Save
Big tax bills could face investors with property in super
One of Australia’s top SMSF experts believes investors could be in for a rough ride if they have property in their super, as the government continues to tighten regulations and legislation.
Big tax bills could face investors with property in super
One of Australia’s top SMSF experts believes investors could be in for a rough ride if they have property in their super, as the government continues to tighten regulations and legislation.

In recent months and years, the ATO has been particularly focused on stamping out related-party borrowing in superannuation, which in effect refers to borrowing from a source that is not commercial, like a bank or credit union.
The Tax Office has been concerned about borrowing on non-commercial terms for various reasons, including that SMSFs could be securing rates and structures that would otherwise not be accessible for other funds.
This financial year, the ATO has new data matching capability on its hands, and national leader of superannuation at accounting firm BDO, Shirley Schaefer, believes it’ll be all eyes on borrowing arrangements.
“Now that all those tax returns have been lodged, you might find the ATO does a bit of data matching and undertake a few reviews in this area,” said Ms Schaefer.

If it’s found that funds are not operating on commercial terms, they could be hit with the non-arm’s length income provisions, or NALI, which could mean a tax bill of up to 15 per cent. NALI is taxed at the top personal marginal rate.
This is the latest in a string of clampdowns from the government and regulators on borrowing in superannuation.
At the moment, a bill is before the Senate to have the outstanding loan amount on a borrowing within super added to a member’s total super balance. In many cases this has made borrowing in superannuation less attractive, as it means a leveraged asset could push a superannuation fund over the prescribed caps.

Tax saving
The downsizer dividend: How targeted tax levers could unlock housing supply in Australia
A call by Raine & Horne to incentivise seniors to move to smaller homes has kicked off a wider policy conversation that reaches well beyond real estate. If designed well, a targeted package could ...Read more

Tax saving
Raine & Horne's bold move could unlock housing supply but what are the hidden risks
Raine & Horne’s call for targeted tax incentives to encourage empty nesters to ‘rightsize’ isn’t just another sector wish list; it’s a potential lever to free up family homes, ease rental ...Read more

Tax saving
From annual check-ups to always‑on: how modern portfolio reviews unlock after‑tax alpha
The era of once‑a‑year portfolio check‑ins is over. Continuous, tech‑enabled reviews now drive returns through tax efficiency, risk control and behavioural discipline—especially in a high‑rate ...Read more

Tax saving
Navigating tax laws for capital gains in 2023
The landscape of Australian tax laws surrounding capital gains is ever-changing, with 2023 being no exception. Read more

Tax saving
What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto
One million Aussies are now invested in crypto, but many have not thought about how these investments will affect them at tax time. Read more

Tax saving
Welfare overhaul could give recipients a leg-up
Australia’s Centrelink recipients who’ve been doing it tough are in for a potentially easier time if the federal government pursues ambitious reforms that could provide sturdier safety nets. Read more

Tax saving
Students should think twice before tapping into their super
Former students might want to think carefully before they look to take advantage of the federal government’s biggest first home buyer incentive. Read more

Tax saving
Advocates call for an end to tax cuts
Social services sector advocates have warned that further tax cuts may make solving Australia’s biggest challenges much harder. Read more

Tax saving
The downsizer dividend: How targeted tax levers could unlock housing supply in Australia
A call by Raine & Horne to incentivise seniors to move to smaller homes has kicked off a wider policy conversation that reaches well beyond real estate. If designed well, a targeted package could ...Read more

Tax saving
Raine & Horne's bold move could unlock housing supply but what are the hidden risks
Raine & Horne’s call for targeted tax incentives to encourage empty nesters to ‘rightsize’ isn’t just another sector wish list; it’s a potential lever to free up family homes, ease rental ...Read more

Tax saving
From annual check-ups to always‑on: how modern portfolio reviews unlock after‑tax alpha
The era of once‑a‑year portfolio check‑ins is over. Continuous, tech‑enabled reviews now drive returns through tax efficiency, risk control and behavioural discipline—especially in a high‑rate ...Read more

Tax saving
Navigating tax laws for capital gains in 2023
The landscape of Australian tax laws surrounding capital gains is ever-changing, with 2023 being no exception. Read more

Tax saving
What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto
One million Aussies are now invested in crypto, but many have not thought about how these investments will affect them at tax time. Read more

Tax saving
Welfare overhaul could give recipients a leg-up
Australia’s Centrelink recipients who’ve been doing it tough are in for a potentially easier time if the federal government pursues ambitious reforms that could provide sturdier safety nets. Read more

Tax saving
Students should think twice before tapping into their super
Former students might want to think carefully before they look to take advantage of the federal government’s biggest first home buyer incentive. Read more

Tax saving
Advocates call for an end to tax cuts
Social services sector advocates have warned that further tax cuts may make solving Australia’s biggest challenges much harder. Read more