LRBA was brought onto commercial terms or wound up by 30 June 2016.

The Nitty Gritty Details of the Safe Harbour Steps

The ATO has issued Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2016/5. As a result, provided an SMSF trustee follows these guidelines in good faith, they can be assured that (for income tax compliance purposes) their arrangement will be taken to be consistent with an arm’s length dealing.

The ‘Safe Harbour’ provisions are for any non-bank LRBA entered into before 30 June 2016, and also those that will be entered into after 30 June 2016.

Broadly, this PCG outlines two ‘Safe Harbours’. These Safe Harbours provide the terms on which SMSF trustees may structure their LRBAs. An LRBA structured in accordance with the relevant Safe Harbour will be deemed to be consistent with an arm’s length dealing and the NALI provisions will not apply due merely to of the terms of the borrowing arrangement.

The terms of the borrowing under the LRBA must be established and maintained throughout the duration of the LRBA in accordance with the guidelines provided.

	Safe Harbour 1	Safe Harbour 2
Asset Type	Investment in Real Property	Investment in a collection of Listed Shares or Units
Interest RateNote: as of 10 Jan 2019: The RBA no longer round the rates to the nearest 5 basis points.	RBA Indicator Lending Rates for banks providing standard variable housing loans for investors. Use the May rate immediately preceding the tax year. (2015/16 year = 5.75%)(2016-17 year = 5.65%)(2017-18 year = 5.8%)(2018-19 year = 5.8%)(2019-2020 year = 5.94%)(2020-2021 year = 5.1%) (2021-2022 year = 5.1%)(2022-2023 year = 5.35%)2024 FY = 8.85% (2024-25 year = 9.35%) (2025-26 year 8.95%)	Same as Real Property + a margin of 2%
Fixed / Variable	Interest rate may be fixed or variable.	Interest rate may be fixed or variable.
Term of Loan	Variable interest rate loans:Original loan – 15 year maximum loan term (both residential and commercial).Re-financing – maximum loan term is 15 years less the duration(s) of any previous loan(s) in respect of the asset (for both residential and commercial).Fixed interest rate loan: Rate may be fixed for a maximum period of 5 years and must convert to a variable interest rate loan at the end of the nominated period. The total loan term cannot exceed 15 years. For an LRBA in existence on publication of these guidelines, the trustees may adopt the rate of 5.75% as their fixed rate provided that the total period for which the interest rate is fixed does not exceed 5 years. The interest rate must convert to a variable interest rate loan at the end of the nominated period. The total loan term cannot exceed 15 years.	Variable interest rate loans:Original loan – 7 year maximum loan term.Re-financing – maximum loan term is 7 years less the duration(s) of any previous loan(s) in respect of the collection of assets.Fixed interest rate loan: Rate may be fixed up to for a maximum period of 3 years and must convert to a variable interest rate loan at the end of the nominated period. The total loan term cannot exceed 7 years. For an LRBA in existence on publication of these guidelines, the trustees may adopt the rate of 7.75% as their fixed rate provided that the total period for which the interest rate is fixed does not exceed 3 years. The interest rate must convert to a variable interest rate loan at the end of the nominated period. The total loan cannot exceed 7 years.
Loan-Value –RatioLVR	Maximum 70% LVR for both commercial & residential property. Total LVR of 70% if more than one loan.	Maximum 50% LVR.Total LVR of 50% if more than one loan.
Security	A registered mortgage over the property.	A registered charge/mortgage or similar security (that provides security for loans for such assets).
Personal Guarantee	Not required	Not required
Nature & frequency of repayments	Each repayment is to be both principal and interest.Repayments to be made monthly.	Each repayment is to be both principal and interest.Repayments to be made monthly.
Loan Agreement	A written and executed loan agreement is required.	A written and executed loan agreement is required.

Information sourced from Practical Compliance Guidelines PCG 2016/5.

Potential Trap to be aware of: Importantly, as part of this announcement, the ATO also indicated that the amount of principal and interest payments actually made with respect to a borrowing under an LRBA for the year ended 30 June 2016 must be in accordance with terms that are consistent with an arm’s length dealing.Information sourced from Practical Compliance Guidelines PCG 2016/5.

