SMSFs with a lifetime pension in place could face conflicting legislative instruments due to the current economic climate, a technical expert has said.

The negative impact COVID-19 has had on investment markets could result in solvency issues for SMSFs with complying defined benefit pensions, a leading actuary has said.

Rolling over a market-linked pension from an SMSF can create hard-to-escape traps for members with low balances, as well as those with very high balances.

The ATO’s approach to how excess pension payments made before and after 24 March should be treated will disadvantage some retirees, an SMSF technical expert says.

Advisers may not be recognising the advantages of using partial commutations for drawdowns above the minimum pension, a technical specialist has said.

Advisers should carefully consider trustees’ intentions regarding beneficiaries before establishing reversionary pensions on their behalf, an SMSF expert has said.

Advisers should factor in changes to members’ income needs and possible cash sources outside of their fund when applying COVID-19 reduced minimum pension measures for their clients.

The SMSF Association has asked the ATO to use its discretionary powers to correct an irregularity in the transfer balance account debit calculation when market-linked pensions are commuted.

More trustees are failing to meet minimum pension payment standards suggesting many commuting a pension do not fully understand their obligations.