The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recently issued a draft ruling to clarify when a pension commences and ceases within a superannuation fund. This ruling was prepared as this issue, and the ATO’s position, is not explicitly detailed within legislation. The release of this draft ruling brings with it some potential consequences for the management of pensions within Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs).

Following an extensive review of the whole superannuation industry, the Government has embarked on a wide ranging reform program for the industry labelled “Stronger Super”. Some of these measures directly impact on the Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs), with the aim to improve the integrity and increase community confidence in this sector.