The Ultimate Guide to Establishing a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF): Process, Costs, and Compliance

If you’re planning for retirement in Australia, one financial tool stands out for its tax effectiveness: superannuation . But here’s the challenge while the super system is designed to reward disciplined savers, navigating its many rules, caps, and contribution types can be overwhelming, especially with changes rolling in year after year. Whether you're a full-time employee, a small business owner, or managing your own SMSF, there’s a real opportunity in 2025 to optimise your strategy and unlock powerful tax benefits . Let’s cut through the noise and focus on what matters: how to make your super work smarter for your future. Why Superannuation Remains Tax-Smart in 2025 Superannuation was built to reward long-term retirement savings and it does so by offering unique tax advantages in three main areas: Contributions (especially pre-tax), Investment earnings within the fund, and Withdrawals once certain retirement conditions are met. The combination of these benefit...

If you’ve been watching the rise of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets and wondering, “Should my super be part of this?”, you’re not alone. More Australians than ever are exploring crypto investments not just through personal trading accounts, but through their self-managed super funds ( SMSFs ). And it’s not just the tech-savvy early adopters. SMSF crypto investments are growing at pace, with over $1.6 billion now allocated to digital assets in Australia up from $199 million just a few years ago. A remarkable 639% growth in six years. What’s driving this? Increasing comfort with digital assets, the desire for portfolio diversification, and critically the tax efficiency of holding crypto within an SMSF. But with innovation comes complexity. The ATO has placed crypto under the compliance spotlight, and trustees need to navigate not just volatility, but also strict audit, storage, and record-keeping rules. That’s why more trustees are turning to outsourced SMSF professiona...

Fringe Benefits Tax is levied on non-cash benefits provided to employees (or their associates) as part of their remuneration. It’s paid by the employer not the employee and without the right approach, it can quickly add up. The good news? Not all benefits attract FBT , and there are legal ways to reduce, exempt, or structure them to minimise your exposure. Knowing what counts, and what doesn’t, is the first step toward a more efficient benefits strategy.  Four Smart Ways to Reduce FBT Liability Here’s how forward-thinking employers are managing their FBT risks in 2025: 1. Apply the ‘Otherwise Deductible’ Rule If a benefit would have been tax-deductible for the employee (had they paid for it themselves), no FBT applies. Think professional development courses, tools of trade, or industry-specific software. You’ll need employee declarations or acceptable records to substantiate the claim. 2. Use Employee Contributions Employees can make direct contributions toward the benefit u...

The game has changed. For years, Australian accounting firms thrived on referrals and word of mouth—but in 2025, that's simply not enough. Clients are savvier, competition is tougher, and digital presence matters more than ever. So, what does a high-impact marketing strategy look like for an accounting practice today? We’ve broken it down in our complete guide  but here’s a quick look at what’s driving real growth (and what might be holding you back).  The Marketing Shift: Why 2025 Feels Different Let’s be honest: if your firm is still relying on the same marketing methods from 2020, you're likely already behind. Today’s clients expect more than reliable service they want relevance, transparency, and value . The modern accounting firm is: Using AI-powered personalisation to craft targeted messages Sharing interactive content like calculators and video explainers Emphasising ethical branding and sustainable practices Investing heavily in cloud tools, CRMs, an...

Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) often flies under the radar until the deadline looms—and by then, it’s often a scramble. But here’s the thing: If your business provides perks like company vehicles, entertainment, or even reimburses private expenses, the FBT return due date for 2025 isn’t something you can afford to overlook. Getting it wrong or missing the lodgment window? That can mean hefty ATO penalties, interest charges, or worse—unwanted scrutiny. Whether you're handling your FBT obligations internally or working with a professional, understanding the timeline and responsibilities is essential. So, what exactly is Fringe Benefits Tax? FBT is a tax paid by employers on certain non-cash benefits provided to employees or their associates. These can include: Company cars used privately Low-interest loans Event tickets or entertainment Private expense reimbursements What makes FBT particularly tricky is that it’s calculated separately from income tax and operates on its...