For self-managed super funds, now numbering around 600,000 and with assets approaching $900 billion, estate planning has never been more important. This is especially the case when the Productivity Commission estimate of a $3.5 trillion wealth transfer over the next 20 years is added to the mix. A sizeable percentage of this $3.5 trillion will reside in SMSFs.

Yet there is often confusion around this important aspect of SMSF planning, especially among trustees who don’t seek specialist advice in what can be a complex issue.