Where to find the Indicator Rate in future year:

The PGS referred to: Reserve Bank of Australia Indicator Lending Rates for banks providing standard variable housing loans for investors. Applicable rates:

For the 2015-16 year, the rate is 5.75%
For the 2016-17 year the rate is 5.65%
For the 2017-18 and 2018-19 years the rate is 5.8%
For the 2019-20 year the rate is 5.94%
For the 2020-21 year the rate is 5.1%
For the 2021-22 year the rate is 5.1%
For the 2022-23 year the rate is 5.35%
For the 2023-24 year the rate is 8.85%
For the 2024-25 year the rate is 9.35% until 30 June 2025
For the 2025-26 year the rate is 8.95%

For 2019-20 and later years, the rate published for May (the rate for the month of May immediately prior to the start of the relevant financial year)

It is the applicable rate under Column H of the above spreadsheet (click on link). The rate seems to have started in August 2015 but I assume we must use the May rate from now on.

In referencing the Indicator Rate you can use:
Ref: Title: Lending rates; Housing loans; Banks; Variable; Standard; Investor
Lending rates; Housing loans; Banks; Variable; Standard; Investor
Frequency: Monthly
Units: Per cent per annum
Source RBA
Publication Date 04-Apr-2016
Series ID: FILRHLBVSI

Example – Real Property taken from Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2016/5 Example 1

A complying SMSF borrowed money under an LRBA, using the funds to acquire commercial property valued at $500,000 on 1 July 2011.

The borrower is the SMSF trustee.
The lender is an SMSF member’s father (a related party).
A holding trust has been established, and the holding trust trustee is the legal owner of the property until the borrowing is repaid.

The loan has the following features:

the total amount borrowed is $500,000
the SMSF met all the costs associated with purchasing the property from existing fund assets.
the loan is interest free
the principal is repayable at the end of the term of the loan, but may be repaid earlier if the SMSF chooses to do so
the term of the loan is 25 years
the lender’s recourse against the SMSF is limited to the rights relating to the property held in the holding trust, and
the loan agreement is in writing.

We do not consider that this LRBA has been established or maintained on arm’s length terms. The income earned from the property, which is rented to an unrelated party, may give rise to NALI.

At 1 July 2015, the property was valued at $643,000, and the SMSF has not repaid any of the principal since the loan commenced.

If after considering TD 2016/16, it is determined that the income earned from the property is in fact NALI, to avoid having to report NALI for the 2015-16 year (and prior years) the Fund has a number of options.

Option 1 – Alter the terms of the loan to meet guidelines

The SMSF and the lender could alter the terms of the loan arrangement to meet Safe Harbour 1 (for real property).

To bring the terms of the loan into line with this Safe Harbour, the trustees of the SMSF must ensure that:

The 70% LVR is met (in this case, the value of the property at 1 July 2015 may be used).

Based on a property valuation of $643,000 at 1 July 2015, the maximum the SMSF can borrow is $450,100. The SMSF needs to repay $49,900 of principal as soon as practical before 30 June 2016.

The loan term cannot exceed 11 years from 1 July 2015.

The SMSF must recognise that the loan commenced 4 years earlier. An additional 11 years would not exceed the maximum 15 year term.

The SMSF can use a variable interest rate. Alternatively, it can alter the terms of the loan to use a fixed rate of interest for a period that ensures the total period for which the rate of interest is fixed does not exceed 5 years. The loan must convert to a variable interest rate loan at the end of the nominated period.

The interest rate of 5.75% applies for 2015-16 and 5.65% p.a. applies from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017. The SMSF trustee must determine and pay the appropriate amount of principal and interest payable for the year. This calculation must take the opening balance of $500,000, the remaining term of 11 years, and the timing of the capital repayment, into account.

After 1 July 2016, the new LRBA must continue under terms complying with the ATO’s guidelines relating to real property at all times.

For example, the SMSF must ensure that it updates the interest rate used for the loan on 1 July each year (if variable) or as appropriate (if fixed), and make monthly principal and interest repayments accordingly.

Option 2 – Refinance through a commercial lender

The fund could refinance the LRBA with a commercial lender, extinguish the original arrangement and pay the associated costs.

For any period after 1 July 2015 that the original loan remains in place, the SMSF must ensure that the terms of the loan are consistent with an arm’s length dealing, and relevant amounts of principal and interest are paid to the original lender.

The SMSF may choose to apply the terms set out under Safe Harbour 1 to calculate the amounts of principal and interest to be paid to the original lender for the relevant part of the 2015-16 year.

Option 3 – Payout the LRBA

The SMSF may decide to repay the loan to the related party, and bring the LRBA to an end before 30 January 2017.

For any period after 1 July 2015 that the original loan remains in place, the SMSF must ensure that the terms of the loan are consistent with an arm’s length dealing, and the relevant amounts of principal and interest are paid to the original lender.

The SMSF may choose to apply the terms set out under Safe Harbour 1 to calculate the amounts of principal and interest to be paid to the original lender for the relevant period.

