Do you expected to be negatively geared?If you are, then I would lean toward purchasing in the name of the highest income earner to get the biggest tax benefit.If you expect to be positively geared, then a family trust is the way to go.  With a family trust you could (for the 2009 financial year) distribute $2,667 to each of your 3 kids without…[Read more]

I have had a look at Personal Name v Trust v SMSF as the structure to purchase argument in a lot of detail recently.There is no right or wrong answer – it needs to be the best one for your situation – so sitting down with an accountant and a planner may be a good idea.As mentioned in this thread a major downside with purchasing via an SMSF is the…[Read more]

Not sure if anyone answered your question about the previously paid rates, but I would say they would only become deductible (a portion anyway) when you commence the development.Any rates paid prior would be 100% related to you PPOR and thus for private and domestic use = non-deductible and would not form part of the cost base of the new…[Read more]

Agree with Richard – no benefit having the property in the Trust.How is your business set up?  Do you operate via the Trust or the Company (i.e. when your soon to be ex-accountant did the 2009 tax return for your business was it in the name of the company or the trust) ?A general tip is to keep any valuable assets (such as your house) totally…[Read more]