Trustee declaration - to be completed by new trustees and directors of corporate trustees of self-managed super funds

Download the Portable Document Format (PDF) of Trustee declaration (NAT 71089, PDF, 173KB).

All new trustees (and directors of corporate trustees) of an SMSF are required to sign a Trustee declaration. The declaration aims to ensure that new trustees (or directors of corporate trustees) understand their obligations and responsibilities.

Trustee declaration

Read this declaration in conjunction with Self-managed super funds - Key messages for trustees (NAT 71128).

Who should complete this declaration?

You must complete this declaration if you become a new trustee (or director of a corporate trustee) of:

• a new self-managed super fund (SMSF)
• an existing SMSF.

You must sign this declaration within 21 days of becoming a trustee or director of a corporate trustee of an SMSF.

A separate declaration is required to be completed and signed by each and every new trustee (or director of a corporate trustee).

You must also complete the declaration if you are a legal personal representative who has been appointed as trustee (or director of a corporate trustee) on behalf of a:

• member who is under a legal disability (usually a member under 18 years old)
• member for whom you hold an enduring power of attorney
• deceased member.

Information you need to read

Make sure you read Self-managed super funds - Key messages for trustees (NAT 71128). It highlights some of the key points from the declaration and some important messages for you.

Before completing this declaration

Before you complete and sign this declaration, make sure you:

• read each section
• understand all the information it contains.

If you have any difficulties completing this declaration or you do not fully understand the information it contains: speak to a professional adviser refer to the question and answer document, Self-managed super funds - trustee declaration refer to www.ato.gov.au/smsf phone us on 13 10 20. If you are not familiar with some of the terms used in this declaration or you need more information, refer to Running a self-managed super fund (NAT 11032).

When completing this declaration

When you complete this declaration, remember to:

• insert the full name of the fund at the beginning
• sign and date it
• ensure it is signed and dated by a witness (anyone 18 years old or older).

What should you do with the declaration?

You must keep your completed declaration for at least 10 years and make it available to us if we request it.

We recommend that you keep a copy of your completed declaration and refer to it and Self-managed super funds - Key messages for trustees (NAT 71128) when making important decisions, such as those relating to choosing investments, accepting contributions and paying benefits.

Do not send your completed declaration to us.