Retirement
Government pushed to rule out 3-year audits
While there have been no announcements regarding the proposed three-yearly audit cycle since June last year, one technical expert has urged the government to confirm that the measure is firmly “off the table”.
Government pushed to rule out 3-year audits
While there have been no announcements regarding the proposed three-yearly audit cycle since June last year, one technical expert has urged the government to confirm that the measure is firmly “off the table”.
As part of the 2018–19 federal budget, the government announced plans to change the annual audit requirement to a three-yearly requirement where SMSFs have a good history of good record keeping and compliance.
The proposed measure was met with considerable industry backlash, with many SMSF specialists highlighting various practical issues with changing the audit cycle.
After the Treasury released a discussion paper and completed consultation on the measure back in August 2018, the government did not issue draft legislation.
In June last year, senator Jane Hume said the government was still considering the outcomes of the consultation on the measure.
Deloitte partner and national SMSF leader Liz Westover said while the measure did not appear in the budget papers this year, she would still like to see the government provide certainty that the measure it now completely ruled out.
“I’m not aware of the government actually saying that it’s off the table,” Ms Westover said speaking at the SMSF Adviser Technical Strategy Masterclass.
“I would certainly welcome some absolute clarity on that to ensure it’s not back on the radar.”
Since the measure was first announced, the proposal to implement three-yearly audit cycles has been controversial, with a number of specialists in the industry criticising the idea.
KPMG warned that extending the audit cycle to three years may exacerbate compliance issues and the amount clients need to pay in penalties.
Others raised concerns that the proposal could also see increased activity by unscrupulous advisers and promoters targeting SMSFs with early release schemes.
RELATED ARTICLES
Self managed super fund
Superannuation guarantee to be paid on government paid parental leave, says ASFA
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has hailed the government's decision to include Superannuation Guarantee payments with its Paid Parental Leave policy as a critical step ...Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSF experts advise against hasty reactions to potential super tax changes
As the Australian Government proposes a new tax measure on superannuation earnings for balances exceeding $3 million, experts from the self-managed super funds (SMSF) sector are urging members not to ...Read more
Self managed super fund
Federal government announces changes to superannuation contribution caps
The Federal Government has announced changes to the superannuation contribution caps, impacting self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and their members from 1 July 2024. Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSF Association calls for joint effort to tackle early super access
The SMSF Association is calling on a collaborative approach including the Government, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the ...Read more
Self managed super fund
Rest Super members file class action over alleged insurance premium deductions
Shine Lawyers has initiated a class action lawsuit against Rest Superannuation (Rest), alleging the unlawful deduction of income protection insurance premiums from members' superannuation accounts. Read more
Self managed super fund
Debunking a superannuation tax myth: SMSF Association clarifies the impact on Aussie farms
In the ongoing debate about a proposed new tax targeting superannuation funds exceeding $3 million, the SMSF Association has stepped in to challenge claims from the Association of Superannuation Funds ...Read more
Self managed super fund
Is an SMSF right for you?
When it comes to planning for retirement, one of the most significant decisions Australians have to make is how to manage their superannuation. Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSF growth continues after pandemic peak
The statistics have begun to change coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new findings from Australian Investment Exchange Limited (AUSIEX). Read more
Self managed super fund
Superannuation guarantee to be paid on government paid parental leave, says ASFA
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has hailed the government's decision to include Superannuation Guarantee payments with its Paid Parental Leave policy as a critical step ...Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSF experts advise against hasty reactions to potential super tax changes
As the Australian Government proposes a new tax measure on superannuation earnings for balances exceeding $3 million, experts from the self-managed super funds (SMSF) sector are urging members not to ...Read more
Self managed super fund
Federal government announces changes to superannuation contribution caps
The Federal Government has announced changes to the superannuation contribution caps, impacting self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and their members from 1 July 2024. Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSF Association calls for joint effort to tackle early super access
The SMSF Association is calling on a collaborative approach including the Government, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the ...Read more
Self managed super fund
Rest Super members file class action over alleged insurance premium deductions
Shine Lawyers has initiated a class action lawsuit against Rest Superannuation (Rest), alleging the unlawful deduction of income protection insurance premiums from members' superannuation accounts. Read more
Self managed super fund
Debunking a superannuation tax myth: SMSF Association clarifies the impact on Aussie farms
In the ongoing debate about a proposed new tax targeting superannuation funds exceeding $3 million, the SMSF Association has stepped in to challenge claims from the Association of Superannuation Funds ...Read more
Self managed super fund
Is an SMSF right for you?
When it comes to planning for retirement, one of the most significant decisions Australians have to make is how to manage their superannuation. Read more
Self managed super fund
SMSF growth continues after pandemic peak
The statistics have begun to change coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new findings from Australian Investment Exchange Limited (AUSIEX). Read more
