Death benefits should be addressed at the outset of a marital split to prevent former partners receiving monies that are no longer intended for them.

An SMSF expert has warned there could be death benefit tax repercussions for beneficiaries of a testamentary trust if their status is unclear.

The recent decision handed down in the Hill v Zuda case should encourage SMSF trustees to review their death benefit nominations more often.

SMSF accountants have a role to play in explaining the outcomes of death benefit strategies even if trustees rely on a lawyer to execute any decisions.

The Hill v Zuda case means SMSFs can make a BDBN last indefinitely, but only where a trust deed does not constrain it in any way.

The detail included in an SMSF trust deed requires examination to understand the procedures that need to be followed regarding death benefit payments.

The provision of an additional piece of information to SMSF members could show the status of a death benefit nomination and act as a trigger for a review.