Each option will have many advantages and disadvantages – so it is important to understand what the practical implications of each option are, and how physically you will approach each option. Seek specialised advice on this matter as it is not a strategy suitable for DIY implementation

Important Note to 13.22C or Unrelated Unit Trust Investors

The guidelines provided in this PCG are not applicable to an SMSF LRBA involving an investment in an unlisted company or unit trust (e.g. where a related party LRBA has been entered into to acquire a collection of units in an unrelated private trust or a 13.22C compliant trust). As such, trustees who have entered into such an arrangement will have no option but to benchmark their particular loan arrangement based on commercial loan terms, or to bring the LRBA to an end.

Please visit out SMSF Property page to get details on all available strategies for SMSF property investors.

UPDATE (Relief for those caught by Budget measures)

In a letter to an industry association, the Treasurer, Scott Morrison, has outlined transitional arrangements to allow additional non-concessional contributions above the proposed lifetime limit in certain limited circumstances. Contributions made in the following circumstances may be permitted without causing a breach of the lifetime cap:

where the trustees of a self managed superannuation fund (SMSF) have entered into a contract to purchase an asset prior to 3 May 2016 that completes after this date and non-concessional contributions were planned to be made to complete the contract of sale. Non-concessional contributions will be permitted only to allow the contract to complete provided they are within the relevant non-concessional cap that was applicable prior to Budget night, and
where additional contributions are made in order to comply with the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) Practical Compliance Guideline (PCG) 2016/5 related to limited recourse borrowing arrangements, provided they are made prior to 31 January 2017.

Additional non-concessional contributions made under these proposed transitional arrangements will count towards the lifetime cap, but will not result in an excess.

I hope this guidance has been helpful and please take the time to comment. Feedback always appreciated. Please reblog, retweet, like on Facebook etc to make sure we get the news out there. As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype. Click here for appointment options.

Liam Shorte B.Bus FSSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　9899 3693, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002, Norwest NSW 2153

U40, 8 Victoria Ave., Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

6 Comments

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 6, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Audit, Borrowing, Loans, LRBA, News & Stats, Property, SMSF Management, Trustee

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 6, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/04/06/smsf-alert-ato-guidance-on-related-party-smsf-loans-lrbas/

Understanding Currency Exposure When Investing Overseas in your SMSF

Recent swings in global currencies have brought exchange-rate risk back to the forefront for investors with overseas exposure in different currencies. Currency risks are risks that arise from changes in the relative valuation of different currencies. These changes can create unpredictable gains and losses when the profits or dividends from an investment are converted from a foreign currency back into Australian dollars.

Any investor who holds stocks, ETFs with the likes of iShares, Vanguard or SPDR or managed funds such as Magellan Global Fund in their SMSF portfolio that invest outside Australia will have some exposure to foreign currency, and where the Aussie dollar exchange rate goes will have an effect on these SMSF portfolios. For instance, a strengthening dollar could negatively impact foreign stock market returns and you should consider this risk in portfolio design.

Interest rates are critical, because when a country’s rate rises, in many cases, so does its currency. Or in our case if the US interest rate rises or at the moment is being held unexpectedly lower by the Us Federal Reserve, our currency’s exchange rate can fluctuate wildly in response to another government’s actions.

Up until recently, this wasn’t much of a worry for Australian investors. Rates were low, the Aussie dollar was getting weaker coming down fro its peak near $1.10 to the US$, and people made money by investing in foreign assets.

Going forward that may not be so easy so its is important for Self Managed Super Fund investors to understand currency exchange risk.

Here is a good video from Blackrock iShares explaining how currency exposure affects returns on international investments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=487RAkszHyY

Now you should note you can also find Currency Hedged ETFs and Hedged Managed funds (as opposed to a Hedge Fund which is totally different) that can help you easily manage the effect of currency on your investments and can be paired with their unhedged counterparts to tailor currency risk while maintaining consistent equity exposure. Of course there is a cost to implementing this protection but that is what good portfolio risk management is all about.

Do you want some more education on why you should consider international investments as part of your SMSF portfolio? then please check out this previous blog about investing internationally via your SMSF.

Are you looking for an advisor that will keep you up to date and provide guidance and tips like in this blog? Then why now contact me at our Castle Hill or Windsor office in Northwest Sydney to arrange a one on one consultation. Just click the Schedule Now button up on the left to find the appointment options.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

1 Comment

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 31, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in International Investing, Investment Strategies

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 31, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/03/31/understanding-currency-exposure-when-investing-overseas-in-your-smsf/

SMSF Coaching – Best Performing Asset Class Annually for Last 20 Years

Do you know which asset sector performed best last year, the year before? Do you think those results will guide you for next year? Think again. I don’t think many SMSF Investors would have guessed Australian Listed Property would have been the strongest in 3 out of the last 4 years but in 2016 was a disappointing underperformer. Many burnt in the property sector in the GFC had avoided it like the plague and missed some of the upside.

