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Author Archive | William Fettes

About William Fettes

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QROPS SMSFs must provide an undertaking to HMRC

QROPS SMSFs must provide an undertaking to HMRC by 13 April 2017 to prevent automatic loss of QROPS status

SMSF trustees that wish to continue as Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (‘QROPS’) will need to provide an undertaking to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (‘HMRC’) that they are aware of certain changes to the UK tax rules that apply to QROPS transfers. These changes are discussed in detail below. The undertaking using HMRC form [read more]

Lump sum payments

Lump sum payment arising from a partial commutation

Co-author by Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers Introduction The treatment of a lump sum payment arising from the partial commutation of a pension will be significantly impacted by the super reform measures. This article examines changes from 1 July 2017. Background — lump sums arising from a partial commutation A benefit payment arising from the [read more]

Reversionary pensions

Reversionary pensions and the super reforms

Introduction Superannuation law is currently undergoing the most significant period of change since mid-2007. As a consequence of the Federal Government’s reform measures, including the $1.6 million transfer balance cap (‘TBC’), it is important that the succession plans of fund members are reviewed as soon as possible so that appropriate and tax effective succession arrangements [read more]

Death benefit pensions and the $1.6 million transfer balance cap

Death benefit pensions and the $1.6 million transfer balance cap

Introduction The Federal Government’s $1.6 million transfer balance cap (‘TBC’) measure is likely to adversely impact couples who have pension entitlements exceeding $1.6 million. This articles outlines some of the implications in relation to death benefit pensions. The key TBC provisions are in div 294 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) (‘ITAA 1997’) inserted [read more]

smsf deed update checklist

SMSF deed update checklist

DBA Lawyers is often asked whether a particular SMSF trust deed needs to be updated. As a general guide, we recommend that SMSF trust deeds should be updated every 4–5 years, or sooner in the case of major legislative change. The last major legislative change to superannuation that warranted a blanket update for all SMSF [read more]

transfer balance cap explained

The $1.6 million transfer balance cap explained

Introduction The Department of Treasury on 27 September 2016 released the second tranche of exposure draft legislation and explanatory material in relation to the Federal Government’s proposed superannuation reforms. These materials provide long-awaited detail on the workings of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap measure. This article explains some key take-away points about this measure. [read more]

Automatically reversionary pensions and super reform

Automatically reversionary pensions and super reform

With Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers Introduction The $1.6 million balance cap proposal adds another layer of complexity to understanding whether an automatically reversionary pension (‘ARP’) is still an appropriate SMSF succession planning strategy. Every client who is likely to be impacted by the $1.6 million balance cap measure should act swiftly and prior to [read more]

Your guide to an SMSF exit plan

Your guide to an SMSF exit plan

Though it is often overlooked, succession planning is a crucial aspect of successfully operating an SMSF. Every member should develop, implement and regularly review a personal succession plan to help ensure that there is a smooth process in place for succession to control of the fund and other succession arrangements appropriate for their individual circumstances. [read more]

Collectables and personal use assets in an SMSF

Collectables and personal use assets in an SMSF

All newly acquired investments by SMSF trustees in collectables and personal use assets since 1 July 2011 have been subject to strict rules under reg 13.18AA of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (Cth) (‘SISR’). However, SMSF trustees should be aware that the grandfathering relief in relation to such investments that were held prior to [read more]