One of the great times to have an SMSF is once pensions start. The flexibility they offer allows members to implement great tax planning decisions without any of the hassle or fuss of a large fund. But some thinking in advance is still invaluable.

Is it possible for a member of a fund to be regarded as “retired” despite being in receipt of a monthly benefit from an income protection policy? Or will they need to wait until the benefits stop or they reach age 65 before accessing their super?

Since 1 July 2017, $1.6m has been a magic number in superannuation for all sorts of purposes, most notably the general transfer balance cap. Now that this has increased to $1.7m from 1 July 2021, what happens to other rules like segregation?

With no news in this month’s Federal Budget, we had assumed the temporary halving of the minimum pension draw down rates would cease on 30 June 2021 (as currently legislated). However, the Government has now announced an extension for one more year.

The announcement of a two year amnesty, possibly starting as soon as 1 July 2022, was music to the ears of anyone dealing with market linked, complying lifetime or complying life expectancy pensions.

The key takeout of the recent "Costs of operating SMSFs 2020" report, was something that many of us have known for a long time – that SMSFs of more than $500,000 were generally cheaper to run than APRA regulated funds.

The “Costs of operating SMSFs 2020” report prepared by Rice Warner and released by the SMSF Association today was a breath of fresh air.

Any reduction in personal income taxes inevitably has an indirect impact on super. What have the most recent tax cuts done to the equation?

In last night’s 2020-21 Federal Budget, the Government proposed a number of changes designed to remove some of the structural flaws in our current superannuation system.

So your client has decided to wind up their SMSF? It’s vital for all involved to be aware of the potential traps in the windup process to avoid unnecessary costs and complexity.

There are many reasons why individuals choose an SMSF as their primary retirement savings vehicle. However for some, there will come a time when the SMSF is no longer appropriate for them.

Listen to Martin's podcast discussing the government's review into the retirement income system.