Avoid SISR traps in early access to super scheme

A law firm has warned trustees to consider several factors to ensure they’re complying with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SISR) before deciding to access the government’s early access to super scheme.

NB:  Beware also scams surrounding the early release of super funds, they are on the increase.

         

The temporary early access to super (TEAS) scheme was one of several major changes to superannuation in the government’s second stimulus package in response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The maximum amount that a member can access is $20,000 in the following increments, noting that a separate application is to be made on each occasion:

  • Up to $10,000 in the financial year ending 30 June 2020
  • Up to $10,000 in the financial year ending 30 June 2021

But according to Daniel Butler and Allison Murphy of DBA Lawyers, trustees should consider a range of other factors before accessing the scheme, including:

  • Whether the SMSF deed requires updating to enable a TEAS withdrawal, given this is a new condition of release that many SMSF deeds may not authorise.
  • The financial impact that any TEAS withdrawal will have on the member’s overall superannuation retirement nest egg over the long term.
  • Ensuring the fund has sufficient cash flow to fund any TEAS withdrawal together with its ongoing operations in view of any financial stress on the fund resulting from the coronavirus.
  • Preparing relevant trustee resolutions and updating the fund’s records.

As for members currently being paid an account-based pension or a transition to retirement income (TRIS) in retirement phase, Mr Butler and Ms Murphy said the amount required to fund the TEAS payment should first be commuted to accumulation before being paid to the member as a TEAS amount.

However, if a member is being paid a TRIS that is not in retirement phase, they said the amount should also first be commuted to accumulation before being paid as a TEAS amount, noting that a TRIS amount generally cannot be commuted, but new reg 6.19B of SISR authorises a payment of preserved money (after a TRIS is commuted).

“If the payment is not appropriately managed, a contravention of [SISR] could occur, resulting in potential penalties and the amount forming part of the member’s assessable income rather than being tax-free,” Mr Butler and Ms Murphy said.

“You should ensure the SMSF deed authorises this payment and prepare appropriate trustee resolutions.”

 

 

Adrian Flores
02 April 2020
smsfadviser.com

 

 

 

More Articles

Treasurer unveils design details for payday super

  The government has released further details about the design of its payday super policy including an...

Read full article

Government releases details on luxury car tax changes

  The draft legislation aims to modernise the luxury car tax by tightening the definition of a...

Read full article

Are you receiving Personal Services Income?

  Do you earn personal services income (PSI)?   . While most people may think that it only...

Read full article

Taxing unrealised gains in superannuation under Division 296

  Australia’s superannuation system has seen a number of significant changes in recent...

Read full article

The Leaders Who Refused to Step Down 1939 – 2024

Check out the The Leaders Who Refused to Step Down 1939 ...

Read full article

Investment and economic outlook, September 2024

The latest forecasts for investment returns and region-by-region economic outlook. . A recent rapid...

Read full article

ASIC extends reportable situations relief and personal advice record-keeping requirements

ASIC has extended the reportable situations relief and personal advice record-keeping requirements on the same...

Read full article

Economic slowdown drives mixed reporting season

Many Australian companies are still battling economic crosswinds and headwinds.   . Hundreds of...

Read full article

Sofie Korac is an Authorised Representative (No. 400164) of Prudentia Financial Planning Pty Ltd, AFSL 544118 and a member of the Association of Financial Advisers.

Financial Advice Sydney and the North Shore Office based in Gordon NSW

Financial Services Guide - Disclaimer & Privacy Policy

^