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$1.6M balance cap examined — more tax on death benefits

$1.6M balance cap examined — more tax on death benefits

The proposed $1.6 million balance cap will, if introduced, will result in substantial changes from 1 July 2017 and is likely to generate significantly more tax on the payment of death benefits. Summary of the new cap The Liberal Government’s balance cap announcement on 3 May 2016 involves: A maximum $1.6 million (plus earnings thereon) [read more]

Is a lifetime pension a viable option

Is a lifetime pension a viable option?

This article considers some of the issues associated with whether a pension payable to a member can be converted to a ‘lifetime’ pension, such that the pension is automatically reversionary to the member’s spouse on their death, and then any remaining capital reverts, for example, to the deceased member’s children from a previous marriage. Case [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]

Changing SMSF trustees — why advisers should be more alert to the tips and traps

Changing SMSF trustees — why advisers should be more alert to the tips and traps

This article examines some of the key reasons for having a company appointed as an SMSF trustee as compared to having individual trustees. It also examines some issues that can arise when advisers are preparing change of trustee documents. Why do so many SMSFs have individual trustees? SMSFs can have either have a company or [read more]

Advantages of the DBA Lawyers SMSF deed

Advantages of the DBA Lawyers SMSF deed

DBA Lawyers is Australia’s leading SMSF law firm. We have been refining our SMSF deed for well over 20 years, making it the best SMSF deed available. Additionally, our SMSF deed contains numerous ‘value-added’ advantages that set it apart. Accordingly, our SMSF deed offers many benefits that are not found anywhere else. All of the [read more]

Preserve the intended control of a company using successor directors

Preserve the intended control of a company using successor directors

Small private companies are widely used to manage and control financial affairs. At times they are used as companies in their own right, but they are also commonly used as trustees for SMSFs, family trusts and unit trusts. Regardless of whether a company acts as trustee or not, the directors hold day-to-day control over the [read more]

What wins out – an automatically reversionary pension (‘ARP’) or a binding death benefit nomination

What wins out – an automatically reversionary pension (‘ARP’) or a binding death benefit nomination (‘BDBN’)?

This topic has given rise to considerable debate since the ATO’s view on ARPs was finalised in TR 2013/5. Thus, I thought it would be worthwhile illustrating by way of case study how the law applies to this type of situation. Facts We will assume the following facts exist in relation to Rob and Mary: [read more]