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9 October 2025

Home / Distributions

Distributions

1-10 out of 10 results.

Family trust tax: When is a loan not a loan?

A recent ruling could change the tax payable by beneficiaries of family trusts. If the ATO has previously demanded extra payments on unpaid present entitlements in your family group, you should watch this space.

A guide to tax-deferred distributions

At times, income from investment funds may include a component of ‘tax-deferred distributions’. Due to their complexity, these distributions aren't widely understood, so here's an overview of how they actually work.

Why have bond fund distributions been shrinking?

The momentous rise in government bond yields since last year has had one unexpected effect: shrinking income distributions. This may be surprising given bond managers have been able to reinvest at progressively higher yields.

Two of the best-kept secrets for the EOFY

Chris Cuffe reminds us about a charitable-giving structure allowing a full tax deduction now even if the donation is spread over future years. Elsewhere, make sure you are not converting capital to taxable income.

Warning about timing of investments in ETFs and trusts

Investing in ETFs and unit trusts just before a distribution may see a portion of your capital returned to you in the form of taxable income, which may be a poor outcome for your returns.

Warning about investing in unit trusts in June

Investing in unit trusts just before a distribution is paid may see a portion of your capital returned to you in the form of taxable income, which will be a poor outcome for your returns.

How 'bucket companies' work in family trusts

Some of our readers have said family trusts have little merit because of the tight limits on the amount that can be distributed to children paying low tax rates. But the use of bucket companies drives many of the structures.

ETFs a boon, but watch the tax treatment

ETFs are popular investment vehicles but can be complex for tax returns. The ATO classifies them as trusts, and investors, administrators and accountants need to know the details.

Warning about investing in unit trusts in June

Investing in unit trusts just before a distribution is paid may see a portion of your capital returned to you in the form of taxable income, which will be a poor outcome for your returns.

Watch your neighbour in managed funds

The actions of other investors in a managed fund can have a material impact on individuals in the fund. How much do you know about the realised and unrealised capital gains, franking credits or distributions of your fund?

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Are LICs licked?

LICs are continuing to struggle with large discounts and frustrated investors are wondering whether it’s worth holding onto them. This explains why the next 6-12 months will be make or break for many LICs.

Retirement income expectations hit new highs

Younger Australians think they’ll need $100k a year in retirement - nearly double what current retirees spend. Expectations are rising fast, but are they realistic or just another case of lifestyle inflation?

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 627 with weekend update

This week, I got the news that my mother has dementia. It came shortly after my father received the same diagnosis. This is a meditation on getting old and my regrets in not getting my parents’ affairs in order sooner.

  • 4 September 2025

5 charts every retiree must see…

Retirement can be daunting for Australians facing financial uncertainty. Understand your goals, longevity challenges, inflation impacts, market risks, and components of retirement income with these crucial charts.

Why super returns may be heading lower

Five mega trends point to risks of a more inflation prone and lower growth environment. This, along with rich market valuations, should constrain medium term superannuation returns to around 5% per annum.

Super crosses the retirement Rubicon

Australia's superannuation system faces a 'Rubicon' moment, a turning point where the focus is shifting from accumulation phase to retirement readiness, but unfortunately, many funds are not rising to the challenge.

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