SMSF

Running a self-managed super fund comes with a list of annual obligations. The one that most often catches new trustees off guard is the audit. Unlike large APRA-regulated funds, which are audited internally, every SMSF must be independently audited each year by a registered SMSF auditor before the annual return can be lodged with the ATO.

Self-managed super funds continue to attract Australians who want greater control over their retirement investments. One area that receives significant attention is property. With the right structure and compliance approach, property can form part of a long-term superannuation strategy. However, the rules around borrowing, ownership, and auditing remain strict.

Super is designed to stay locked away until you retire. That is the whole point. But life does not always cooperate with that plan, and sometimes people find themselves genuinely wondering whether they can access their superannuation before they reach preservation age. The answer is yes, in specific circumstances. The ATO has a defined list of conditions of release that allow early access. Outside of those conditions, accessing your super is illegal, and the ATO is watching more closely than ever.

Setting up a self-managed super fund is not complicated, but it does involve costs, legal fees, accounting fees, trust deed preparation, and registration costs. What trips a lot of new trustees up is a seemingly simple question: who actually pays for those costs? You, personally? Or can the SMSF fund pay them? And are they tax-deductible? The ATO is specific on this, and the March 2026 SMSF newsletter flagged that trustees need to get it right. Here is what you need to know before you sign anything or pay anyone.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when considering retirement? It will undoubtedly be a superannuation fund. When you plan for retirement, you need to understand the different types of contributions you can make to your superannuation fund. One of the most prominent components in this planning is non-concessional contributions. In this detailed guide, we will try to help you understand what non-concessional contributions are, their advantages, how different they are from concessional contributions and strategies for maximising non-concessional contributions.

Are you planning to decide on the right retirement plan? Is SMSF one of your options? Keep reading to know if SMSF is the right plan for you.