FirstTech Podcast

Craig Day, Alex Denham and Richard Chen answer our question of the month, which discusses a situation where a couple get together later in life and both own their own home. Who can make a downsizer contribution and in respect of which home?

When a client passes away an option for their spouse is to take their death benefit in the form of an income stream, such as an account based pension. However, these death benefit pensions have a number of rules and issues associated with them that can unexpectedly catch advisers out from time to time.

Craig Day, Tim Sanderson, Linda Bruce, Kim Guest and Peter Wheatland discuss the latest technical news including the increase to deeming rates, economic roundtable, consultation on retirement income streams and ATO warnings on accessing super on compassionate grounds.For more information, see Latest News on the FirstTech site

Craig Day and Kim Guest discuss whether a company director can meet the retirement condition of release by terminating their position as a director of a private company.

Craig Day and Linda Bruce explore key components of individual tax returns that must be accurately completed to ensure the effective implementation of financial planning strategies recommended by advisers.

Craig Day, Richard Chen and Kim Guest discuss the latest technical news including recent Bills introduced to the new Parliament, proposed changes to Total Super Balance from 1 July 2025, waiving social security debts relating to commuting legacy pension and much more...

Craig Day, Sina Heng and Linda Bruce discuss the ins and outs of varying notices of intent to claim a super deduction.In this podcast they cover increasing and decreasing the amount claimed as a deduction, as well as timing issues that can cause things to go wrong.For more information: FirstTech Did You Know Can you increase the amount claimed in a notice of intent?

Craig Day and Tim Sanderson discuss the proposed Division 296 tax.FirstTech have received many questions regarding clients who have decided they want to withdraw funds from super to avoid the tax, but are unsure of the best time to make the withdrawal to reduce possible capital gains tax liabilities.For more information: FirstTech article The proposed Division 296 tax - how the new tax is likely to work

Craig Day, Tim Sanderson, Richard Chen and Kim Guest discuss the latest technical news including Transfer Balance Cap indexation displaying on myGov, deferral of aged care changes to 1 November, 20% reduction in student HELP debts, scams targeting Centrelink recipients and super members, and how to order FirstTech Guides for 2025/26.For more information, see Latest News on the FirstTech site.