There is really nothing good to say about investment markets right now – nor, of course, the existential challenge that COVID-19 poses to society. But what does it all mean for our superannuation and in particular pensions?

On 22 March 2020 the Government announced the second of their stimulus packages to support Australia through the economic consequences of the Covid-19. The rules announced today for retirees are explained here.

In any discussion about the pros and cons of SMSFs, the most common words in the conversation are 'control' and 'flexibility'. And these are certainly highly relevant as they are indeed benefits of SMSFs.

During the 08/09 financial crisis, the Government responded to pensioner concerns by halving the minimum pension amounts. Is there anything pensioners can do to preserve their super capital during this latest economic crisis?

Legislation introduced to fix a problem with market linked and complying life expectancy pensions, but it's not a total solution for all.

The 1 July 2017 changes to superannuation pensions introduced a new rule of thumb – most people can only convert $1.6m to a retirement phase pension over their lifetime.

Most practitioners would be aware that superannuation is not covered by the deceased’s will and can only be paid to a limited group of beneficiaries. The practicalities are often still quite opaque.

The Australian Taxation Office are concerned that a number of SMSFs paying capped defined benefit income streams haven’t met their Pay As You Go obligations and are writing to affected SMSFs.

When a superannuation interest in retirement phase is subject to a family law split, there are two ways to report the Transfer Balance Account debit “event” depending on the type of payment split.

With the Federal election looming, the Australian Labor Party’s policy to prevent many taxpayers from receiving a refund for their franking credits has certainly become a dominant issue for many retirees, particularly those with SMSFs.

As we get closer to the end of the financial year, many SMSF members with pensions will be checking the amounts paid from their fund so far to make sure the minimum payment requirements will be met.

In the new world of calculating exempt current pension income, if your 100% pension fund receives a contribution, and a new pension is commenced with that amount immediately on receipt, do you need an actuarial certificate?