May 2025 Newsletter
A Word from Paul Searle
With 30 June fast approaching, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for working with the team at Strategic Super. We truly value the opportunity to support you with the ongoing management and compliance side of your SMSF—even if it’s not always the most exciting part of the process!
That’s exactly why we aim to make things as smooth and stress-free as possible—especially during this time of year. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are newer to the journey, we appreciate the time and effort you put into providing your documents and keeping communication flowing. It genuinely makes a difference and helps us deliver the best possible outcomes for you.
On a personal note, I’m hoping to get in a quick camping trip or a quiet beach day before the full EOFY whirlwind hits. A bit of fresh air and no phone reception can do wonders for the mind!
As always, if you have any questions or need a hand getting your fund ready for year-end, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The team and I are always happy to help.
Warm regards,
Paul Searle
Founder | Tax Agent
Get Ahead Before 30 June
The Smart Way to Approach EOFY Tax Planning
The end of the financial year may still be a few months away—but when it comes to tax planning for your SMSF, now is the time to start preparing.
EOFY isn’t just about lodging returns. It’s an opportunity to review your strategy, maximise available opportunities, and ensure your fund is operating as tax-effectively as possible.
Why Plan Early?
Waiting until June can lead to rushed decisions—or missed opportunities altogether. Starting now gives you time to:
✅ Maximise Contributions (Without Breaching the Caps)
We’ll help you assess whether topping up your concessional or non-concessional contributions makes sense this year—and ensure you stay within the legislated limits.
✅ Make Use of Carry-Forward Contributions
If you’ve had unused concessional cap space from previous years, you might be eligible to contribute more this year and reduce personal tax. Eligibility depends on your balance and other factors—so early planning is essential.
✅ Review Pension Payments
For members in pension phase, it’s critical to ensure minimum drawdowns are made by 30 June. Missing the minimum can result in your fund losing its tax-free status for the year.
✅ Revisit Your Investment Strategy & Liquidity
Are your investments still aligned with your goals? Does your fund have enough liquidity to cover pensions or expenses? A pre-EOFY review helps identify and fix any gaps before they become issues.
✅ Plan for Capital Gains
If your SMSF has sold assets during the year, we can assess opportunities to offset gains with any available capital losses. Addressing this early can help manage the fund’s tax liability effectively.
Why It Pays to Plan Ahead
- Minimise tax across both your SMSF and personal finances
- Avoid last-minute compliance issues with the ATO
- Make informed decisions with time to act
- Stay in control of your progress and strategic direction
Let’s Check In Early This Year
We encourage all clients to book their EOFY tax planning review well before 30 June. Early action gives us time to run the numbers, prepare documentation, and implement strategies calmly—without the EOFY rush.
If you’re ready to make the most of this EOFY, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Scams, Unsolicited Offers & "Too Good to Be True" Investments
A timely reminder for all SMSF trustees
Scams and unsolicited investment offers are on the rise—and becoming increasingly sophisticated. SMSF trustees are often targeted because you control a valuable pool of retirement savings and have the flexibility to invest in a wide range of assets.
Some of these approaches may appear legitimate at first glance. You might receive a phone call from someone who sounds credible, or an email promoting early access to super, guaranteed returns, or exclusive investment opportunities. But in many cases, these are scams—or at best, inappropriate and non-compliant investments.
Here are a few common red flags to watch for:
1. Unsolicited Calls or Emails from “Investment Professionals”
If someone contacts you out of the blue offering advice or access to a special deal, proceed with extreme caution. Scammers often impersonate legitimate financial firms using stolen branding and false credentials. Always hang up and verify the contact through official channels—or better yet, check with us before responding.
2. Promises of High Returns or “Guaranteed Income”
There’s no such thing as a guaranteed return—especially within SMSFs, which must operate under strict legal and investment principles. These offers often carry significant hidden risks or are outright scams. If something sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.
3. Offers to Access Your Super Early
Outside of very limited situations (like permanent incapacity or severe financial hardship), accessing your super before retirement is illegal. Any scheme offering to “unlock” or withdraw your super early—particularly via an SMSF—is likely fraudulent and can result in severe penalties, tax consequences, or even trustee disqualification.
4. Professional-Looking Websites and Fake Documents
Scammers now use polished websites, forged ASIC numbers, and realistic-looking documentation to build trust. Always verify the legitimacy of any materials or online platforms before providing personal details or transferring funds. If you’re uncertain, get in touch with us—we’re here to help you sort fact from fiction.
Your Best Defence? A Second Opinion.
If you receive an offer—whether from a stranger, a contact, or even someone you know—that involves your SMSF, please speak to us first. We can help assess whether it’s legitimate, suitable, and compliant with superannuation law.
Your SMSF is your future. Let’s keep it secure, compliant, and working in your best interest.
When in doubt, reach out.
Have You Reviewed Your SMSF Investment Strategy This Year?
As an SMSF trustee, one of your key obligations is to maintain a written investment strategy—and to review it regularly to ensure it still meets the needs of your fund.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) expects trustees to revisit their strategy at least once a year, or whenever there’s a significant change in circumstances—such as purchasing a new asset, starting a pension, changing members, or altering contribution patterns.
But this isn’t just a compliance exercise. A clear, up-to-date investment strategy acts as your fund’s financial roadmap. It helps guide your decisions, manage risk, and keep your long-term retirement goals in focus.
What Should Your Investment Strategy Cover?
Your strategy doesn’t need to be lengthy or complex—but it must clearly address:
- The risks and expected returns of your fund’s investments
- Your investment objectives—such as capital growth, income generation, or capital preservation
- The asset allocation or investment mix (e.g. shares, property, cash, fixed interest)
- Liquidity needs—ensuring enough cash is available to meet expenses, pensions, and tax obligations
- Your fund’s ability to meet member benefit payments, especially if a member is in pension phase
- Whether insurance has been considered for fund members
Why It’s Worth Reviewing Each Year
As your circumstances evolve, so should your investment strategy. For example:
- Have you added property or other major assets to your fund?
- Are you now drawing a pension rather than accumulating super?
- Has your risk tolerance shifted due to age, market conditions, or life changes?
If the answer to any of these is yes, it’s likely time to revisit your strategy. And the ATO will expect to see clear evidence of that review.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re unsure whether your current strategy is still appropriate—or you need help documenting a review—we can guide you through the process. It’s a simple step that keeps your fund compliant, relevant, and aligned with your goals for retirement.
Let’s make sure your investment strategy is working as hard as you are.
General Advice Disclaimer
The information provided on this platform (including any publications, articles, or other types of content) is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, accounting, tax, legal, investment, or other professional advice.
Strategic Super and its employees are not licensed financial advisers and do not provide financial product advice. While we aim to present accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content.
Every individual's financial circumstances are unique. Generic information cannot substitute for tailored advice. Before making any financial decisions or implementing any strategy, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified financial adviser, accountant, or other professional who can provide advice based on your specific needs and goals.
If you do not have a financial adviser, we would be happy to refer you to one.
Any actions you take based on the information presented are strictly at your own risk. Strategic Super accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or cost incurred by you or any third party as a result of reliance on the content provided.
Strategic Super
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