Electronic signing of documents by companies

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Covid-19 has caused considerable stress and misery but every cloud has a silver lining and that lining in the case of covid-19 may be the speedy development of a regime

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ATO shoots itself in the foot: tax return must be signed by Administrator

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The ATO refuses to accept a tax return from an intestate deceased estate unless it is signed by the Administrator of the estate. But what if there is no Administrator?

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Does a criminal record disqualify you as an SMSF trustee?

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It is best for SMSF trustees to continuously maintain a clean record to keep their SMSF but getting a criminal record is not yet the end of the world. An

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Does a discretionary trust protect beneficiaries? Part 1

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Dominique Perry from Townsends Lawyers has produced a two-part overview on whether a discretionary trust protects beneficiaries. This is the first in the series.  One of the supposed benefits of

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What to consider when updating SMSF trust deed

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If your trust deed was prepared quite some time ago, it may be time to update the governing rules of your SMSF trust deed. Doing so means that you can

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SMSFs transacting with former spouse, cousins or friends

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There are circumstances where a former spouse could be considered a related party of the fund. Any transactions would be subject to the sole purpose test and the investment strategy

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SMSF: When a member has a terminal medical condition

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When an SMSF member is diagnosed with a terminal medical condition, it is not only devastating news to them but also to those close to them. With perhaps little time

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Where does a company ‘reside’ for tax purposes?

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Australia levies tax on its residents. But how can a company ‘reside’ anywhere for tax purposes? And can a company ‘reside’ in Australia if its directors and or shareholders are

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Changing your mind about your enduring power of attorney

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Has the relationship with your attorney tarnished? An Enduring Power of Attorney (POA) is a significant legal document necessary for empowering an ‘attorney’ to make decisions on your behalf. These

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Can an SMSF sell a collectable to a related party?

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Can SMSF trustees sell a collectable (artwork) to a relative and does it require a valuation report? John and Mary’s SMSF has purchased a collection of artwork as an allowable investment

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