Franklin Templeton Austalia’s annual asset class ladder for 2016 is a great tool to visualise how each asset class/sector has performed over the last 20 years and pour water on ideas that we can reliably predict next years winners.

What becomes glaringly obvious after scrutinising the table is that no single asset class consistently outperforms the others. Just in case you subscribe to the ‘last years greyhound is this years dog” or that cycles are predictable, the table shows no clues or discernible pattern into how the previous year’s winners or losers will perform in the following year as the pattern appears totally random.

We coach clients to build a diversified strategy with some tactical allocations when sectors or assets appear oversold or opportunities arise like when the Aussie dollar was getting USD $1.10 a few years back and the opportunity came to overweight international stocks.

I hope this information has been helpful and please take the time to comment. Feedback always appreciated. Please reblog, retweet, like on Facebook etc to make sure we get the news out there. As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

1 Comment

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 14, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Asset Allocation, News & Stats

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 14, 2016

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2016/03/14/smsf-coaching-best-performing-asset-class-annually-for-last-20-years/

SMSF End of Financial Year Checklist 2015

1. It’s all about timing!

First thing to note is that June 30th falls on a Thirsday this year so be careful about doing anything for your fund after the 27th as funds transferred risk not reaching the destination account before the deadline. Remember it is when the funds are received by the Superannuation fund that counts.

2. Review Your Concessional Contributions – 30K under 49 and $35K if you were 49-64 this year and then work test applies for 65+.

3. Review your Non-Concessional Contributions (consider before May 3rd – budget night)

Have you considered making non-concessional contributions to move investments in to super and out of your personal, company or trust name. Maybe you have proceeds from and inheritance or sale of a property sitting in cash. As shares and cash have increased in value you may find that personal tax provisions are increasing and moving some assets to super may help control your tax bill. Are you nearing 65? then consider your contribution timing strategy to take advantage of the “bring forward” provisions before turning age 65 to contribute up to $540,000 this year or $180K this year and up to $540,000 next year before you turn 65.

4. Co-Contribution

To calculate the super co-contribution you could be eligible to receive based on your income and personal super contributions, use the Super co-contribution calculator.

5. Spouse Contribution

If your spouse has assessable income plus reportable fringe benefits totaling less than $13,800 then consider making a spouse contribution. Check out the ATO guidance here

6. Over 65? Do you meet the work test? (The 40 hours in any 30 days rule)

9. Contributions Splitting
Consider splitting contributions with your spouse, especially if:
• your family has one main income earner with a substantially higher balance or
• if there is an age difference where you can get funds into pension phase earlier or
• If you can improve your eligibility for concession cards or pension by retaining funds in superannuation in younger spouse’s name.
This is a simple no/low-cost strategy I recommend everyone look at especially with the Government moving on taxing higher balance accounts. See my blog about this strategy here.

10. Off Market Share Transfers (selling shares from your own name to your fund)
If you want to move any personal shareholdings into super you should act early. Here are the links to the Standard Forms for Computershare and here is the Link Market Services Form

The minimum payment amounts have been by 25% for the 2012-13 years. The following table shows the minimum percentage factor (indicative only) for each age group.
Age Minimum % withdrawal (in all other cases)
Under 65 4%
65-74 5%
75-79 6%
80-84 7%
85-89 9%
90-94 11%
95 or more 14%

Sacrificial Lamb

Before reading the following:Be careful not to reset a pension that has been grandfathered under the new deeming of pension rules that came in on Jan 1st 2015 without getting advice.

14. Review and Update the Investment Strategy not forgetting to include Insurance of Members

15. Collate and Document records of all asset movements and decisions

Ensure all the funds activities have been appropriately documented with minutes, and that all copies of all statements and schedules are on file for your accountant/administrator and auditor.

16. Double Dipping! June Contributions Deductible this year but can be allocated across 2 years.

17. Market Valuations – Now required annually

18. In-House Assets

19. TPD Insurance (Total Permanent Disability – basically “never work again” insurance)

20. Do you need to update to a Corporate Trustee

We recommend a corporate trustee to all clients. To understand why please read this article on Why SMSFs should have a Corporate Trustee

21. Check the ownership details of all SMSF Investments

22. Review Estate Planning and Loss of Mental Capacity Strategies.

23. Review any SMSF Loans

Don’t leave it until June, review your Self Managed Super Fund now and seek advice if in doubt about any matter.

