Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 190

Trust alternatives after 1 July super changes

Given the impending superannuation changes, it's worth taking a fresh look at estate and superannuation succession planning arrangements.

Background

From 1 July 2017, individuals will be able to have a maximum of $1.6 million in the tax-free pension stage of superannuation. Amounts surplus to the $1.6 million need to either be rolled back to the accumulation stage of superannuation (tax rate of 15% applies to income and 10% to capital gains) or withdrawn from superannuation where earnings may be taxed at personal marginal tax rates.

To illustrate the changes and new opportunities, consider the following example:

  • High net worth retired couple, Simon and Danielle, both age 65 with an SMSF total balance of $3.5 million ($1.6 million for Simon and $1.9 million for Danielle). The SMSF is entirely in pension phase so no tax applies.
  • Simon also has an investment portfolio valued at $2 million outside super.
  • Simon passes away in June 2017.
  • They have two minors as grandchildren who do not have any other income.
  • SMSF succession arrangements are such that Danielle can take Simon’s balance as a reversionary pension, lump-sum payment directed to the estate or Danielle, or a combination of the above (the precise mechanics of this will be discussed in another article).
  • For simplicity, assume an earnings rate of 5% (all income, no franking credits) on investments regardless of entity holding assets.

Pre-1 July 2017 consequences

a) Before Simon’s death

In a pre-1 July 2017 world, there is no tax on earnings within the SMSF as it is all in pension stage. Simon pays tax at his marginal rate on his $2 million personal investment portfolio.

b) After Simon’s death

Danielle continues Simon’s pension as reversionary and inherits the $2 million personal portfolio directly. The tax position is the same as when Simon was alive.

Post-1 July 2017 consequences after Simon’s death

Option 1 - Super roll back

Danielle can hold a maximum of $1.6 million in the pension phase. In this example, we assume that the balance above this amount is rolled back to the accumulation stage. Danielle inherits the $2 million share portfolio and pays tax at her marginal rate.

Option 2 - Withdraw excess from superannuation

As a superannuation tax dependant, Danielle is paid a tax-free lump sum death benefit of $1.6 million of Simon’s benefit, withdraws $300,000 of her benefit, and retains a total of $1.6 million in pension stage. The funds withdrawn from the SMSF are invested in Danielle’s name alongside the inherited $2 million portfolio and taxed at her marginal rate.

Option 3 - Super roll-back and share portfolio directed to a testamentary trust

[Note: A testamentary trust is a trust which arises upon the death of the testator, and which is specified in his or her will].

This strategy is a combination of the above two with a twist!

  • $1.6 million stays in pension stage
  • The excess over $1.6 million in the SMSF is rolled back to accumulation stage
  • The $2 million investment portfolio is directed to a testamentary trust with flexibility to distribute income to Danielle and potentially two minor grandchildren who have no other income.

Conclusion

In a pre-1 July 2017 world, it was often best to continue a reversionary pension to the surviving spouse given that all earnings would continue to be 100% tax-free. In these circumstances, testamentary trusts may have had limited appeal.

However, from 1 July 2017, given that high superannuation balances will be excluded from the zero-tax pension environment, an individual’s overall tax position may be optimised by using testamentary trusts for estate assets. This, when combined with careful superannuation succession planning, can lead to significantly better outcomes.

 

Reuben Zelwer is the Principal of Adapt Wealth Management Pty Ltd. Reuben is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner and an SMSF Specialist Advisor™. This article is for education purposes and does not consider the circumstances of any person, and is based on an understanding of the legislation at the time of writing.

10 Comments
Andrew Ledingham
February 18, 2017

Great strategy!

Rahul Singh
February 17, 2017

Nice article Reuben and some nice strategical considerations.

With the removal of the less than 10% test, further strategy considerations can be entertained if Danielle is aged somewhere between 65-75 and meets the work test to enable superannuation contributions.

If she meets the work rest, this enables a deductible contribution of up to $25,000 (or whatever the concessional contribution cap is at the time) thus providing an opportunity to save tax on taxable income. Bearing in mind, SG, if she receives any, eats into her concessional contributions cap.

Of course if she is under 65, then no work test required.

Reuben Zelwer
February 17, 2017

Peter, we are not rolling back Simon's pension account to superannuation. Simon's $1.6mn is continuing as a reversionary pension to Danielle. Danielle (Survivor) is the one who is able to rollover her pension balance ($1.9 million) back to accumulation stage - or withdraw it. In hindsight, I should have made this clearer

peter matters
February 17, 2017

Now I am confused. I read that the deceased spouse pension account could not be rolled back to the surviving spouse accumulation account, and had to be paid out of the super fund. This was the reason I started looking at a testamentary trust.

