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5 February 2026
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In a monthly column to assist trustees, specialist Meg Heffron explores major issues on managing your SMSF.
Download Meg’s Facts and Figures 2023/24 for your records or print it out so you have all the latest information at your fingertips.
Disclaimer: The information, representations & statements expressed or otherwise implied in this article are based on laws in place at 30 June 2023, made in good faith and derived from sources and research believed to be reliable and accurate. Heffron Consulting Pty Ltd accepts no liability in respect of such representations or statements, whether by reason of negligence or any other matter whatsoever. This article is written without any specific knowledge of individuals’ situations. Any person acting upon such information without receiving specific advice does so entirely at their own risk. All rates are for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 unless otherwise indicated. © Heffron Consulting Pty Ltd 2023.
Meg Heffron is the Managing Director of Heffron SMSF Solutions, a sponsor of Firstlinks. This is general information only and it does not constitute any recommendation or advice. It does not consider any personal circumstances and is based on an understanding of relevant rules and legislation at the time of writing.
For more articles and papers from Heffron, please click here.
Great list and reminders. Some holiday study as well.
I would be appreciated if you could comment on my situation. I have a SMSF $1.7M tax free pension which made up from combination of CSS and my own fund. The CSS was not taxed until last year. This means that my $1.7M tax free pension is reduced. This because the original portion of the CSS component is no longer tax free. How can I top up my tax free threshold of $1.7M and who do I approach?. My accountant said the Legislation do not allow me to top up, is this correct?.
The CSHC income thresholds were updated on 20-Sept-23 to $95,400 pa for singles and $152,640 pa for couples.
Any idea of how the Relevant number is calculated I would appreciate an example where i can include my personal portfolio outside super + my total super to work out ( using the deeming ) for centreLink
Rules for eligibility to contribute to super are simple but there are conditions regarding accessing the bring forward rule that may result in unintended tax consequences. Here's an overview of everything you need to know.
Every SMSF owner should take an interest in David Murray’s Financial System Inquiry because it asks some fundamental questions including issues around limitations, tax breaks, contribution limits and more.
Research now backs up the anecdotal claims that SMSF trustee confidence in the superannuation system is declining. The proposed Council with its independence and long term view will help address this.
What are the best ways to build a simple portfolio from scratch? I’ve addressed this issue before but think it’s worth revisiting given markets and the world have since changed, throwing up new challenges and things to consider.
At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.
Treasury has released draft legislation for a new version of the controversial $3 million super tax. It's a significant improvement on the original proposal but there are some stings in the tail.
The renowned investor says 2025’s real story wasn’t AI or US stocks but the shift away from American assets and a collapse in the value of money. And he outlines how to best position portfolios for what’s ahead.
The predictions include dividends will outstrip growth as a source of Australian equity returns, US market performance will be underwhelming, while US government bonds will beat gold.
We don’t have a housing shortage; we have housing misallocation. This explores why so many bedrooms go unused, what’s been tried before, and five things to unlock housing capacity – no new building required.
Our cost-of-living pressures go beyond the RBA: surging house prices, excessive migration, and expanding government programs, including the NDIS, are fuelling inflation, demanding bold, structural solutions.
The latest draft legislation may be an improvement but it still has the whiff of a wealth tax about it. The question remains whether a golden opportunity for simpler and fairer super tax reform has been missed.
Your super isn’t a bank account you own; it’s a trust you merely benefit from. So why would the Division 296 tax you personally on assets, income and gains you legally don’t own?
Inflation consistently undermines wealth, even in low-inflation environments. Whether or not it returns to target, investors must protect portfolios from its compounding impact on future living standards.
Global equity markets have experienced stellar returns in 2024 and 2025 led, in large part, by the boom in AI. Which sector could be the next star in global markets? This names three future winners.
The case for listed infrastructure is built on stable earnings and cash flows, which have sustained 4% dividend yields across cycles and supported consistent, inflation-linked long-term returns.
The US stock market sits in prolonged bubble territory, driven by AI enthusiasm. History suggests eventual mean reversion, reminding investors to weigh potential risks against current market optimism.