All posts tagged superannuation

Can I still transfer shares I own to my SMSF?


YES you definitely can if they are listed shares, unlisted cause a lot more issues.

In an unexpected move back on 30 May 2013 the Government decided not to proceed with the proposed banning of off-market transfers of listed securities (shares, listed hybrids etc) by  people to their self managed super fund (SMSF). This means that shares can still be transferred between SMSFs and related parties off-market as of March 2021

The Government had previously announced that off-market transfers of listed securities between SMSFs and related parties would be banned from 1 July 2013. It was announced as a measure to prevent people abusing the system even though there was little proof of any abuse being widespread. Hopefully, the fact that they went so close to legislating such measures will serve as a warning to those who tinker at the margins of abusing the facility. I would expect the ATO to use the new penalty regime to target a few clear cases of abuse to ensure that the message gets through loud and clear!  (more…)

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by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 30, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Contribution Strategies, SMSF
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Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on May 30, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/05/30/can-i-still-transfer-shares-i-own-to-my-smsf/

ASIC Releases CHECKLIST for those giving SMSF Advice


The latest ASIC REPORT 337: SMSFs: Improving the quality of advice given to investors includes a useful checklist for those dealing with SMSF advice to the normal person in the street or in technical terms “retail clients”. It also includes some useful examples. Here is the Checklist and I would suggest all those  including Licensed Accountants, Financial Planners, Lawyers, Mortgage Brokers, Property Developers and Share Brokers be prepared to ensure your clients have considered all 32 issues raised or you leave yourself open for scrutiny and litigation if you have been involved in the recommendation of the structure.

Have you considered a SMSF and sought advice? Did your “adviser” mention these issues?

Appendix: Tips for advice providers

Table 6: Some tips for advice providers giving advice to retail clients on SMSFs

Issue: Role and obligations of SMSF trustees

What you should do or consider

C1      The ATO regulates SMSFs and provides a number of useful publications on its website about the obligations and duties of trustees in managing an SMSF. As good practice, you should:

(a)  direct investors to the relevant pages on the ATO website; or

(b)  provide investors with a copy of key ATO publications with their SOA to ensure investors understand their obligations.

C2      You should explain to investors that, by law, each trustee has duties and obligations to:

(a)    act honestly in all matters concerning the SMSF;

(b)    exercise skill, care and diligence in managing the SMSF;

(c)     act in the best interests of all SMSF members;

(d)    take appropriate action to protect SMSF assets and manage them separately from the trustee’s own affairs;

(e)    comply with the SMSF trust deed and review and update it as required;

(f)     be responsible for and control the SMSF, even where the trustees outsource the required expertise or one trustee is more actively involved in the day-to-day running of the SMSF;

(g)    have a documented investment strategy that considers all the circumstances of the fund, and review and update the investment strategy as the members’ financial situation, needs and objectives require;

(h)    consider insurance for fund members as part of the fund’s investment strategy;

(i)      understand which investments are restricted and that SMSF investments must be made solely to pay retirement benefits to members or the members’ dependants if a member dies;

(j)     accept and document contributions in accordance with the superannuation laws;

(k)    ensure the SMSF’s money is invested appropriately (even if the trustee outsources the investment to an advice provider);

(l)      keep proper and accurate tax and superannuation records (e.g. minutes of all investment decisions) and allow members to have access to such information and records;

(m)   comply with the superannuation and tax laws (and the Corporations Act for corporate trustees);

(n)    value the fund’s assets at market value for the purposes of preparing financial accounts and statements;

(o)    have the SMSF audited annually by an independently approved auditor;

(p)    comply with the reporting obligations to the ATO (e.g. report contributions from members, lodge annual returns, report on any changes to trustees, directors or members of the SMSF; lodge a business activity statement if the SMSF is registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST));

(q)   pay the supervisory levy and the SMSF’s income tax liability when due;

(r)    refrain from entering into contracts or behaving in a way that hinders trustees from performing or exercising functions or powers;

(s)   refrain from entering into transactions that circumvent restrictions on the payment of benefits; and

(t)    ensure that the money in the SMSF is only accessed by members when the trust deed and law allow it.

C3      You should explain to investors that, within 21 days of becoming an SMSF trustee, they will need to complete the ATO’s trustee declaration.

C4      You should walk investors through the ATO’s trustee declaration, explain each obligation and duty, and allow investors to ask any questions about their obligations.

C5      If you do not adequately understand the role and obligations of SMSF trustees, it is inappropriate for you to advise investors about SMSFs.

ISSUE: Suitability of an SMSF structure

What you should do or consider

 C6      You should discuss the investor’s fund balance size and whether it is likely to be cost-effective for the investor to set up an SMSF. Cost is just one factor to  consider and does not mean by itself that an SMSF will be appropriate or   inappropriate for the investor.

C7      You should discuss the likely costs associated with running an SMSF, including the costs of establishment, ongoing investment management, compliance and advice,

and explain these costs to the investor before making a recommendation to  establish an SMSF.

C8      Before recommending an SMSF, you should consider the investor’s ability and

willingness to manage the fund and meet their trustee obligations on an ongoing basis.

C9      Be aware of ‘red flag’ indicators that may suggest an SMSF will not be suitable for an investor, including, but not limited to:

(a) a low fund balance where the members have a limited ability to make future contributions;

(b) the investor wants a simple, low-touch superannuation solution;

(c) the investor wants to delegate decision-making to someone else;

(d) the investor does not have a lot of time to devote to managing their financial affairs;

(e) the investor has little investment decision-making experience;

(f) the investor, or suggested trustee, is an undischarged bankrupt or has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty (as such, persons are prohibited from acting as a trustee); and

(g) the investor has a low level of financial literacy.

C10     You should explain to investors approaching the pension phase that there may be a point at which the SMSF may cease to be cost-effective because fixed costs will remain constant or increase while the balance of the fund diminishes.

C11     Where appropriate, you should discuss SMSF succession planning issues with investors (this will be more relevant for older investors). Some key questions to discuss include:

(a) For investors who are individual trustees, what will happen if one of the     trustees dies?

(b) If one trustee (the controlling trustee) is more actively involved in the day-to-day management of the SMSF, what will the less active trustee do if the  controlling trustee is unable to manage the SMSF?

ISSUE: Risks of an SMSF structure

What you should do or consider

 C12     You should warn investors looking to set up an SMSF about the lack of Government compensation available to SMSFs. This information will help investors properly weigh up whether an SMSF structure is right for them.

