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3 September 2025

Home / Distributions

Distributions

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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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