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10.5.7 Life Expectancy Tables, Pension Valuation Factors and Payment Factors

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This section contains the life expectancy tables, used to determine the relevant number for income streams. Life expectancy tables for income streams commencing prior to 1 July 1983 are displayed in PIPS. It also contains a table of pension valuation factors for defined benefit income streams as well as general provisions for pension valuation factors.


Life expectancy is the length of time a person is expected to live and has the same meaning as 'life expectancy factor' under section 27H of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

 

 

An income stream's relevant number is the length of time an income stream is paid for. It can be a fixed term or the life expectancy factor of the payee or reversionary beneficiary.

According to subsection 5J(1) of the VEA, an income stream includes:

  • an income stream arising under arrangements that are regulated by the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993; or
  • an income stream arising under a public sector scheme (within the meaning of that Act); or
  • an income stream arising under a retirement savings account; or
  • an income stream provided as life insurance business by a life company registered under section 21 of the Life Insurance Act 1995; or
  • an income stream provided by a friendly society (within the meaning of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1996); or
  • an income stream designated in writing by the Commission for the purposes of this definition, having regard to the guidelines determined under subsection 5J(1F) of the VEA;

but does not include any of the following:

  • available money;
  • deposit money;
  • a managed investment;
    • an investment in a public unit trust;
    • an investment in an insurance bond;
    • an investment with a friendly society;
    • an investment in a superannuation fund;
    • an investment in an approved deposit fund;
    • an investment in an ATO small superannuation account;
  • a listed security;
  • a loan that has not been repaid in full;
  • an unlisted public security; 
  • gold, silver or platinum bullion; or
  • a payment of compensation in relation to a person's:
    • inability to earn, derive or receive income from remunerative work; or
    • total and permanent disability or incapacity.

 

 

A factor used to calculate the notional asset value of a defined benefit income stream.

A defined benefit income stream is an income stream  where the payments are not fully determined by a purchase price. Instead, payments are made with reference to a set formula based on:

  • the person's salary before retirement,
  • years of service, and/or
  • the governing rules of the income stream.