Happy EOFYS!

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

Leave a comment

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 27, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Checklists, Contribution Strategies, SMSF, Tax Planning

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 27, 2015

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2015/05/27/smsf-end-of-financial-year-checklist-2015-2/

SMSF Loan Arrangements that Contravene Super Laws. SCAM ALERT

With low interest rates and a struggling economy people are often tempted by early release or get rich quick schemes that are promoted on glossy brochures and may look genuine but can destroy your retirement if they go wrong.

This is an excerpt from a speech by Matthew Bambrick, the ATO’s Assistant Commissioner for SMSF Segment of Superannuation to the Tax Institute.

SMSF loan arrangements that contravene super laws are also on our radar at the moment. We’re concerned that some organisations are promoting arrangements where SMSF assets provide members with a current-day benefit using vehicles such as pooled investment trusts. Put simply, an organisation invites SMSF members to invest their fund’s assets in a pooled investment trust type of product where the scheme operator draws a commission and if this condition is met, monies from the trust can be accessed as a loan by the fund’s members.

This is a simple form of such an arrangement but there are variations such as offering fund members’ relatives an opportunity to apply for a partial mortgage to cover the value of an asset and then invite their family to use their SMSF benefits to invest in a pooled investment trust. Their relatives can then be granted a second mortgage to further finance their investment.

We encourage anyone who has been approached to invest their SMSF monies into a trust, company or investment product and then offered some or all of that money back as a loan, to seek independent, professional advice before proceeding.

Keep an eye on our website as we’ll be publishing more information about these arrangements in a future edition of SMSF News

So we are back to the basic advice that if it seems to good to be true then it is very likely to be a scam or carry high risk of penalties and drawing the ire of the ATO.

If in doubt contact a SMSF Specialist member of the SMSF Association in your local area or drop me a line with some detail for an initial feedback. We can usually easily spot a scam

I will also be updating readers on any scams or “arrangements” that they should be aware of. If it sounds too good to be true then Google the promoters and search for “complaint” “alert” “scam” associated with that name.

The full transcript of the speech covering a number of relevant issues is available here

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1 Comment

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 23, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Scam Alert, SMSF Management

Tagged ato, Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, DIY Super, Dural, early release, fines, Fraud, Hawkesbury, Investment Strategy, protection, scam, scam alert, schemes, Self Managed Superannuation Fund, smsf arrangement, smsf scheme, superannuation, Trustee

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 23, 2015

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2015/03/23/smsf-loan-arrangements-that-contravene-super-laws-scam-alert/

6 Key Considerations for your SMSF Investment Strategy

So your SMSF Administrator/Accountant is now having to use an Independent Auditor and suddenly you are being asked for more than just the 1 page SMSF Investment Strategy template provided by the Accountant that you used to sign without filling in the blanks and without considering its purpose.

The reason an Investment strategy is required by an SMSF and also required to be reviewed regularly is that personal circumstances changes as do markets and economies. You need to consider your investment portfolio in the light of these changes and this is a way of prompting you to do so as part of the annual review.

Each year we experience a lot of market and political volatility with differing views on where the economy is headed, leading to a subsequent impact on share and property markets.

As an investor is can be easy to get caught up in the short-term noise and lose focus. The SMSF Investment strategy requirement is a way of prompting you, the Trustee(s), to really consider what objectives you are trying to achieve and the strategies and asset allocation that you need to follow to achieve them.

Having a well thought out SMSF investment strategy is a key element in helping you achieve a smooth transition in to and through retirement.

Here are 6 important considerations in establishing your SMSF investment strategy.

