Estate PlanningSMSF InsightsUnderstanding SMSFs

Surviving the death of a member

SMSFs provides you with additional control over your estate plans as compared to typical retail, industry and employer funds. This can be achieved in several ways. The common thread to each of the options is that it is the rules of the particular SMSF, set out in clauses of the trust deed and related documents…

Investing InsightsSMSF InsightsThinking about SMSFsUnderstanding SMSFs

What can my SMSF invest in?

The legislation does not expressly state what types of investments an SMSF can invest in, although there are some regulatory limitations. Two of the main rules are the ‘sole purpose test’ and investments being ‘arm’s length’. The sole purpose test holds that all investments must be maintained for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits to members…

Paying BenefitsSMSF InsightsUnderstanding SMSFs

Transition to retirement pensions – back to their true purpose

The changes to superannuation announced in the 2016 Federal Budget have been passed by Parliament. Amongst the changes was legislation which will remove tax concessions for transition to retirement pensions (TTRs) and bring them closer to their purpose of providing income to members as they transition to retirement. Transition to retirement pensions (TTRs) make it…