C13     You should warn investors that SMSF trustees and members do not have access to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT) to resolve complaints.

C14     You should explain the advantages and disadvantages of establishing an SMSF with a corporate trustee versus individual trustees, and provide investors with relevant ATO publications via hard copy or web-links.

C15     If the investor’s proposed membership structure of an SMSF is unusual, you may need to spend more time discussing the duties and obligations of trustees, the risks associated with the membership structure, and the importance of having a    well documented, specific investment strategy and a trust deed that contains  dispute resolution clauses.

C16     You should reiterate the role and responsibilities of trustees, and explain that, even if one trustee is less actively involved, they are equally liable for the SMSF’s compliance with the superannuation and tax laws.

C17     When you recommend an SMSF to an investor, you will need to discuss their insurance needs. This will often involve discussing:

(a) their existing insurance coverage;

(b) the level of insurance coverage they will need in future;

(c) the cost and options for maintaining, increasing or decreasing (as appropriate)

their existing insurance coverage through an SMSF;

(d) whether the investor has any health issues that may affect their ability to get

insurance coverage;

(e) the advantages and disadvantages of retaining a portion of their APRA- regulated superannuation for insurance purposes (if considered appropriate); and

(f) the impact of the insurance recommendation on the investor’s SMSF balance.

C18     If you identify an investor needs advice on insurance, you must consider and   advise the investor on their insurance needs before recommending an SMSF be established. If you do not have the necessary expertise to provide insurance   advice, you should notify the investor and refer the investor to an advice provider who has the expertise to provide the advice.

Issue Investment strategy

What you should do or consider

C19     You should explain to investors the sole purpose test and the requirement for investments to be made and maintained on an arm’s length basis.

C20     When you are advising investors on their SMSF investment strategy, you should explain the benefits of asset diversification and investing across a number of   asset classes (e.g. shares, real property and fixed interest products) in a long-term investment strategy.

C21     You should explain to investors that some investments are restricted and that it is the trustee’s obligation to ensure that the SMSF does not make restricted Investments: see tip C2(i).

C22     You should explain to trustees that they are required to regularly review the    fund’s documented investment strategy to ensure that it suits the needs of fund members.

C23     If you are recommending that an SMSF be established to invest in a single asset, you should ensure that the SOA adequately documents the basis for the advice in

light of the investor’s financial situation, needs and objectives. In particular, you should set out why the investment is appropriate, rather than a diversified investment portfolio, and whether the investment will generate a sufficient return      to fund the investor’s retirement needs and, if not, what the exit strategy is and any costs or risks associated with this exit strategy.

C24     You should explain to investors that the SMSF investment strategy is likely to change as members approach the retirement phase and their needs and circumstances change.

C25     If an investor has a preference towards a real property investment, you should consider whether the real property investment is appropriate.

C26     If you are recommending a real property investment, you should discuss with the investor:

(a) the needs and circumstances of the fund members (e.g. their age and retirement needs);

(b) if the recommendation involves an investment loan, how long it will take for the investor to repay the loan;

(c) the investor’s ability to repay the loan if an unexpected event occurs (e.g. the investor becomes unemployed for a period);

(d) how the investor’s retirement will be funded by the real property investment (i.e. through the sale of property or through rental income);

(e) how likely the property can be sold quickly (i.e. whether it is in a high-demand area); and

(f) what the investor will do if the property is not rented for a period.

Note: If the investment property is not the SMSF’s sole asset, you may need to spend less time discussing the above issues.

Issue: Switching from an APRA-regulated superannuation fund

What you should do or consider

C27     When recommending an SMSF, you will need to explain the charges and significant consequences the investor will, or may, incur as a result of changing (fully or partially) from an APRA-regulated fund to an SMSF.

C28     When discussing the consequences of a switch, you will need to use language and concepts that the investor will understand.

C29     If you assess an investor has a low level of financial literacy; an SMSF will not be an appropriate retirement savings vehicle for the investor.

Issue: Alternatives to an SMSF structure

What you should do or consider

C30     Before recommending an SMSF to an investor, you should consider whether an APRA-regulated fund will meet the financial situation, needs and objectives of the investor. Many APRA-regulated funds now offer a DIY investment option.

C31     APRA-regulated funds may be more cost-effective for investors than an SMSF, depending on the size of the investor’s superannuation balance, and the extent to which the SMSF trustee(s) would engage external professionals to undertake administrative and other functions.

C32     Setting up an SMSF, which then invests through an investment platform, may not be as cost-effective for investors as becoming a member of a public offer investment

 Thoughts:

As a licensed Financial Planner and Accredited SMSF Specialist Advisor™ I can and do assess these 32 points with my clients and under my license I am required to put the recommendations in writing after considering and high lighting the above points.

There is therefore less chance of me recommending a SMSF to a person not suited to running one but if that should happen they may have recourse to my Professional Indemnity Insurance. However if they have received the advice to set up a SMSF from an unlicensed person then they may have no recourse to PI as that person’s cover would most likely exclude such claims.

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 online via Skype.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

SMSF Specialist Adviser 

 Follow SMSFCoach on Twitter Liam Shorte on Linkedin NextGen Wealth on Facebook   

Verante Financial Planning

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.

1 Comment
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 18, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 18, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/04/18/asic-releases-checklist-for-those-giving-smsf-advice/

SMSF End of Financial Year Checklist 2013


OK so here we are already in the last quarter and with only 3 months to the end of the financial year to get our fund in order and ensure we are making the most of the strategies available SMSF 2013 Checklistto us. Here is a check-list of the most important issues that you should address with your advisers well before the year-end.

1.       It’s all about timing!

First thing to note is that June 30th falls on a Sunday this year so forget about doing anything for your fund after the 27th as funds transferred from Friday the 28th are unlikely to hit an account before the 1st July.

2.       Review  Your Concessional Contributions – 25K!, yes only 25K,  yes 25K max

Maximise contributions up to concessional contribution cap but do not exceed the 25 K Concession Limits that applies to everyone who is eligible to contribute this year.  Excess contributions tax is nasty and should always be avoided. 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.  May 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 $450,000.

4.       Co-Contribution

Check your eligibility for the co-contribution and if you are eligible take advantage.  Note that the rules have changed and are very different from previous years. 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 totalling less than $10,800 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, in order to continue to make contributions to super. Check out ATO Age Related 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

If you are planning on claiming a tax deduction for personal concessional contributions you must have a valid ‘notice of intent to claim a tax deduction’.  If you intend to start a pension this notice must be made before you commence the pension.