Liquidity Needs: What life stage are each of the members in?
The members’ personal circumstances and life-stage will have the most important impact on your SMSF investment strategy. If you are all 20 years out from retirement, you may choose to invest for growth and ride with volatility of the share and property markets to benefit from the risk/return premium attributed to those sectors which are less liquid than cash and bonds. If however one or more of the members is approaching retirement or using a Transition to Retirement Pension strategy you may choose a more cautious approach to ensure sufficient income is available for pensions regardless of market ups and downs. That requires more active management to maintain some liquidity still seek a decent return through a diversified portfolio. For example we always recommend 12-36 months pensions are retained in cash or fixed interest to avoid selling assets in a downturn and reducing your capital value.
What’s the members’ risk tolerance
The ability of all involved to sleep comfortably at night without worrying about their investments should always be taken into consideration regardless of your age. If you or another member have no experience or confidence in certain market sectors, then short-term your investment strategy should be tailored accordingly. But you should then seek more information, education and guidance to build your knowledge and then your confidence in those missing sectors so that you can adopt a well diversified strategy long-term. It is generally accepted that the greater the risk of an asset, the greater the potential returns but this risk abates as time passes so riskier assets can pay off handsomely over time with less risk than perceived short-term. A portfolio designed to reduce your concerns while not providing optimal returns provides THE SLEEP FACTOR!
Asset allocation
Investing in the right asset classes is a major factor in the returns you will receive. Aussie Equities and Cash are not a full solution long-term. Cash and TD rates are currently low and our share market had a poor year last year and our economy is struggling while international equities, property and infrastructure are benefiting from improving economies, low interest rates and the dropping Aussie dollar. Your asset allocation should be reviewed annually and rebalanced to account for the returns from various asset classes and their future forecast. We are not saying make dramatic changes but do take tilts to certain sectors that will benefit from the current economic climate.
Avoid sector bias
The Big 4 Banks, Woolworths and Telstra do not make a diversified portfolio! Once you have decided which asset classes to invest in, it is important to diversify within those asset classes. Frequently I see investment portfolios with a narrow range of large Australian companies just like mentioned above providing very poor diversification – and leaving the overall investment portfolio heavily reliant on the fortunes of one or two sectors. Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF) set up for the benefit of control without the willingness to take advice or learn about portfolio design, frequently lack diversification with an over reliance on one property, Australian shares and/or cash. With Control comes responsibility to learn and adapt.
Tax efficiency
Often the spur to look at complex and structured investments near June 30^th is the tax consideration. The amount of tax you pay on investment has a major impact on your SMSF investment strategy. Here is the tax basics for SMSFs:

15% tax on earnings and capital gains on assets held for less than 12 months in accumulation phase
10% tax on Capital Gains on assets held for greater than 12 months in accumulation phase
0% tax on earnings and capital gains on assets sold in pension phase

For example, if you were lucky enough to have bought 1000 CBA shares during the GFC at $30 and sell them now at $90 in accumulation phase you will pay $6,000 in tax with a net profit of $54,000. While if you were lucky to move in to pension phase you receive the full $60,000 tax-free. Tax is an important consideration and an understanding of the tax impacts which you purchase your asset in, and the tax payable when you dispose of the asset, are very important but should not be the sole driver of your Self Managed Superannuation Fund investment strategy.

Insurance Needs of the Members

Trustees of SMSFs now have to consider, as part of its Investment strategy “whether the trustees of the fund should hold a contract of insurance that provides insurance cover for one or more members of the fund.”

This is a significant addition to the previous provisions, and has been prompted by the Super System Review panel noting that less than 13% of SMSFs have insurance. This is a subject on its own so please refer to my earlier article for guidance Self Managed Super Funds must include an Insurance Needs Analysis as part of the fund’s SMSF Investment Strategy.

It is important to update your investment strategy on an annual basis or more often if making large contribution or large investments to make sure you are maximising the probability of achieving your financial goals whilst reducing the risk of capital losses.

You can seek professional advice to help with your investment strategy, but remember: as trustee, you are still ultimately responsible for your fund’s investment decisions so next time you sign off a template provided by your administrator remember it is you that are responsible not them.

Please contact us on 02 9894 1844 or Liam@verante.com.au if you would like to review your current SMSF investment strategy, or need assistance in preparing an SMSF investment strategy that matches your members’ needs.

I’ll leave the last word or should I say video to the ATO

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　96993693, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002, NORWEST NSW 2153. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Advisory Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 476223

Image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

4 Comments

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 4, 2015 • Permalink

Posted in Audit, Investment Strategies

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 4, 2015

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2015/03/04/6-key-considerations-for-your-smsf-investment-strategy/

Medibank Private Allocations at a Glance – How Much Do I Get?

The full pricing and allocation details for Australian public applicants has been indicated in a Government Press Release. Applicants will be able to get confirmation of their individual allocation from Tuesday, 25 November 2014 by visiting medibankprivateshareoffer.com.au or calling 1800 998 778. Applicants will need to have their Application Reference Number available.

Transaction confirmation statements will be sent to successful applicants from Thursday, 4 December 2014.

The Government has also exercised its right to claw back a further 20 per cent of the shares previously allocated to the Broker Firm Offer which will no doubt annoy the Broking community even further after a huge scale back in their offer. I cannot help feel there will be a huge amount of shareholders with mediocre holdings and headaches for their accountants and advisers trying to track applications, allocations, scale backs and refunds of excess funds.

Medibank Private will list on the ASX at 12.00pm AEDT on Tuesday, 25 November 2014. Its ASX code will be MPL.

