In our previous articles we explained the difference between the two account based versions available to SMSF members post 1st July 2017 which is the Transition to Retirement Income Stream (TRIS) and the Exempt Current Pension Income Stream (ECPI)

To read more please click here

http://www.formanfinancialservices.com.au/blog/SMSF/Understanding-the-SMSFs-Income-Stream-Post-1st-July-2017.htm

We also explained that the TRIS can adopt the ECPI more favourable tax treatment without the need to re-establish the pension when the member meets the condition of release.

To read more about the condition of release click here

http://www.formanfinancialservices.com.au/blog/SMSF/Conditions-of-Release-with-nil-Cashing-Restriction.htm

It is important however to understand that the ATO accepts that the TRIS can adopt the ECPI’s more favourable tax treatment when the member meets the condition of release.  However the ATO holds the point of view that the TRIS does not convert to ECPI Account Based Pension (ABP).  The issues raised from the ATO point of view can surface when the member dies and the TRIS had a reversionary beneficiary and this beneficiary has not met the condition of release.  In this situation the favourable tax treatment may be lost.   One of the possible solutions to fix this potential issue is to commute TRIS and establish the EPCI when the condition of release is met instead of using the “conversion approach”.  However like anything to do with Super one should receive advice before taking action.

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Disclaimer and Warning
The information above is of a general nature only. It should not be used as a source to make financial decisions. It’s also important to note that the legislation and figures related to this topic tend to change regularly and therefore the information above may not reflect the current status. We recommend that if you are looking for advice on this matter, you should contact us.