What Happens When an SMSF Member Dies? Death is not something most trustees like to think about when establishing or managing an SMSF. In practice, however, it is one of the most important areas trustees should prepare for properly. When an SMSF member dies, the fund does not simply “pass automatically” to family members. The […]
READ MORECommon SMSF Pension Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Why SMSF Pension Mistakes Matter Pension phase is where an SMSF begins to deliver its real value. It is also where mistakes tend to have the greatest impact. Unlike accumulation phase, issues at this stage can affect the fund’s tax position, the validity of the pension and the accuracy of member balances. What makes this […]
READ MORESMSF Pension Rules Explained Simply
What Is an SMSF Pension? An SMSF pension, more formally known as an account-based pension, allows members to draw a regular income from their super once they meet a condition of release. Unlike accumulation phase, where contributions and investment earnings build your balance, pension phase focuses on accessing those funds to support retirement. At its […]
READ MORESMSF Conditions of Release: When Can You Access Your Super?
SMSF conditions of release are the legal triggers that allow a member to access their superannuation benefits. Before an SMSF can pay a lump sum or start a pension, trustees must confirm that a valid condition of release has been satisfied and properly documented. The Most Common SMSF Conditions of Release Most SMSF members access […]
READ MORE5 Common SMSF Compliance Potholes to Avoid in 2025–26
Last updated April 2026. This article has been refreshed with current contribution caps, penalty frameworks and compliance requirements for 2025–26. SMSFs remain one of the most flexible vehicles for managing your retirement savings. But flexibility comes with responsibility. As SMSF administrators who have worked with hundreds of funds over the years, the team at SMSFcentral […]
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