Final price per share paid by institutional investors	$2.15
Discount per share on final insto price for retail investors	15 cents or 7%
Final price per share paid by retail investors¹	$2.00

Proceeds
Total proceeds returned to Commonwealth	$5.679B

Allocation of shares as a % of total shares
Retail allocation	60.0%
Total institutional allocation	40.0%
Domestic institutional allocation	22.9%
Offshore institutional allocation	17.1%

Details of Retail Offer
Total number of individual Applications	Approx. 440,000
Dollar amount allocated to Retail Offer	$3.311 billion
Average shareholding for Retail Offer	Approx. $5,850
Policyholder Applicants’ allocation²	33.2%
General Public Applicants’ allocation²	66.7%

Medibank Private Share Offer – How Much Will You Get

General Public Offer

Applicants who applied under the General Public Offer have received allocations as follows:

General Public Offer Applicants who did not pre-register who applied for	Receive*
$2,000	The full amount you have applied for
$2,001 to $7,000	$2,000 + 75.00% of your Application within this band
$7,001 to $14,000	$5,750 + 20.00% of your Application within this band
Over $14,000	$7,150 + 5.00% of your Application within this band

General Public Offer Applicants who pre-registered who applied for	Receive*
$2,000 to $2,300	The full amount you have applied for
$2,301 to $7,000	$2,300 + 86.25% of your Application within this band
$7,001 to $14,000	$6,353.75 + 23.00% of your Application within this band
Over $14,000	$7,963.75 + 5.75% of your Application within this band

Policyholder Offer

Applicants who applied under the Policyholder Offer have received allocations as follows:

Policyholder Offer Applicants who did not pre-register who applied for	Receive*
$2,000 to $2,300	The full amount you have applied for
$2,301 to $7,000	$2,300 + 86.25% of your Application within this band
$7,001 to $14,000	$6,353.75 + 23.00% of your Application within this band
Over $14,000	$7,963.75 + 5.75% of your Application within this band

Policyholder Offer Applicants who pre-registered who applied for	Receive*
$2,000 to $2,600	The full amount you have applied for
$2,601 to $7,000	$2,600 + 97.50% of your Application within this band
$7,001 to $14,000	$6,890 + 26.00% of your Application within this band
Over $14,000	$8,710 + 6.50% of your Application within this band

For example, a General Public Offer Applicant who did not pre-register who applied for $10,000 will receive:

Application band	Receive*
$2,000	$2,000 (100% of $2,000)
$2,001 to $7,000	$3,750 (75% of $5,000)
$7,001 to $14,000	$600 (20% of $3,000)
Over $14,000	n/a
Total	$6,350

* The final allocation of Shares will be subject to rounding and application of the Final Price to any allocation above $250,000.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

Leave a comment

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on November 23, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Retirement Planning

Tagged Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Hawkesbury, Investing, Investment, Investment Strategy, Medibank, Medibank Private, pension phase, private company valuations, Self Managed Superannuation Fund, share Offer, SMSF, superannuation

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on November 23, 2014

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2014/11/23/medibank-private-allocations-at-a-glance-how-much-do-i-get/

SMSF End of Financial Year Checklist 2015

1. It’s all about timing!

First thing to note is that June 30th falls on a Tuesday this year so be very careful about doing anything for your fund after the 26th as funds transferred from Friday the 26th risk not reaching the destination account before the deadline. Remember it is when the funds are received by the Superannuation fund that counts.

2. Review Your Concessional Contributions – 30K under 49 and $35K if you were 49-64 this year and then work test applies for 65+.

3. Review your Non-Concessional Contributions

Have you considered making non-concessional contributions to move investments in to super and out of your personal, company or trust name. Maybe you have proceeds from and inheritance or sale of a property sitting in cash. As shares and cash have increased in value you may find that personal tax provisions are increasing and moving some assets to super may help control your tax bill. Are you nearing 65? then consider your contribution timing strategy to take advantage of the “bring forward” provisions before turning age 65 to contribute up to $540,000 this year or $180K this year and up to $540,000 next year before you turn 65.

4. Co-Contribution

To calculate the super co-contribution you could be eligible to receive based on your income and personal super contributions, use the Super co-contribution calculator.

5. Spouse Contribution

If your spouse has assessable income plus reportable fringe benefits totaling less than $13,800 then consider making a spouse contribution. Check out the ATO guidance here

6. Over 65? Do you meet the work test? (The 40 hours in any 30 days rule)

9. Contributions Splitting
Consider splitting contributions with your spouse, especially if:
• your family has one main income earner with a substantially higher balance or
• if there is a n age difference where you can get funds into pension phase earlier or
• If you can improve your eligibility for concession cards or pension by retaining funds in superannuation in younger spouse’s name.
This is a simple no-cost strategy I recommend everyone look at especially with the Government moving on taxing higher balance accounts. See my blog about this strategy here.