9.        Contributions Splitting

Consider splitting contributions with your spouse, especially if your family has one main income earner with a substantially higher balance. 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)

The proposed ban on Off-Market transfer of shares into a SMSF has been dropped. YEAH!  If you want to move any shareholdings into super you should still act early. Here is the Standard Form for Computershare and here is the Link Market Services Form

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 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 2012-13 year for certain pensions and annuities Minimum % withdrawal (in all other cases)
Under 65 3% 4%
65-74 3.75% 5%
75-79 4.5% 6%
80-84 5.25% 7%
85-89 6.75% 9%
90-94 8.25% 11%
95 or more 10.5% 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.

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

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.

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 funds 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.   June Contributions Deductible this year but can be allocated across 2 years.

For those who may have a large taxable income this year 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!

17.   Market Valuations

Regulations now require assets to be valued at market value each year, ensure that you have re-valued assets such as property and collectables. Here is a good article by Liz Westover of the Institute of Chartered Accountants on the subject.

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 penalty regime will make it easier for the ATO to apply fines for smaller misdemeanours.

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 article 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 (BDN) to ensure they are valid 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 mental incapacity or death. Do you know what your Deed says on the subject?

23. Review any SMSF Loans

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.

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

As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options as we are currently taking on new clients. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or online via Skype.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

SMSF Specialist Adviser 

 Follow SMSFCoach on Twitter Liam Shorte on Linkedin NextGen Wealth on Facebook   

Verante Financial Planning

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.

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by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 12, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Audit, Checklists, Contribution Strategies, Financial Planning, SMSF, SMSF Management
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Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 12, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/04/12/smsf-end-of-financial-year-checklist-2013/

SMSF Borrowing: What Can I Do With An Investment Property Within The Rules.


We constantly have people contacting us with ideas of what they want to do with an investment property once they have borrowed to purchase one in their SMSF. Some are sensible but some show no grasp of the regulations at all and include moving the whole family in to save on their home mortgage or knocking it down to build a multi-storey unit development. If you run a self managed superannuation fund, you have the ability to invest in residential property or commercial property and under certain circumstances a farm. (Note: ability to do something does not mean you should).

Repairs v Improvements

Repairs v Improvements

Borrowing to purchase a property in an SMSF or in the industry jargon a “limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA)” has been legal since 2007 and is becoming increasingly popular with SMSF owners seeking to leverage their funds.

In May 2012, the ATO released a ruling SMSFR 2012/1, “Self Managed Superannuation Funds: limited recourse borrowing arrangements – application of key concepts.” To clarify its understanding of the legislation.

It should be noted that the ATO focused on borrowing to invest in property as it saw this as the most likely area people would encounter problem scenarios. They key issues that the ruling addresses are:

–   defining a single acquirable asset

–   property development and off-the-plan purchases.

–   distinguishing between improvements vs repairs or maintenance.

–   improving an asset to the extent if becomes a replacement asset.

In this article I will concentrate on the latter 2 issues as it is ok to use borrowed funds for most repairs or maintenance but you can’t use borrowed money to finance improvements. You can use your other funds in your SMSF to fund improvements so it is a matter of getting the strategy right.

The ATO has given specific meanings to the following words:

‘Maintaining’ an asset typically involves work done to prevent or anticipate defects, damage or deterioration (in a mechanical or physical sense). For example, repainting a timber house to prevent deterioration is typically maintenance

‘Repair’ ordinarily means the remedying or making good of defects in, damage to, or deterioration of, property to be repaired and contemplates the continued existence of the property.  A repair replaces a part of something or corrects something that is already there and that is damaged, has become worn out or dilapidated or has deteriorated. Repair may be necessitated through ordinary wear and tear, accidental or deliberate damage or by the operation of natural causes (whether expected or unexpected) during the passage of time.

‘Improvement’ the guidance is that they mean work that:

  • provides something new
  • generally furthers the income-producing ability or expected life of the property
  • generally changes the character of the item you have improved
  • goes beyond just restoring the efficient functioning of the property

So what can you do and what can’t you do?

The following scenarios outline when an existing LRBA will continue to apply to an asset, based on the ATO’s SMSF ruling.

1. Using Borrowed Money : Repairs and Maintenance (Yes You Can) v Improvement (No You Can’t)

Work to be carried out Repair or maintenance (Yes you Can under an LRBA) Improvement (No you Can’t under an LRBA)
Residential property
A fire damages part of the kitchen (cooktop, benches, walls and ceiling). Restoring the damaged part of kitchen, including addition of a dishwasher, even if there wasn’t one there before (considered minor). Yes you can If as well as restoring the damaged part of the internal kitchen (a repair) a new external kitchen was added to the entertainment area of the house the external kitchen would be an improvement. No you can’t
Replace guttering Yes you can
Replace fence Yes you can
Replace house destroyed by fire Rebuild comparable house. Yes you can Rebuild house not comparable (although if built from insurance proceeds does not affect LRBA) No you can’t
A pergola is built to create an outdoor entertaining area. No you can’t
The addition of a swimming pool or a garage. No you can’t
A house extension to add another bathroom. No you can’t
Cyclone damage to a roof Replace roof: Yes you can Add a second storey at the same time as replacing roof.  No you can’t

Source: ATO SMSFR 2012/1

 

2. Development while under a LRBA: Retains Same Attributes (Yes You Can) v Creates a different asset (No You Can’t)

Asset and Action Result
1.  Vacant block of land on single title. A vacant block of land is subsequently subdivided resulting in multiple titles. One asset has been replaced by several different assets as a result of the subdivision.  Different asset created No You Can’t
2. Vacant block of land on single title. A residential house is built on vacant land which is on a single title. The character of the asset has fundamentally changed from vacant land to residential premises. This is a different asset. Different asset created No You Can’t
3. Residential house and land. A house is demolished following a fire and is replaced by three strata titled units. The character of the asset has fundamentally changed along with the underlying proprietary rights. This has created three different assets. Different asset created No You Can’t
4. Residential house and land. A residential house is converted into a restaurant by renovations which include fitting out a fully functioning commercial kitchen. As a result of the renovation the character of the asset has fundamentally changed from residential premises to restaurant premises. This is a different asset. Different asset created No You Can’t
5. Residential house and land. One bedroom of a residential house is converted to a home office. This would not ordinarily result in a change in the overall character of the asset as a residential house. The conversion of the bedroom into an office does not result in a different asset.  Same asset – Yes You Can
6. Residential house and land. A fire destroys a four bedroom house and a new superior residential house is constructed on that land using both insurance proceeds and additional SMSF funds. Rebuilding another residential house (whether of the same size or larger) does not fundamentally change the character of the asset held under the LRBA. The addition of a garage, for example, would also not change the character of the asset. Same asset – Yes You Can
7. Residential house and land. While each of the following changes would be improvements each (or all) of the changes would not result in a different asset:

  • · an extension to add two bedrooms;
  • · the addition of a swimming pool;
  • · an extension consisting of an outdoor entertainment area;
  • · the addition of a garage shed and driveway;
  • · the addition of a garden shed.
 Same asset – Yes You Can
8. Residential house and land. To allow a road to be widened, a local government authority undertakes the compulsory resumption of a minor portion of the frontage of a property which has a residence on it. While the resumption results in the existing property title being replaced, the minor extent of the resumption is such that the fundamental character of the asset, taking account of not only the proprietary rights but also the object of those proprietary rights, remains that of being the residential property. Same asset – Yes You Can
9. Residential house and land. A ‘granny flat’ is to be constructed in the backyard of a property which already has a four bedroom residence established on it. The granny flat will have two bedrooms, a family room, a kitchen and a bathroom and will be connected to utilities such as electricity, water and sewage. The character of the asset would remain residential premises and thus the construction of the granny flat would not result in there being a different asset. Same asset – Yes You Can

Source: ATO SMSFR 2012/1

Conclusion

There is no doubt that this ATO ruling and the examples given are good news, and much appreciated by the SMSF industry who have to deal with enquiries every day. It provides a substantial amount of clarity around many issues that had previously been quite unclear. The common sense and commercial approach by the ATO has also been welcomed and was somewhat unexpected.

I always suggest that SMSF Trustees keep sufficient cash flow in the SMSF to finance repairs and maintenance or any expected improvements rather than using borrowed funds and risk running foul of the rules.

You should however carefully consider any strategy in the light of these rules and make sure you get a second opinion as often if you are too close to a project you can be blinded to its faults. That’s where a good team of advisors comes to the fore.

Checkout : Can I borrow to buy a house and land package off the plan in my SMSF?

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 online via Skype.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

SMSF Specialist Adviser 

 Follow SMSFCoach on Twitter Liam Shorte on Linkedin NextGen Wealth on Facebook   

Verante Financial Planning

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.

5 Comments
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 11, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Borrowing, Loans, LRBA, Property, SMSF
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 11, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/04/11/smsf-borrowing-what-can-i-do-with-an-investment-property-within-the-rules/

Super changes will hit saving strategies


Please find a link below to an article on the Macro Business blog website about the expected and unexpected effects of the proposed Super changes.  No More Tax Free

http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2013/04/super-changes-will-hit-saving-strategies/

Macro Business has an excellent engaged readership and as always the comments tend to be very valuable at exploring the details of any subject just that little bit further.

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™

SMSF Specialist Adviser 

 Follow SMSFCoach on Twitter Liam Shorte on Linkedin NextGen Wealth on Facebook   

Verante Financial Planning

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.

Leave a comment
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 9, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Asset Allocation, Borrowing, Financial Planning, Loans, LRBA, Property, SMSF, Superannuation, Tax Planning, Trustee
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 9, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/04/09/super-changes-will-hit-saving-strategies/

New changes to Superannuation in summary for SMSF Trustees


Firstly nothing to scary but some stings in the tail.    Tax Reform

Mr Swan and Superannuation Minister Bill Shorten fronted announced a tax exemption on superannuation earnings supporting pensions and annuities will be capped at $100,000, and anything above that level taxed at a rate of 15 per cent from 01/07/2014.

Based on a 5% earnings rate that would only impact on those with super assets of more than $2 million. Remember this is per account so for a couple each of them could have $2,000,000 without paying tax on their pension

The $100,000 threshold will be indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and will increase in $10,000 increments.

Special Treatment for Capital gains on Assets purchased before 01/07/2014 ( Did not proceed)

-　 For existing assets (such as property or shares) that were purchased before 5 April 2013, the reform will only apply to capital gains that accrue after 1 July 2024;

-　 For new assets that are purchased from 5 April 2013 to 30 June 2014, individuals will have the choice of applying the reform to the entire capital gain, or only that part that accrues after 1 July 2014; and

-　 For new assets that are purchased after 1 July 2014, the new limits will apply to the entire capital gain.

Higher concessional cap for people aged 60 and over brought forward

Accordingly, the government will bring forward the start date for the new higher concessional cap of $35,000  to July 1 for people aged 60 and over. Concessional includes employer SGC (9-12%) and Salary Sacrifice.

Individuals aged 50 and over will be able to access the higher concessional cap of $35,000 from the current planned start date of 1 July 2014.

The general concessional cap is expected to reach $35,000 from 1 July 2018 for those under 50.

Excess contributions tax to be reformed

Mr Shorten said the government will reform the system of excess contributions tax (ECT) that was introduced by the former government in 2007, to make it fairer and give individuals greater choice.

Under the current arrangements, concessional contributions that are in excess of the annual cap are effectively taxed at the top marginal tax rate (46.5 per cent) rather than the normal rate of 15 per cent.

Now you will pay tax on the excess contribution to match what you would have paid at your marginal tax rate. for example if you are on the 37% tax bracket you would pay ECT at 22% rather than 30% if you had to pay it on the top marginal rate of 45% (plus Medicare).

Income Streams will be Deemed like non-superannuation assets

Under the change announced today, standard pension deeming arrangements will apply to new superannuation account-based income streams assessed under the pension income test rules after 1 January 2015.

Instead of the concessional treatment of Account Based Pensions currently for those accessing an Aged Pension, they will be deemed like normal assets. This will affect those on the borderline of $55K income for a single person and $80K for a couple who previously benefited from deductible amounts on their account based or allocated pensions.

Extending concessional tax treatment to deferred lifetime annuities

The Government will encourage the take-up of deferred lifetime annuities (DLAs), by providing these products with the same concessional tax treatment that superannuation assets supporting income streams receive. This reform will apply from 1 July 2014.

