Simple steps to set up your self managed super for a stronger year
As a firm with more than 35+ years of experience, Nationwide Financial helps Australians organise their super with clarity and confidence. August is the perfect time to set your SMSF plan for the 2025 to 26 year so your contributions, investments and cash flow all work together.
What changed on 1 July 2025
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The super guarantee moved to 12 percent for eligible workers. ato.gov.au
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The general transfer balance cap increased to 2 million. This cap affects how much you can hold in tax free retirement phase. ato.gov.au
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The non concessional contributions cap is 120,000 a year, with bring forward settings that depend on your total super balance. ato.gov.au
Six early year moves for SMSF trustees
1) Map your concessional contributions for the whole year
The concessional cap is 30,000 for 2025 to 26. If your total super balance was under 500,000 at 30 June 2025, you may add any unused concessional cap amounts from the past five years using the carry forward rule. This can be a powerful way to manage tax and smooth cash flow. ato.gov.au+1
Tip: Include your employer super and any salary sacrifice in your running total so you do not exceed the cap.
2) Decide if a bring forward contribution fits your plan
From 1 July 2025 the non concessional cap remains 120,000. If your total super balance on 30 June 2025 was:
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Less than 1.76 million you may contribute up to 360,000 over three years
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1.76 to under 1.88 million you may contribute up to 240,000 over two years
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1.88 to under 2.0 million you may contribute up to 120,000 for the year only
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2.0 million or more your non concessional cap is nil for the year
Always check your personal position in ATO online services before moving money. ato.gov.au
3) Consider a downsizer contribution
If you are 55 or older and you sell your home, you may be able to contribute up to 300,000 per person to super. This is separate from the normal caps and can help boost retirement savings. There are timing and eligibility rules, so get advice before you act. ato.gov.au
4) Review your investment strategy and liquidity
Make sure your written strategy matches what the fund actually holds. Check liquidity for pension payments, insurance costs and planned contributions or property expenses. If you hold unlisted assets or property, plan for independent valuations well before year end.
5) If you have an SMSF property loan, reset repayments now
For related party limited recourse borrowing arrangements, the ATO safe harbour interest rates for 2025 to 26 are 8.95 percent for real property and 10.95 percent for listed securities. Update your repayment schedule from July and keep terms on arm’s length settings to avoid non arm’s length income risks. The ATO’s guideline PCG 2016/5 sets the accepted safe harbour terms.
Need finance help? Alora Finance, our in house lending division, supports SMSF lending, refinancing and strategy modelling so your loan and your broader plan work together.
6) If you are in pension phase, confirm your minimums
The temporary halving of minimum pension drawdowns has ended. Normal minimum rates apply again, so check you are on track to meet the required payments for the year and set up withholding and reporting correctly. ato.gov.au
A quick compliance checklist
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Confirm your SMSF annual return and audit timelines and keep records tidy. If you are unsure of your due date, check ATO guidance or speak with your tax agent. ato.gov.au
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Keep trustee minutes up to date for any major decisions, including contributions, pension commencements and property actions.
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Track contributions across all funds and all members to avoid exceeding caps.
Property inside super is not one size fits all
Borrowing in an SMSF can magnify outcomes in both directions. Always test rent assumptions, interest cover, buffer for vacancies and repair costs, and plan for what happens if rates rise or values fall. If your fund relies on member contributions to service debt, make sure your contribution plan is realistic and within caps.
How Nationwide Financial and Alora Finance can help
Nationwide Financial brings accounting and taxation, financial planning, insurance, superannuation, lending through Alora Finance, and property structuring together under one roof. That means your contribution plan, your tax position, your insurance and any SMSF lending are designed to support one clear goal your retirement outcome.
Book a complimentary SMSF strategy check and we will map your 2025 to 26 contribution options, review any property lending and confirm your compliance steps.
Disclaimer
This information is general in nature and does not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account. It is not financial advice. Please speak with our team for personal guidance.
Ready to get started?
Send us a message to schedule your SMSF strategy session with Nationwide Financial and Alora Finance.