Key things to know about your SMSF binding death benefit nomination

So, what is a death benefit nomination?

When a SMSF member dies the SMSF usually pays a death benefit to nominated beneficiaries of the deceased member. In order to make sure your SMSF is awarded to the people you want to receive it, a death benefit nomination is legally binding instruction to advise your trustee to whom you would like your death benefit to paid to. These nominated parties would usually be dependants or other beneficiaries as chosen by you. Dependants will receive the death benefit in a lump sum or an income stream, whereas, non-dependants will only be able to receive as a lump sum.

The difference between binding and non-binding death benefit nomination

If your death benefit is non-binding then your trustee is not required to follow the instructions you lay out – either in the death benefit or your will. Binding nomination, however, means that you choose where your money goes in the event of your death. With a non-lapsing binding nomination you can rest assured your money is dealt with as per your wishes.

Why is it important to me?

Firstly, this means you can either leave money to specific dependants or other nominated persons, which is a distinct advantage to having a binding death benefit nomination. Secondly, as you have taken the time and care to have a SMSF, it would no doubt be preferable to know that your money will end up being used in the way you had hoped instead of in the wrong hands.

What about the advantages & disadvantages?

There are several advantages to having a binding death benefit nomination .

• Advantage – You can either choose to have your money go to specific beneficiaries such as dependants – your spouse, partner, children, step-children etc. or you can leave the money to the legal representative who must pay out the money as laid out in your will.
• Advantage – If you choose to have a non-lapsing binding death benefit nomination for your SMSF you will not have to worry about the instructions lapsing after the standard time of three years.
• Disadvantages – If you have a lapsing binding death benefit nomination (as opposed to a non-lapsing one) your SMSF may still end up not going to your nominated parties IF you do not update the binding nomination every three years. Basically this is because the law says that after three years, any binding death benefit nomination expires. And after it expires the trustee can once again do as they wish (essentially reverting your SMSF to a non-binding nomination).

Other useful links (ATO and Smartgov)

You may also like to read more about SMSF death benefit nomination at these links:

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/superannuation-and-retirement/how-super-works/insurance-through-super/super-death-benefits

https://www.ato.gov.au/super/self-managed-super-funds/paying-benefits/death-of-a-member/

If you have any questions or concerns about your SMSF, please call our friendly staff on 1300 736 453.

Disclaimer: This information should not be considered personal financial advice as it is intended to provide general advice only. This factsheet has been prepared by Superhelp Australia Pty Ltd without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situations or needs.

The information contained in the fact sheet may not be appropriate to your individual needs, therefore, you should seek personal financial advice before making any financial or investment decisions.