Mr Swan also announced the Gillard government will establish a Council of Superannuation Custodians to ensure that any future changes are consistent with an agreed Charter of Superannuation Adequacy and Sustainability.

Here is the link to the full press release “A fairer superannuation system”

As always please contact me if you want to look at your own particular situation and we will break it down in plain English for you. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or online via Skype.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

SMSF Specialist Adviser 

 Follow SMSFCoach on Twitter Liam Shorte on Linkedin NextGen Wealth on Facebook   

Verante Financial Planning

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.

6 Comments
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 4, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Age Pension, Contributions, Financial Planning, Pensions, SMSF, Tax Planning
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 4, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/04/04/new-changes-to-superannuation-in-summary-for-smsf-trustees/

Using Beer To Explain How Tax Concessions Work


Let’s put tax concessions for superannuation in terms everyone can understand.

Suppose that every night, ten men go to their favorite bar for a few beers. The tab for all tenBeer Fund
comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like
this:

  • The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
  • The fifth would pay $1.
  • The sixth would pay $3.
  • The seventh $7.
  • The eighth $12.
  • The ninth $18.
  • The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that’s what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every night and seemed quite happy with the
arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve ball.

“Since you are all such good customers,” he said, “I’m going to reduce the cost of your nightly tab by $20.”

So, now drinks for the ten only cost $80. The group still wanted to pay their tab the way we pay our taxes.  So, the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.

But what about the other six, the paying customers?

How could they divvy up the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share’?

The six men realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being ‘PAID‘ to drink beer!

So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

  • The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
  • The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings).
  • The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28% savings).
  • The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
  • The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
  • The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once drunk and outside the bar, the men began to compare their savings.

“I only got a dollar out of the $20,” declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man “but he got $10!”

“Yeah, that’s right,” exclaimed the fifth man. “I only saved a dollar, too. It’s unfair that he got ten times more than me!”

“That’s true!!” shouted the seventh man. “Why should he get $10 back when I got only $2? The wealthy get all the breaks!”

“Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in unison. “We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!”

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn’t show up at the bar, so the nine sat down and drank without him. But when it came time to pay the tab, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money  between all of them for even half of the tab!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and Mr Freydenberg, Mr Shorten and Mr Morrison and his shadow Mr Bowen, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction or concession like the Superannuation contribution tax rate. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up to pick up the tab anymore.

In fact, they might start drinking overseas, where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

“everyone will worry about the poor people in the wagon and not about the people pulling the wagon, until there are no more people to pull the wagon!”

For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible

This article has been adapted to Australian circumstances and is based on what is believed to have originally been a letter to the Chicago Tribune by a Mr Don Dodson in March 2001 (Source SNOPES.com )

As always please contact me if you want to look at your own particular situation as we specialise in plain English strategies. 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™

SMSF Specialist Adviser 

 Follow SMSFCoach on Twitter Liam Shorte on Linkedin NextGen Wealth on Facebook   

Verante Financial Planning

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.

5 Comments
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 4, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Superannuation, Tax Planning
Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on April 4, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/04/04/using-beer-to-explain-how-tax-concessions-work/

What are the New Age limits & Work Test Restrictions for Superannuation Contributions from July 2013?


This is crucial for employers, self-employed and anyone considering working past age 65. It is important to understand that it is your age on the date of the contribution that counts. Employees currently do not receive the 9% SG contribution after the age of 70 but that will change on July 1st 2013 so here is an update.

Member’s age at date of contribution Can my SMSF or Superannuation fund accept this contribution?
Under 65 No age limit or work restriction applies
65 but under 75 Mandated Employer Contributions – for example including superannuation guarantee contributions (SGC , usually 9%),                                      orMust have been gainfully employed on at least a part-time basis for at least 40 hours in any one day period during the financial year in which the contributions are made.
75 + Mandated Employer Contributions – including super guarantee contributions (SGC). You cannot make personal voluntary concessional or non-concessional contributions regardless of meeting the work test or not.

 
There is a slight leeway for people to make contributions shortly after their 75th birthday in that the rules allow for a contribution during the period 28 days after the end of the month in which the member turns 75.

Also A regulated superannuation fund may accept contributions in respect of a member if the trustee is reasonably satisfied that a contribution is in respect of a period during which the fund may accept the contribution in respect of that member, even though the contribution is actually made after that period. So if your employer forgot to make a payment and does a catch-up contribution after you have passed an age limit.

Remedy:

If a SMSF or other regulated superannuation fund receives a contribution for a member who does not meet the relevant age and work test it must reject it or return it to the entity making the contribution within 30 days of becoming aware of the breach.

For SMSF trustees the ATO appears to have a more stringent view that the deadline is 30 days from the date of the excess contribution not 30 days from when they become aware of the breach. That is an “ATO view” so not written in to the regulations and subject to challenge.

Tax File Number

The regulated superannuation fund must not accept any member contributions if the member’s tax file number has not been quoted (for superannuation purposes) to the trustee of the fund.

For more information on the existing rules refer to REG 7.04 of the SUPERANNUATION INDUSTRY (SUPERVISION) REGULATIONS 1994 and for the changes http://www.moresuper.gov.au/content/Content.aspx?doc=faqs.htm

One final note – Increase to SG Contributions

Employers need to ensure they implement the new Superannuation Guarantee (SG) changes which take effect on 1 July 2013. Specifically, the SG rate will increase from 9.0% to 9.25% from that date. Further increases will apply in subsequent years until the rate reaches 12% in 2019/20

For employers; to assess if you need to pay Superannuation guarantee payments for a particular person you can use the ATO’s SG Eligibility Decision Tool

As always please contact me if you want to look at your own particular situation . 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™

SMSF Specialist Adviser 

 Follow SMSFCoach on Twitter Liam Shorte on Linkedin NextGen Wealth on Facebook   

Verante Financial Planning

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.

1 Comment
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 23, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Contribution Strategies, Contributions
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 23, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/03/23/what-are-the-new-age-limits-work-test-restrictions-for-superannuation-contributions-from-july-2013/

Can I borrow to buy a house and land package off the plan in my SMSF?


I have had a number of enquiries about this strategy in the last few weeks and I felt it was worth clarifying some details.

Off the Plan

Off the Plan

As with any strategy where you commit to a large future purchase in a moving market and also take a risk on the developer performing to contract, buying off the plan can be risky.  Especially because of the way these contracts shift the risk away from the developer.  With a Self Managed Super Fund purchase with a mortgage this can be even more of an issue if the proposed lender’s final valuation comes in lower than the contracted price which is more common recently. You may then be forced to come up with the shortfall in your SMSF which may be more difficult if you have exhausted your contribution limits.

