Jane Purnell, Author at Holzworth Partners

3 Nov 2026

Tax, Superannuation & Business Update

As we approach the end of the year, November is an ideal time for business owners to review their financial obligations and ensure everything is in order before the Christmas break.With changes to superannuation payments, upcoming Christmas celebrations, ATO debt management and important tax considerations, there are several areas worth giving attention to before the year comes to a close.In this month's update, we explore six important topics that may affect your business, employees or

3 Nov 2026

Annuities and retirement planning making your money last

By Jane Purnell

Retirement should give you more freedom to enjoy life. Yet even people with healthy superannuation balances can worry about spending their savings. What happens if you live longer than expected? How much can you spend without running short? And how do you balance your own needs with leaving something for your family?Annuities can provide regular income for a fixed period or for life, depending on the product you choose. Used alongside superannuation pensions, cash and

7 Oct 2026

LRBA Changes: What the New SMSF Property Rules Mean for SMSF Trustees

By Jane Purnell

Significant changes to Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) came into effect on 10 August 2026, changing how SMSFs can use borrowing to acquire real property.The changes do not mean LRBAs have disappeared or that SMSFs can no longer invest in residential property. Instead, the rules have changed the types of real property that can be acquired through a new LRBA.For SMSF trustees, the key distinction is between borrowing to acquire residential property, investing in residential

7 Oct 2026

Credit-card payments will end after 30 November 2026

By Jane Purnell

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced that it will stop accepting credit-card payments after 30 November 2026. The change affects individuals and businesses that currently use a credit card to pay tax liabilities or make instalments under an ATO payment plan. Why is the ATO making this change? The announcement follows broader changes to merchant card payment costs and surcharging in Australia. The ATO has stated that, as a government agency, it does not

17 Sep 2026

Working with your adviser

By Jane Purnell

Moving into residential aged care can involve many decisions, from finding the right care service to understanding fees, accommodation payments, investments and estate planning. Having an adviser involved can help you and your family understand the options available and work through the financial decisions that come with aged care. Setting Your Priorities As your adviser we can: Help you identify what is important and achieve your goals and objectives. Help you and your family understand

16 Sep 2026

How to Build a Financially Secure Retirement

By Jane Purnell

Retirement may be one of the biggest financial transitions you will ever make. After decades of earning an income, building superannuation, paying down debt and accumulating assets, the focus gradually shifts from building wealth to making that wealth support the lifestyle you want.That is why retirement planning involves much more than simply deciding what age you would like to stop working.A good retirement plan considers how much income you may need, where that income will

1 Sep 2026

Medicare Levy, Medicare Levy Surcharge and Exemptions: 2025–26

By Jane Purnell

The Medicare levy can be confusing, especially when private health insurance and Medicare exemptions are involved. The key thing to understand is that the Medicare levy, Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS), and Medicare levy exemptions are three different things. Medicare Levy For most Australian residents for tax purposes, the Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For 2025–26, individuals with taxable income of $28,011 or less generally do not pay the levy. A reduced levy

1 Sep 2026

Don’t Be Afraid of a RAD: Understanding Refundable Accommodation Deposits

By Jane Purnell

Moving into residential aged care can be a big change, and one of the first things families often worry about is the cost of accommodation. Seeing a large lump sum attached to a room can feel overwhelming. This is where a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) comes in. A RAD is a lump sum paid towards your accommodation. Depending on your circumstances, you may instead choose to pay a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) or use a

4 Aug 2026

Take Control of Your Super: Is an SMSF Right for You?

By Jane Purnell

When it comes to building long-term wealth, your superannuation is often one of your largest financial assets. Yet many Australians feel disconnected from how their retirement savings are invested.A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) gives you greater control over your investment decisions, allowing you to tailor your retirement strategy to suit your long-term goals. However, running an SMSF also comes with significant responsibilities, making professional guidance essential.At Holzworth Partners, we help clients determine whether an SMSF

4 Aug 2026

Payday Super is here: what employers need to know

By Jane Purnell

Payday Super commenced on 1 July 2026, changing when employers must pay super guarantee contributions.Instead of paying super quarterly, employers must now pay super in line with each payday. This change may place additional pressure on business cash flow, particularly during the July 2026 transition period.Here is what employers need to know about Payday Super and the steps they should take now. Super must reach the fund after each payday Under Payday Super, super guarantee contributions