When the unthinkable strikes, members can access their super tax free, but consider the strategies first.

Those lucky enough to retire early – well before their preservation age – are often confused about when they can access their superannuation.

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?

Well, in fact pension payments have always needed to be paid in cash. Only lump sums can be taken in-specie.

The first thing I did when I opened the final report from the Hayne Royal Commission into Banking Misconduct and Superannuation was to search for “SMSF”. Other than the definitions, it appeared twice.

Hayne made a number of recommendations about financial advice that will be well covered by others. There were also some interesting comments and recommendations around “independence”.

While the hearings sent shockwaves through Australia’s major financial institutions, I would describe the final report as being light on major structural reforms.

There was presumably a collective sigh of relief from our largest financial institutions when Hayne decided not to recommend a ban on superannuation funds that make a profit.

Almost everyone has a story about discovering that they or a friend had multiple superannuation accounts as a result of having multiple jobs throughout their lives.

Before the Productivity Commission publicly released their final report into superannuation review this month, there was inevitably much discussion about whether or not a minimum balance for SMSFs would be recommended.

SMSFs can claim deductions for certain expenditure incurred by the fund provided the residential investment property is rented or available for rent.

All SMSFs trustees are required to appoint an approved auditor to audit the operations of their fund each year. This annual audit must include both a financial audit and compliance audit.