Here are the basic essentials to getting this type of strategy right:

  • The “property purchase” should be subject to one contract which must be for the completed house and land. Do not purchase land and then look for an SMSF loan to construct a property on it. You will be too late to use the land as security.
  • It is often better to have the SMSF pay the deposit and only have the lending arranged as part of the settlement. In my opinion the Holding Trust should still be in place with the Custodian/Holding Trustee on the title of the contract from the outset.
  • Ensure that the bank/ lender’s only security is only over that land and completed house/unit;
  • The only payments made in respect to the purchase are for the deposit and settlement with no “progress payments”. You may breach the “single acquirable asset” rule which is a big no-no!.
  • Be prepared to move quickly at the time of settlement. LRBA loans do not go through lender’s quickly and you should have as much of the documentation prepared in advance and ready to go as is possible. Drum this into your Mortgage Broker and Solicitor.
  • Do not borrow to the limit of your SMSF. Make sure you have some liquidity to manage low valuations or the demand for a lower LVR from the lender. Alternatively have the capacity and ability to add funds to your SMSF without breaching a contribution cap.

Now there are some who feel that more than 2 payments are possible and that the law is silent on the matter but my philosophy is to KEEP IT SIMPLE! Why makes things difficult for yourself especially when there are developers out there redesigning their contracts to meet the basic 2 payment strategy.

For those looking for more detail I would recommend reading the  issues addressed by the ATO their Taxpayer Alert TA 2012/7 and in the minutes of discussion at the NTLG Super Technical sub-group (December 2012) (if you can find a copy as the ATO took down the page) with specific reference to  example 10 within SMSFR 2012/1.

My final tip is to use a SMSF Specialist Advisor who has dealt with SMSF property borrowing and look for references from client’s they successfully guided through the process. Use a conveyancer or solicitor with experience in the intricacies of these strategies. Use a Mortgage broker that knows how to place these specialised loans and is thinking ahead at all times. Oh and READ YOUR TRUST DEED!

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™

SMSF Specialist Adviser 

 Follow SMSFCoach on Twitter Liam Shorte on Linkedin NextGen Wealth on Facebook   

Verante Financial Planning

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.

9 Comments
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 13, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Asset Allocation, Borrowing, Investment Strategies, Loans, LRBA, Property
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on March 13, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/03/13/can-i-borrow-to-buy-a-house-and-land-package-off-the-plan-in-my-smsf/

ATO have released latest SMSF Statistics


The ATO have just released the SMSF Quarterly Statistical Report for December 2012. It’s good reading for those interested in SMSFs and especially for those embarking on the idea of using one as you can see that they are a well established and significant sector in the superannuation industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

As at June 2012 there were 478,579 Self-Managed Super Funds. This was a net increase of 37,174 (3,097/month) for the year. At this rate with 909K members we are looking at the 1,000,000 SMSF member around September 2013!

Total assets held as at December 2012 was $474,414,000

Assets, including net contributions, increased by $64,693,000 over the year (15.8%)

Listed share exposure increased from 29% to 31.6% over the year

Australian non-residential property dropped from 12% to 11.4% of total assets though it did increase by $5,213,000 whilst Australian residential property decreased from 3.7% to 3.5% of total assets though it did increase by $1,600,000.

Over 91% of funds contain no more than 2 members emphasising that most of the funds are mum and dad funds and people are still hesitant to bring in their children. 22.5% are single member funds.

As at June 2011

o   Average SMSF assets per fund was $963,002

o   Median assets per SMSF was $539,486

o   Average member account size was $506,499

o   Median member account size was $301,964

Ages of members at June 2012 were

o   Under 25 – 1%

o   25 to 34 – 3.4%

o   35 to 44 – 11.2%

o   45 to 54 – 22.8%

o   55 to 64 – 33.4%

o   Over 64 – 28.1%

The ATO believe that with their new data gatherign they will be able to provide additional operating expense reporting in the future. as they have made chnages to the 2012-13 SMSF Annual Return to colect more specific data.

To see the full report and browse through the tables click here

As always please contact me if you want to look at your own particular situation as we take you from novice to expert step by step over the long-term. 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™

SMSF Specialist Adviser 

 Follow SMSFCoach on Twitter Liam Shorte on Linkedin NextGen Wealth on Facebook   

Verante Financial Planning

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.

Leave a comment
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on February 6, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in News & Stats
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on February 6, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/02/06/ato-have-released-latest-smsf-statistics/

What happens if I don’t take the minimum pension?


The Australian Tax Office (ATO) in January 2013 released guidance on the consequences of trustees not paying minimum amounts from account based pensions, including the loss of tax exempt status. It has issued two documents on starting and stopping a superannuation income stream (pensions) for self-managed superannuation funds. Tax Free

 (more…)
9 Comments
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on January 29, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Pensions, SMSF Management, Tax Planning
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on January 29, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/01/29/what-happens-if-i-dont-take-the-minimum-pension/

Property through super in a SMSF – Part 3: 20 most common mistakes


Buy Sell PropertyFollowing on from our previous 2 articles on SMSF and Property, the next logical step is to show where others have commonly made mistakes and how to avoid these errors. I have looked at the errors as they would be experienced in the pre-planning phase, during the borrowing process and once the loan is in place to make it easier to follow and to refer to later. In my opinion, these errors are the most common cause of investor angst and additional costs. They can lead to extremely negative experiences when borrowing to buy property inside a SMSF and are best avoided!

Before the purchase:

Error #1 – Believing purchasing an SMSF property purchase is a standard process

The superannuation system was set up as a concessionally taxed system with one sole purpose and that is to provide for retirement income. The regulators therefore are determined to preserve the integrity of this aim and you should keep this in mind when dealing with any issue related to superannuation and your self-managed super fund in particular.

There are numerous compliance obligations that you must consider that would not be of concern to you if buying a property in your own name or that of a family trust.

Those jumping in and expecting to be able to fix mistakes should be aware that the system leaves little room for error or mitigation of mistakes.

Error #2 – Not seeking pre-approval of a loan and knowing the lender’s requirements before incurring costs

I recommend you use a broker to find out exactly what the lender will require for a loan and check if you would qualify in financial terms before incurring any of the costs in the process. You should expect closer scrutiny of the fund’s deed and financials, your own position and the advice you have received than with ordinary property loans because the lender is offering you a limited recourse product.

