The decision in Re Marsella [2019] VSC 65 highlights the importance of trustees of SMSFs exercising their discretion to pay death benefits in good faith, with real and genuine consideration and in accordance with the purpose for which their power was conferred. [read more]
By Kimberley Noah ([email protected]), Lawyer, and William Fettes ([email protected]), Senior Associate, DBA Lawyers The trustee–member rules are one of the most fundamental concepts underlying the operation of self managed superannuation funds (‘SMSF’). These rules are found in s 17A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth) (‘SISA’) and form part of the key conditions that [read more]
Binding death benefit nominations have numerous points of failure as evidenced by recent litigation. To implement BDBNs properly there must be a strong deed foundation, precise and careful wording, and ideally no service or notification requirements. Additionally, the nomination should also be integrated as part of the member’s succession and estate planning. [read more]
By: Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers ([email protected]) DBA Lawyers, working in consultation with Australia’s leading SuperSplitting legal expert Stephen Bourke, prepares Family Law SuperSplitting documents for SMSFs. We prepare a suite of draft documents based on the instructions for an SMSF member undertaking a superannuation split. The documents are tailored to the member’s circumstances and [read more]
By William Fettes ([email protected]), Senior Associate and Daniel Butler ([email protected]), Director, DBA Lawyers The work test exemption (‘WTE’) allows individuals aged 65 to 74 to make voluntary contributions to superannuation for an additional 12-month period from the end of the financial year in which they last met the work test, subject to their total superannuation [read more]
Daniel Butler, Director There are many strategies put forward on how to provide smooth and effective succession for self managed superannuation funds (‘SMSFs’). Fortunately, while there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, there are a number of strategies that are simple and cost effective that can substantially bolster your position and set the ‘foundations’ [read more]
By: Daniel Butler, Director ([email protected]) and Bryce Figot, Special Counsel ([email protected]), DBA Lawyers The recent decision by the Supreme Court of Queensland in the case of Re Narumon Pty Ltd [2018] QSC 185 (‘Narumon’) again confirms the importance of having a quality SMSF document supplier. More specifically, it shows how poorly drafted binding death benefit nomination [read more]
1. Introduction There are numerous suppliers of self managed superannuation funds (‘SMSFs’) deeds apart from law firms with SMSF expertise. These days, for instance, there are a range of other (non-qualified) suppliers who supply SMSF deeds. These suppliers may deliver complex documents without any qualifications or expertise. This article seeks to explain the main differences [read more]
By Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers The ATO has released material saying that SMSF property developments can be considered tax avoidance schemes that are ‘too good to be true’. Within the program called ‘Super Scheme Smart’, the ATO aims to educate the public about SMSF strategies that concern it. The page, which can be accessed [read more]
Joseph Cheung, Lawyer, William Fettes, Senior Associate, and Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers The total superannuation balance (‘TSB’) is one of the most important new concepts introduced as part of the major superannuation reforms that broadly came into effect on 1 July 2017. Many superannuation obligations and rights depend on a member’s TSB: broadly the total [read more]
