The ATO stated this determination does not apply to an account-based pension that is a transition to retirement income stream (TRIS).

“Thus, the ATO has until very recently had no confirmation on whether a member with a TRIS could implement this strategy,” Mr Butler said.

However, the ATO last week updated its TRIS information online, confirming that to the extent that a member has unrestricted non-preserved benefits (UNPBs) funding their TRIS, they can also partially commute such an amount to take advantage of their low rate cap.

“This ATO clarification is welcome news for many and gives a tremendous boost to a number of key TRIS strategies,” Mr Butler said. “It is very good news, it clears up a lot of that doubt.”