Error #3 – Using out of date SMSF trust deeds

Limited recourse borrowing arrangements for superannuation funds is still relatively new and was introduced in September 2007 with a major update to the law in July 2010 and 2013. Further clarifications were made only recently and they may be needed to implement your chosen strategy. Any trust deed set up before July 2007 is unlikely to have the relevant powers required to borrow, grant a charge over an asset, or use a holding trust. As such, I would always recommend a deed upgrade before commencing the process.

And as the lender’s solicitors will review your deed before authorising the loan, any omissions in the deed will only result in delays, costs to rectify the deed and possibly additional fees to the lenders solicitors to approve such subsequent changes. You may miss your settlement date and breach your contract as a result.

Error #4 – Not having a consistent record of contributions or ability to forecast future contributions

Another reason for planning in advance for this strategy is to be able to display a history of making regular contributions to the fund to satisfy bank requirements. They will question the lack of contributions as an indication of financial hardship or lack of commitment to building liquidity in the fund. Likewise, you need to be able to show capacity to make future contributions. Already, the lowering of the concessional contributions cap to $25,000 has put some single member funds in trouble.

During the contract process:

Error #5 – Not making one person responsible for management and control of the process

The process, as outlined in last week’s article, involves the lender, the vendor and your own legal advisers, your tax advisor/accountant, possibly a legal document company and a mortgage broker. You can see that a delay in any part of the process can be a nightmare to sort out. You can see the benefit of having someone on your side who does know what they’re talking about when it comes to SMSF property investment. Ideally that person should be prepared to overview the deal and be the central point of contact for the others involved who may have issues. Having been brought in to handle problems I can tell you that it can be a mess to untangle.

Error #6- Buying a property before the SMSF is properly set up or the holding trustee registered

There is no room for “buy now – think later” moves on a weekend buying spree when dealing with an SMSF. If the SMSF has not been setup then a trust does not exist. If you sign a contract or place a deposit for a property without having the name holding Trustee Company established then you face double stamp duty and capital gains tax issues. Us of “and/or nominee” is very dangerous outside of Victoria.

Error #7 – Not setting up the SMSF and holding trust correctly

Using individual trustees for either the SMSF or the holding trustee may lead to finance being delayed or refused. It may also lead to potential exposure to litigation, putting personal assets at risk. For example, should a trades person be injured while working on the property and sue all parties for negligence, an individual trustee will be directly exposed. Using a trading company as trustee for either position is also a mistake, likely to compromise the “bare” trust arrangement.

In some states, such as NSW, using “and/or nominee” clause could result in ad valorem duty being charged when you then nominate the holding trustee as the alternative purchaser, as this can be seen as a ‘sub-sale’. From what I understand currently Victoria is the only state where ‘and/or nominee’ can be used, but you should check the rules with a local solicitor/conveyancer.

In NSW, Tasmania, the ACT, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria (subject to above), the purchasing entity should be the name of the holding trustee only. You should not use any references to “as trustee for the bare trust” or “as trustee for the XXX SMSF”. If you get this wrong, it may result in adverse and possible double stamp duty implications.

In WA, the word ‘for’ instead of “as trustee for” must be used between the holding trustee and SMSF trustee names. It should be “Holding Trustee Pty Ltd ACN for Super Fund Trustee Pty Ltd ACN”.

The name of the purchaser on the contract for NT property is very specific. It needs to be “Holding Trustee Pty Ltd ACN as trustee for Name of Holding Trust as bare trustee for Fund Trustee Pty Ltd ACN as trustee for Name of Fund ABN”.

Error #8 – Not properly implementing rules concerning ‘single acquirable assets’

In simple terms, the rules state that trusts should purchase a single asset on one title. The ATO ruling SMSFR 2012/1: application of key concepts with LRBAs, provides a degree of clarity by explaining under what circumstances an asset could be viewed as a single asset, which predominantly revolves around whether it cannot be dealt with separately (even if multiple titles are involved). The ATO gives 15 examples as a guide.

Error #9 – Using the lender as holding trustee in a related party loan (where you lend to your fund)

The presence of any conflict, like in a case where the holding trustee is also the lender to the fund, may weaken the “absolute entitlement‟ of the SMSF to the asset. This could have capital gains and land tax consequences for the fund. An example would be the loan coming from your family trust and having the trustee of that family trust also act as the trustee of the holding trust.

Error #10 – Signing up the holding trustee as the borrower instead of the SMSF trustee

Again, I would emphasise that the holding trustee simply holds the title and nothing else. The SMSF trustee is the beneficial owner and must be the borrower on all documentation. If the holding trustee is the borrower, then full stamp duty will be payable on any transfer of title from the holding trustee to the SMSF Trustee when the loan is paid up. Sometimes the holding trustee will have to sign documentation in order for the documentation to be effective. Where this is the case, it should be recorded that the trustee is acting on the instructions of the beneficial owner (i.e. the SMSF trustee).

Error #11– Paying holding fee, deposit, settlement payment or any costs from any source other than from the SMSF

All payments in respect of the transaction must come from the SMSF bank account or the loan facility. In order to facilitate the property transfer on completion of the loan, a documentary evidence showing the trail of payments will be need to be submitted with the request. This is another reason for getting the holding trust deed stamped as recommended later in order to pick up on errors early and seek remedies before financials are completed. This is far better than trying to find solutions years later.

After the settlement:

Error #12 – Breaking the “safe harbour”, “arm’s length” and “sole purpose” rules when dealing with related parties

If you have any interaction with the SMSF directly yourself, or through a company or trust entity controlled by you or a related party, you must be very careful to do so as if dealing with a third-party. Here are a few examples of what this means:

  • putting a proper lease in place for business real property;
  • paying rent on time;
  • making loan repayments on time or charging penalty rates as per the loan agreement;
  • not making personal use of an SMSF residential property even if you agree to pay rent; and
  • not letting your child or sibling move in to a residential property while they get through a rough time.

See: ATO guidance on related party SMSF loans (LRBAs)

Tip: For an online source to a flexible comprehensive lease agreement that ticks all the boxes  you can visit DIY Legal Kits – Lease Agreements

Error #13 – Leaving the stamping of the holding trust deed to be completed too late

The holding trust deed must be stamped to ensure that the final transfer from the holding trustee to the SMSF trustee attracts only nominal stamp duty. Best practice, and in some states the rules dictate it, is to have the final transfer stamped generally within 30-90 days after it has been activated. As mentioned previously, it makes common sense to gather all the supporting documents stamped while available, and the process confirmed before doing the funds financials for the year.

