Category: Blog
SMSF Borrowing Rules and Business Real Property: What Actually Qualifies?
From 10 August 2026, a major shift applies to SMSF Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs): borrowing will be restricted to assets that meet the definition of “business real property” (BRP). This change places full focus on how a property is used, rather than what it is called, ..Read More
Can You Make a Downsizer Super Contribution If You Are Aged 75 or Older?
Many Australians believe that once they turn 75, they can no longer contribute to their superannuation. In most cases, this is true. Generally, once you are 75 years or older, a super fund can only accept mandated employer contributions, such as Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions. Most oth..Read More
Division 296: What SMSF Trustees Need to Know About Earnings Attribution and Valuation
The Division 296 superannuation tax framework is now supported by detailed regulations that set out how earnings are attributed to members and how superannuation interests are valued. For SMSFs, these rules directly affect how Total Superannuation Balance (TSB) and Division 296 taxable earnings are..Read More
Division 296 Still Taxes Unrealised Capital Gains – Here’s What Every SMSF Trustee Needs to Know
The Division 296 regulations are now in force, but one question continues to dominate discussions among SMSF trustees and advisers: Does Division 296 still tax unrealised capital gains? The short answer is yes. Despite the release of the supporting regulations on 19 June 2026, nothing has chang..Read More
SMSF Residential Property LRBA Ban Now Law – 10 August 2026 Deadline Confirmed
Countdown Begins as Royal Assent Locks in SMSF Property Borrowing Changes The uncertainty is over. In a remarkably swift legislative process, the Federal Government secured support from the Greens and passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 through both Houses of Parliame..Read More
Proposed Ban on SMSF Residential Property Borrowing: What Trustees Need to Know
The Federal Government has announced proposed changes to Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) borrowing rules that could significantly impact trustees considering residential property investment through their SMSF. Under the proposal announced on 23 June 2026, SMSFs would no longer be permitte..Read More
SMSF LRBA Safe Harbour Interest Rates 2026–27
For the 2026–27 financial year, SMSF limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) safe harbour interest rates are expected to increase, reflecting higher benchmark lending conditions. SMSF LRBA Safe Harbour Rates (2026–27) Real property: 9.35% (previously 8.95% in 2025–26) Listed s..Read More
SMSF Superannuation Split Interest Rate Increases to 6.1% from 1 July 2026
If a superannuation interest is being divided under a Family Law agreement or court order, a new adjustment interest rate will apply from 1 July 2026. The Australian Government Actuary has determined that the interest rate for the 2026–27 financial year will be 6.1%. This rate is relevant where ..Read More
SMSF Trustee Companies: ASIC Fee Update FY2026–27 (Effective 1 July 2026)
From 1 July 2026, ASIC will apply updated annual fees across all company types, including SMSF trustee companies (special purpose companies). These changes are part of the regular CPI indexation and will affect ongoing SMSF compliance costs for trustees. At iCare Super, we’ve summ..Read More
2027 SMSF Bring-Forward Rule Explained: Non-Concessional Contributions Guide
From 1 July 2026, the non-concessional contribution (NCC) bring-forward thresholds will increase, allowing eligible Australians to contribute more money into superannuation and accelerate their retirement savings. The bring-forward rule is particularly valuable for SMSF members and individuals who ..Read More