This article originally appeared in the March 2014 edition of Asset Magazine (Financial Review). If superannuation death benefits are paid to the estate, a quirk in the law can mean higher tax and increased administration costs. Advisers are well-placed to add value by alerting clients and lawyers to this possible tax trap. Where does a [read more]
At DBA Lawyers we like to think of our SMSF deed as being the Rolls Royce of SMSF deeds. We constantly review, refine, test, debate and update it. And we’ve been doing so for well over 20 years. We are Australia leading SMSF law firm with the largest team of dedicated SMSF lawyers. As a [read more]
Australian Taxation Office Interpretative Decision ATO ID 2014/6 provides insights into when a person is financially dependent on someone else. However, it might not provide the ‘full’ picture for many seeking answers about financial dependency. The article seeks to fill in the gaps. Facts of ATO ID 2014/6 The facts of ATO ID 2014/6 are [read more]
Some advisers may have previously recommended that there are opportunities to continue paying a pension following a member’s death to their deceased estate. However, ATO ID 2014/2 provides a real hurdle to this strategy! (Note that this has been a somewhat busy time for the ATO and interpretative decisions regarding pensions. The ATO also recently [read more]
Since 2010 I’ve been lecturing at Melbourne University, presenting the SMSF component of the Master of Laws subject ‘Superannuation Law‘. Melbourne University is my ‘alma mater’. I fully enjoyed studying there for my undergraduate degrees and masters degree and I’m always very happy to be able to give back to the legal community. I’m lecturing [read more]
Traditionally, SMSF trustees have effected insurance for members under a self-insurance model. This involves the SMSF trustee to take out, say, death insurance on a particular member. In the event of a claim, the insurance proceeds are allocated to the relevant member’s account in the fund. The proceeds can then be paid to the member [read more]
The decision of Ioppolo v Conti [2013] WASC 389 contains many important implications for SMSF advisers. This article discusses some of the ‘must know’ points. (This case is sometimes referred to as Ioppolo & Hesford v Conti depending on which method of legal citation is being used.) Facts Francesca was married to Augusto and they [read more]
Disclaimer: DBA Lawyers advised the plaintiffs during the course of litigation. We only mention facts made publicly available in the judgement. The recent decision of Wooster v Morris [2013] VSC 594 is the most important decision ever regarding SMSF succession planning. All SMSF practitioners must be aware of its facts and its vital lessons. However, [read more]
Meet Graeme Graeme is a 56 years old builder. He has been married and divorced and has adult children from that marriage. He now has a second spouse. Graeme and the second spouse are members of an SMSF together. They are also the trustees of the SMSF. His SMSF has acquired vacant real estate. The [read more]
This article outlines some of the key international issues facing SMSFs today and addresses the practical skills necessary to ensure that these matters are handled effectively. SMSF residency SMSFs are generally not appropriate for people who spend extended time overseas. Such funds can easily lose their complying status and suffer significant tax penalties. Residency requirements [read more]
