You may have read about a recent court decision affecting some family trusts. In a case called Bendel, published on 19 February 2025, the Full Federal Court unanimously held that the private company beneficiary of a discretionary trust has not made a “loan” or “financial accommodation” to the trust merely by not calling for the payment of its trust distribution.
When it comes to inheritances, one key fact to understand is that Australia has no death duties – meaning there are no taxes on a deceased person’s estate based on the value of their assets at the time of death.
Congratulations! Your investment has done well, and you’re cashing in. You’re happy, and so too is the ATO. That substantial capital gain has brought wealth and a hefty tax bill.
Did you know that if you own an asset (eg, land or a factory or even a trademark) that someone else uses in carrying on a small business then you might be entitled to the CGT small business concessions when you sell the asset? And these concessions can either entirely or partially eliminate any capital gain you make on selling it (or at least defer it).
If you own Bitcoin, or any other crypto currency, you may have been the beneficiary of Donald Trump’s election as President last November – which saw Bitcoin prices jump by almost 50% almost immediately after the election (and certainly in the following weeks).
Super is a great way to save for retirement. It offers an opportunity to invest in long-term growth assets and enjoy generous tax concessions along the way.
Billions of dollars in downsizer super contributions have been made since its introduction in 2018. Downsizer contributions are popular, but three common misconceptions keep them from being more so.
Most people know that if you inherit a person’s home and you sell it within two years of their death, it can be exempt from capital gains tax (CGT).
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has released new guidance (TD 2024/7) on when financial advice fees can be claimed as a tax deduction. Overall, the ATO has not changed its view but it has given more clarity around the deductibility of upfront and ongoing fees.
Superannuation is often seen as untouchable savings for retirement, but did you know it can also be a lifeline during financial difficulty? While super is designed for retirement, there are rules to allow it to provide financial support in several situations. Let’s explore these rules and how super might offer relief in times of crisis.