Co-Author Bryce Figot, Special Counsel, DBA Lawyers Treasury recently released some potentially game-changing exposure draft legislation in relation to limited recourse borrowing arrangements (‘LRBAs’) and their interaction with the transfer balance cap and total superannuation balance provisions. These are significant changes for Fund trustees considering entering into an LRBA in the future. Importantly, the amendments [read more]
Co-author by Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers Introduction We have had numerous queries about the proportioning rule over recent times. A common query is how does the proportioning rule apply and how do you calculate the tax free and taxable components in a superannuation benefit. This article is to assist you understand the fundamentals of [read more]
One of the top issues for SMSF advisers now is the new CGT relief that operates for pension assets. For full details, see subdiv 294‑B of the Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 (Cth), which was inserted by the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fair and Sustainable Superannuation) Act 2016 (Cth). Also instructive is the ATO’s Law Companion [read more]
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]
DBA Lawyers has recently been inundated with requests for up to date pension documents. Our suite of pension documents is fully up to date, including partial commutation documents with a tick-a-box option allowing the partial commutation of pension capital to just under a member’s personal transfer balance cap. Also, changes to the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) [read more]
The biggest changes to superannuation in a decade will take effect from 1 July 2017, due to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fair and Sustainable Superannuation) Act 2016 (Cth). There are several cases from the past that are particularly relevant for these changes. In this article I detail why some of these changes and why they matter, [read more]
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]
The ATO is a large bureaucracy and produces a lot of guidance material. Generally the ATO feels bound by its published material from an administrative viewpoint. However, only certain publications bind the ATO. Thus it is important that advisers and taxpayers understand the range of material (or products) published by the ATO and the level [read more]
Co-author by Daniel Butler, Director, DBA Lawyers We have been busy making sure our SMSF documents and training are up to date with the latest super reforms and strategies. Not surprisingly we continue to come across many SMSF documents recently acquired elsewhere that have not been updated with the recent reforms. Naturally, if you are [read more]
A transition to retirement income stream (‘TRIS’) provides an easy way to access superannuation savings. Various TRIS strategies have developed in recent years which may change following the super reforms that commence on 1 July 2017. This article examines a number of popular strategies and considers the likely impact on TRISs on and after 1 [read more]
