Frequent reform has been the one constant of the Australian superannuation landscape. However our clients have been fortunate in being able to rely on us to explain and implement their changing superannuation obligations and options.

Our firm is widely recognised for its considerable expertise in self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) or DIY funds. Harwood Andrews Lawyers assists trustees and their advisers with all aspects of SMSF establishment, operation and compliance and provides strategic advice on related taxation and succession planning issues.

Rob Jeremiah, Principal and an accredited specialist in Business Law, chairs the Technical Committee of the Small Independent Superannuation Funds Association (SISFA) which presents a unified and national voice to government.

Rob also sits on the Superannuation Technical Sub-Group of the National Tax Liaison Group. This is the peak national body advising on the interpretation of the taxation laws as they impact upon SMSFs and other superannuation funds.

At Harwood Andrews Lawyers Rob heads a team of superannuation experts who are leaders in: 

• the establishment of new superannuation funds
• the drafting and updating of superannuation trust deeds
• incorporation of special purpose trustee companies
• implementing SMSF loans (also known as limited recourse loans or instalment warrant arrangements) and preparing the necessary documentation including custodian trust deeds
• advising on tax effective superannuation contributions strategies
• transfers of property into SMSFs, including business real property
• the management of compliance requirements during the accumulation and payment phases
• payment and pension structures, including documentation of a lump sum, account based pension (ABP) or transition to retirement income stream (TRIS)
• all aspects of succession planning, including preparation of binding death benefit nominations (BDBNs) and integration with a member’s personal estate plans
• advice for members travelling overseas about maintaining resident fund status, including advice on giving a power of attorney
• the roll-over and restructure of funds
• dealing with divorce and relationship breakdown, including family law implications for SMSFs such as super splitting arrangements
• representation in tax and compliance disputes, including excess contributions tax assessments
• advice on all aspects of superannuation fund investment structures, including their establishment