10. Off Market Share Transfers (selling shares from your own name to your fund)
If you want to move any personal shareholdings into super you should act early. Here is the Standard Form for Computershare and here is the Link Market Services Form

Sacrificial Lamb

Before reading the following:Be careful not to reset a pension that has been grandfathered under the new deeming of pension rules that came in on Jan 1st 2015 without getting advice.

14. Review and Update the Investment Strategy not forgetting to include Insurance of Members

15. Collate and Document records of all asset movements and decisions

Ensure all the funds activities have been appropriately documented with minutes, and that all copies of all statements and schedules are on file for your accountant/administrator and auditor.

16. Double Dipping! June Contributions Deductible this year but can be allocated across 2 years.

17. Market Valuations – Now required annually

18. In-House Assets

19. TPD Insurance (Total Permanent Disability – basically “never work again” insurance)

20. Do you need to update to a Corporate Trustee

We recommend a corporate trustee to all clients. To understand why please read this article on Why SMSFs should have a Corporate Trustee

21. Check the ownership details of all SMSF Investments

22. Review Estate Planning and Loss of Mental Capacity Strategies.

23. Review any SMSF Loans

Don’t leave it until June, review your Self Managed Super Fund now and seek advice if in doubt about any matter.

Happy EOFYS!

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

Leave a comment

by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on June 6, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Checklists, Contribution Strategies, SMSF, Tax Planning

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on June 6, 2014

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2014/06/06/smsf-end-of-financial-year-checklist-2015/

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1. It’s all about timing!

2. Review Your Concessional Contributions – 30K under 49 and $35K if you were 49-64 this year and then work test applies for 65+.

4. Co-Contribution

5. Spouse Contribution

6. Over 65? Do you meet the work test? (The 40 hours in any 30 days rule)

Sacrificial Lamb

14. Review and Update the Investment Strategy not forgetting to include Insurance of Members

15. Collate and Document records of all asset movements and decisions

16. Double Dipping! June Contributions Deductible this year but can be allocated across 2 years.

17. Market Valuations – Now required annually

18. In-House Assets

19. TPD Insurance (Total Permanent Disability – basically “never work again” insurance)

20. Do you need to update to a Corporate Trustee

21. Check the ownership details of all SMSF Investments

22. Review Estate Planning and Loss of Mental Capacity Strategies.

23. Review any SMSF Loans

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Concessional (Pre-Tax Contributions like employer superannuation guarantee (SGC), salary sacrifice and those contributions where you claim a tax deduction).

Non-Concessional (Post Tax Contribution like personal after tax contributions and Government co-contributions).

Now the detail:

In summary the Limit to Bring Forward Contributions based on year triggered are:

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Taxing Transition to Retirement Pension earnings

Pension transfer cap of $1.6 million

Investment Strategies

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Where has this come from?

Information sourced from Practical Compliance Guidelines PCG 2016/5.

Where to find the Indicator Rate in future year:

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1. It’s all about timing!

2. Review Your Concessional Contributions – 30K under 49 and $35K if you were 49-64 this year and then work test applies for 65+.

4. Co-Contribution

5. Spouse Contribution

6. Over 65? Do you meet the work test? (The 40 hours in any 30 days rule)

Sacrificial Lamb

14. Review and Update the Investment Strategy not forgetting to include Insurance of Members

15. Collate and Document records of all asset movements and decisions

16. Double Dipping! June Contributions Deductible this year but can be allocated across 2 years.

17. Market Valuations – Now required annually

18. In-House Assets

19. TPD Insurance (Total Permanent Disability – basically “never work again” insurance)

20. Do you need to update to a Corporate Trustee

21. Check the ownership details of all SMSF Investments

22. Review Estate Planning and Loss of Mental Capacity Strategies.

23. Review any SMSF Loans

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This is an excerpt from a speech by Matthew Bambrick, the ATO’s Assistant Commissioner for SMSF Segment of Superannuation to the Tax Institute.

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Medibank Private Share Offer – How Much Will You Get

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1. It’s all about timing!

2. Review Your Concessional Contributions – 30K under 49 and $35K if you were 49-64 this year and then work test applies for 65+.

4. Co-Contribution

5. Spouse Contribution

6. Over 65? Do you meet the work test? (The 40 hours in any 30 days rule)

Sacrificial Lamb

14. Review and Update the Investment Strategy not forgetting to include Insurance of Members

15. Collate and Document records of all asset movements and decisions

16. Double Dipping! June Contributions Deductible this year but can be allocated across 2 years.