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

Another deficit year? Yes. But this time, it’s strategic. The 2025–26 Australian Federal Budget, handed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, marks a pivot point from two years of surpluses to a calculated $42.1 billion deficit. But before alarm bells ring, it’s worth noting: this is not reckless spending. It’s a targeted shift toward relief, investment, and resilience. For financial advisors , accountants, and business strategists, this budget isn’t just about fiscal figures it’s about finding clarity in complexity and helping clients make smarter moves in the year ahead.  A Budget Framed Around Relief, Not Rescue With inflation easing and unemployment forecast to peak modestly at 4.25%, the government’s approach balances short-term support with long-term economic priorities. The message? We’re not in crisis, but we do need a course correction. Economic growth remains steady at 2.25%, and the government has been deliberate about where money flows toward households, healthcare, hous...

If you’re running a business, managing payroll, planning for retirement or doing all three you can’t afford to ignore what’s coming on July 1, 2025. Australia’s superannuation system is undergoing its biggest update in years, and whether you’re an employer, employee, or adviser, these changes are going to affect how money moves, how it’s taxed, and how we plan for the future. At NCS Global , we’ve broken down the updates you can’t afford to miss and more importantly, what you should do about them.  The Super Guarantee Rate Rises to 12% After years of incremental changes, the Super Guarantee (SG) rate will finally hit 12% on July 1, 2025. That means employers must now contribute 12 cents for every dollar an employee earns (up to the maximum contribution base). For employees, this represents a direct boost to retirement savings potentially translating to an extra $125,000 over a working life for someone earning $100,000 annually. For employers, however, this means more than j...

Running a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is not for the faint-hearted. It requires sharp attention to detail, timely decision-making, and a firm grasp of Australia’s ever-evolving regulatory landscape. But one thing that continues to trip up even the most well-intentioned trustees? Missing the SMSF tax return lodgement deadline. With the ATO tightening its compliance focus and audit scrutiny rising, being even a few weeks late could result in financial penalties, damaged credibility or worse, loss of your fund’s compliance status. So, as we head into the 2025 financial year, here’s what every SMSF trustee needs to know to stay ahead. Why Do SMSF Deadlines Matter So Much? While it may seem like just another tax return, your SMSF annual lodgement is a core compliance obligation. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) uses it to assess whether your fund is operating lawfully and being late can flag you as a potential risk. Late lodgement can lead to: Administrative penalties (up ...

Paying super isn’t just a checkbox on your payroll list it’s a core responsibility of running a compliant and respected business in Australia. And in 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. Timely super contributions directly impact your employees’ financial future. But they also affect your business’s bottom line  late payments mean lost tax deductions and potential penalties from the ATO . With changes looming on the horizon, including the much-discussed Payday Super reform coming in 2026, now’s the time to ensure your business is not only compliant but ahead of the curve. Let’s unpack what matters for 2025, and why proactive super management is critical for finance leaders and business owners alike. Super Is Getting Bigger And So Are Expectations As of March 2025, Australia’s total superannuation assets reached $4.1 trillion , with a staggering $2.9 trillion held in APRA -regulated funds . That’s not just a figure it’s a reflection of how important the super system has becom...

If you’re preparing for the 2025 Australian tax season, you’re already ahead of many professionals who wait until the last minute. Understanding the key deadlines and requirements is crucial not only to avoid penalties but also to optimize your tax position and reduce stress. Here’s a clear, practical guide to navigating the Australian tax return deadline in 2025, designed to help individuals, freelancers, and small business owners meet their obligations confidently and efficiently. Why the 31 October 2025 Deadline Matters for You For most Australians lodging their own returns, the tax deadline is 31 October 2025. Missing this date can lead to penalties and interest charges, which can add up quickly. If you use a registered tax agent and engage them before this date, you may qualify for an extended deadline, but this depends on your circumstances and past compliance history. The Australian financial year runs from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, and tax season officially opens on 1 July...