The government has confirmed the need for an actuarial certificate to claim exempt current pension income (ECPI) when the assets of an SMSF are not segregated, with the release of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fair and Sustainable Superannuation) Regulations 2017 in late March.

Clients must ensure they have obtained a release authority from the ATO as any excess non-concessional contribution (NCC) amounts cannot be refunded without one, a superannuation technical services manager has said.

Independent online platform ESIC Hub will begin to provide SMSFs with investment access to the new asset class of early-stage innovation companies (ESIC), which will also provide trustees with significant tax benefits.

Fintech business OnMarket BookBuilds (OMB) has launched a mobile application with the aim of providing SMSF investors with more opportunities to take part in initial public offerings (IPO) and placements.

Having poorly prepared documentation regarding pensions can result in significant tax liabilities for SMSFs, a specialist sector law firm has warned.