Imagine if your spouse had passed away, or you lost some of the bank’s statements/documentation when trying to do it later, and found double stamp duty being applied by the regulators in your state. Better safe than sorry.

Error #14 – Holding Trustee doing anything other than holding legal title

The holding trustee only exists to hold legal title to the property while there is a loan outstanding. It may also grant security via a mortgage to the lender and enter into leases of the property on behalf of, and as instructed by, the SMSF trustee. A common mistake is for the holding trustee to have its own Australian business number (ABN), tax file number (TFN), or bank account, which should all be avoided.

If the holding trustee performs any other active duties and does not act solely at the direction of the SMSF trustee, then the holding trust may be found to be a separate entity for the purposes of reporting GST. It would then need to prepare and lodge tax returns and the look-through approach to the holding trust may not apply for income, land tax and CGT purposes, which of course means outside of the concessional superannuation environment.

Beware of any lender that requests additional duties on the holding trustee and have your solicitor seek to remove these clauses.

Error #15 – Not considering the liquidity needs of the SMSF during retirement phase

If you plan to put your fund into pension phase while still holding the property then you need to ensure the fund has enough liquidity to pay the minimum pensions, expected lumps sums and maintenance costs of the fund, such as accounting and advice fees. If unable to do so you may exacerbate the position by having to return to accumulation phase and pay tax on the rental income.

Error #16 – Not considering the liquidity needs of the SMSF during periods the property is unoccupied

Property occupancy is rarely continuous and you need to ensure you have the liquidity to make loan repayments and property expenses during periods without tenants. This is why we warn about setting up funds with small balances or using a high proportion of the fund balance for a single asset purchase.

Error #17 – Not considering insurance for the property, the SMSF members’ lives, or your contribution capacity

You need to make sure the property is insured in the name of the SMSF trustee so a loan can be paid out in the event of fire or destruction. You should also ensure that unless you have other funds available within the fund, or can contribute enough to repay the loan on death of a member, that you have life and disability cover up to at least the value of the loan on each member. It is now a legal obligation of the Trustees to consider the insurance needs of the members regularly. If you are negatively gearing, and will rely on your contributions to the cover loan repayment shortfall, then you should additionally consider income protection insurance.

Error #18 – Not understanding the rules regulating the use of borrowed funds for repairs and maintenance, rather than improvements

You can harness the DIY renovator within you but the property developer may need to be shackled when it comes to SMSF property under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement.

Again, I refer to SMSFR 2012/1 for an explanation of the differences between these very similar terms. In basic terms, you can repair and maintain with the borrowed funds but can only improve the property to a certain extent with other funds of the SMSF. Your SMSF’s auditor and the ATO will keep a close eye on any such expenses and the source of funding. Read here for more detail SMSF Borrowing: What Can I Do With An Investment Property Within The Rules.

Error #19 – Going a step too far and creating a ‘replacement asset’

Remembering this is not a business venture, it is an investment within a heavily legislated structure that has a primary focus of providing for your retirement, you need to be wary of any form of ‘development’.

If you proceed to make improvements so extensive that the result is an asset that is substantially different from the original then you may have in effect created a ‘replacement asset’ in the eyes of the regulator: the ATO.

Some examples of ‘replacement assets’ provided by the ATO include:

  • the subdivision of a single plot of land on a single title into smaller plots with individual titles;
  • the building of a house on a vacant plot of land;
  • the demolition of an existing house and its replacement with three strata title units; and
  • the re-zoning of the land upon which an existing house stands and its transformation into commercial premises.

If the ATO considers that the character of the asset has been changed to such a degree, as outlined in the examples above, it now constitutes a replacement asset that they will deem falls outside the guidelines and may make the SMSF non-compliant.

Error #20 – Not registering for GST in the name of the SMSF trustee only

Thanks to recognition of the strategy by the tax office, where the property is commercial and the GST turnover is greater than $75,000, you do not need to register the holding trust for GST, only the SMSF needs to be registered.

This also means if the property is transferred to the SMSF trustee, this doesn’t constitute a taxable supply and thus does not give rise to a GST liability.

The bottom line: This is a comprehensive, but probably not exhaustive list of the errors that SMSF trustees can make in the process of managing a loan to purchase a property in their super. It is essential that you plan the purchase of a property well and do not act in haste or take advice from someone well-intentioned but without a clear understanding of the laws. Experience in dealing with the transaction from start to finish is essential to avoid repeating other peoples’ mistakes.

As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options. You can make an appointment by clicking here. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype

Liam Shorte B.Bus FSSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & Fellow SMSF Specialist Advisor™

 

     

Tel: 02 9899 3693, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002, Norwest NSW 2153

40/8 Victoria Ave Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Advisory Pty Ltd ABN 34 605 438 042, AFSL 476223

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.

29 Comments
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on January 4, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Borrowing, Loans, LRBA, Property, SMSF
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on January 4, 2013

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2013/01/04/property-through-a-smsf-part-3-20-most-common-mistakes/

Property through super in a SMSF – Part 2: The Process


Follow the Process on SMSF BorrowingThis is Part 2 of a 3 part series. In the first article, we looked at the background to the limited recourse borrowing arrangements that can be used by SMSFs to invest in an asset, specifically a residential or commercial property. Now we look at the actual process (using NSW as our base as different states have slightly different rules).

  • Real estate investing and self-managed superannuation can be combined activities, but there are rules to be aware of.
  • Borrowing is one of the more complex areas in this process, but it can still be broken down into relatively simple steps.
  • It’s certainly not child’s play, but this week we show how limited recourse borrowing arrangements can work.

As we detailed last week in the first of this series, placing real estate investments into self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) needn’t been a Herculean task, but it does require careful planning. Most of all, however, you or your advisors need to be fully conversant with the current borrowing exception that is detailed in section 67A of the Superannuation Industry Supervision (SIS) Act. SMSF borrowing is more correctly termed as a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA). This week we take a closer look at LRBAs and show you the typical steps involved.  (more…)

9 Comments
by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on December 28, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Borrowing, Loans, LRBA, Property
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte on December 28, 2012

https://smsfcoach.com.au/2012/12/28/making-your-property-a-super-asset-part-2-the-process/

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