Reuben Zelwer
February 16, 2017

Yes Randall. I'm not necessarily a big fan of BDBNs unless the situation specifically warrants it. I think maximum flexibility in the new super world is best.

Randall
February 16, 2017

Thanks for the response Reuben. So here perhaps a good solution with your twist is for Simon to have 4 young grandkids who each draw down via the trust $20,542 each year which would ensure the tax free status for a few more years yet. More seriously, the changes do mean that couples each with more than $1.6m in super have to review their BDNs and wills if they want to minimise taxes and/or also use avenues such as Testamentary trusts for the benefit of any grandkids.

Graham
February 16, 2017

Interesting article - as both Simon & Danielle would qualify for the Seniors & Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO) I would expect their personal tax liability to be significantly less than that shown in the article.

Randall
February 16, 2017

Thanks for a good article Ruben on something I have been pondering over quite a bit. One question please which is what is basis that Simon's super can remain in super on his death? Since Danielle is over the $1.6m limit I would have expected that once the 12 months period of grace has expired after Simon's death, all of his super would have to be taken out.

Phil Brady
February 16, 2017

I think that's covered in option 1 post July 17 scenario

Reuben
February 16, 2017

Simons super of $1.6mn reverts to Danielle as a recessionary pension. Danielle is then able to roll her $1.9 million benefit back to the accumulation phase. But you are quite right that If Simon had say $1.9 million in super, then Danielle could only take $1.6 as a reversionary pension and the extra $300k would need to come out as a death benefit lump sum

 

Leave a Comment:

RELATED ARTICLES

How to prevent excessive superannuation balances

When the $1.6m cap is no longer relevant

Limits to a will’s power over an SMSF

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Raising the GST to 15%

Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to tackle tax reform but faces challenges. Previous reviews struggled due to political sensitivities, highlighting the need for comprehensive and politically feasible change.

7 examples of how the new super tax will be calculated

You've no doubt heard about Division 296. These case studies show what people at various levels above the $3 million threshold might need to pay the ATO, with examples ranging from under $500 to more than $35,000.

The revolt against Baby Boomer wealth

The $3m super tax could be put down to the Government needing money and the wealthy being easy targets. It’s deeper than that though and this looks at the factors behind the policy and why more taxes on the wealthy are coming.

Are franking credits hurting Australia’s economy?

Business investment and per capita GDP have languished over the past decade and the Labor Government is conducting inquiries to find out why. Franking credits should be part of the debate about our stalling economy.

Here's what should replace the $3 million super tax

With Div. 296 looming, is there a smarter way to tax superannuation? This proposes a fairer, income-linked alternative that respects compounding, ensures predictability, and avoids taxing unrealised capital gains. 

The rubbery numbers behind super tax concessions

In selling the super tax, Labor has repeated Treasury claims of there being $50 billion in super tax concessions annually, mostly flowing to high-income earners. This figure is vastly overstated.

Latest Updates

Investment strategies

Trump's US dollar assault is fuelling CBA's rise

Australian-based investors have been perplexed by the steep rise in CBA's share price But it's becoming clear that US funds are buying into our largest bank as a hedge against potential QE and further falls in the US dollar.

Investment strategies

With markets near record highs, here's what you should do with your portfolio

Markets have weathered geopolitical turmoil, hitting near record highs. Investors face tough decisions on valuations, asset concentration, and strategic portfolio rebalancing for risk control and future returns.

Property

Soaring house prices may be locking people into marriages

Soaring house prices are deepening Australia's cost of living crisis - and possibly distorting marriage decisions. New research links unexpected price changes to whether couples separate or silently struggle together.

Investment strategies

Google is facing 'the innovator's dilemma'

Artificial intelligence is forcing Google to rethink search - and its future. As usage shifts and rivals close in, will it adapt in time, or become a cautionary tale of disrupted disruptors?

Investment strategies

Study supports what many suspected about passive investing

The surge in passive investing doesn’t just mirror the market—it shapes it, often amplifying the rise of the largest firms and creating new risks and opportunities. For investors, understanding these effects is essential.

Property

Should we dump stamp duties for land taxes?

Economists have long flagged the idea of swapping property taxes for land taxes for fairness and equity reasons. This looks at why what seems fairer may not deliver the outcomes that we expect.

Investing

Being human means being a bad investor

Many of the behaviours that have made humans such a successful species also make it difficult for us to be good, long-term investors. The key to better decision making is to understand what makes us human and adapt.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.