| Subscribe to SMSF News |
| SMSF News provides regular information for trustees of self-managed super funds, tax agents, financial planners and administrators. |
| Thinking about self-managed super |
| Steps to work out if managing your own super is right for you. |
| Trustee declaration - To be completed by new trustees and directors of corporate trustees of self-managed super funds |
| You must complete this declaration if you become a new trustee of a new self-managed super fund (SMSF) or an existing SMSF. To be read in conjunction with Self-managed super funds - key messages for trustees (NAT 71089). |
| Change of details for superannuation entities |
| Complete this application if you are acting on behalf of a superannuation entity and want to update details regarding the fund or trust for Australian business number (ABN) purposes. NAT 3036. |
| Setting up a self-managed super fund |
| What you need to know about setting up a self-managed super fund. |
| SMSF News - edition 25 |
| Quarterly newsletter for trustees of SMSF's, tax agents, approved auditors, financial planners and administrators. |
| How to apply for SMSF specific advice |
| SMSF specific advice is a written explanation of the Commissioner's view on how the super laws apply, or would apply, to your SMSF in relation to a specific transaction or arrangement. This document explains how to request specific advice. |
| SMSF News - edition 24 |
| Quarterly newsletter for trustees of SMSF's, tax agents, approved auditors, financial planners and administrators. |
| Start up kit |
| New trustees are sent a start up kit within 28 days of registering a self managed superannuation fund. |
| Request for self-managed superannuation fund specific advice |
| You should use this form if you want specific advice about how the super law applies to a particular transaction or arrangement for a self-managed superannuation fund. |
| Running a self-managed super fund |
| Provides information to SMSF trustees on the rules and responsibilities for running the SMSF, managing the retirement savings and complying with super and tax laws. (NAT 11032) |
| SMSF News - edition 23 |
| Quarterly newsletter for trustees of SMSF's, tax agents, approved auditors, financial planners and administrators. |
| How your self-managed super fund is regulated |
| This publication explains how we work with you and others to regulate your self-managed super fund. |
| SMSF News - edition 22 |
| Quarterly newsletter for trustees of SMSF's, tax agents, approved auditors, financial planners and administrators. |
| Supporting document requirements for SMSF specific advice |
| This information lists the documents and information we usually need to process SMSF specific advice. |
| SMSF News - edition 21 |
| Quarterly newsletter for trustees of SMSF's, tax agents, approved auditors, financial planners and administrators. |
| Winding up a self-managed super fund |
| As a trustee, you have certain responsibilities that you need to meet once you decide to wind up your SMSF. This outlines what you need to know. |
| SMSF News - edition 20 |
| Quarterly newsletter for trustees of SMSF's, tax agents, approved auditors, financial planners and administrators. |
| SMSF News - edition 19 |
| Quarterly newsletter for trustees of SMSF's, tax agents, approved auditors, financial planners and administrators. |
| 2012 Auditor contravention report instructions |
| The 2012 version of Completing the auditor/actuary contravention report (NAT 11299) instructions, which help SMSF auditors and actuaries complete the Auditor/actuary contravention report (NAT 11239). |
| Accepting contributions and rollovers |
| You can accept various super contributions for your members but there are some restrictions, mostly depending on the member's age and whether they've exceeded the contribution caps. |
| Accessing your super |
| Accessing the super in your SMSF to pay benefits is generally only allowed when a member reaches what's called their 'preservation age' and meets one of the specified conditions of release - for example, they retire. There are significant penalties for unlawfully releasing super benefits. |
| Application for ABN registration for superannuation entities |
| Instructions and application form for superannuation entities to register for an ABN NAT 2944. |
| Appointing an auditor for your self-managed super fund |
| You must appoint an approved auditor to audit your self-managed superannuation fund each income year. |
| Approved auditors of self-managed super funds - role and responsibilities |
| Guide for self-managed super fund auditors about their roles and responsibilities, ethical requirements, reporting obligations, audit documentation. What auditors can expect from our compliance casework, penalties and sanctions. |
| Auditor/actuary contravention report |
| An approved form used by auditors and actuaries to provide written details of contraventions made by trustees of self-managed superannuation funds. |
| Auditor/actuary contravention reports can now be lodged online |
| Approved auditors and actuaries of self managed superannuation funds can lodge auditor/actuary contravention reports online via the Tax Agent or Business Portals. |
| Carrying on a business in a self-managed superannuation fund |
| If you are a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) trustee and are thinking of carrying on a business in a SMSF, there are regulatory provisions you need to consider. |
| Change to practice statement - in-house assets and SMSFs |
| In 2011 we made amendments to Law Administration Practice Statement (PS LA 2009/8). |
| Changes to super for super funds, including self-managed super funds |
| Information to help keep super funds, including self-managed super funds, up to date on the latest changes to super affecting them. |
| Collectables and personal use assets - questions and answers |
| On 1 July 2011 rules were introduced into the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act) for self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) investments in collectables and personal use assets. |
| Completing the Auditor/actuary contravention report |
| These instructions include information about the reporting criteria and examples to help you complete the Auditor/actuary contravention report (ACR). |
| Completing the self-managed super fund annual return |
| This information will help you complete the Self-managed superannuation fund annual return (NAT 71226). It hightlights some common reporting errors. |
| Contracts for difference (CFDs) |
| Be very careful when entering into contracts for difference. |
| Data and payment standards |
| The Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Stronger Super) Act 2012 received royal assent on 28 June 2012, establishing a framework to implement the superannuation data and payment standards. |
| Economic downturn for SMSFs |
| Information about the affect of the economic downturn for the trustees of self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and approved auditors, including specific examples. |
| Employee share scheme options and acquisition of shares by self-managed super funds |
| This information is general guidance that explains our view when an individual nominates a self-managed super fund to receive shares or share options in relation to an employee share scheme. |
| Evading tax and super laws by using unrelated trusts |
| The arrangement outlined in Taxpayer Alert 2010/5 is where a self-managed super fund (SMSF) invests funds in an unrelated trust. The trust then on lends the funds to an SMSF member or relative of the member. |
| Examples of what to watch out for |
| Here are four case studies of what you should look out for as a trustee of self managed superannuation fund |
| Excess contributions tax - administrative penalties |
| We have released a new practice statement which provides guidelines for remitting administrative penalties where an individual or super provider does not comply with their excess contributions tax release authority obligations. |
| Final Ruling - Borrowing money or maintaining an existing borrowing of money |
| Generally self-managed super fund trustees are prohibited from borrowing money or maintaining an existing borrowing of money. To understand why, we have issued final ruling SMSFR 2009/2. |
| Fund rules intended to prevent excess contributions tax |
| In Taxpayer Alert TA 2010/2 the ATO highlighted issues concerning the governing rules in some superannuation funds which are designed to prevent a member from becoming liable to excess contributions tax (ECT). Having reviewed these arrangements, the ATO has withdrawn the Taxpayer Alert. |
| Getting help with your self-managed super fund questions |
| Provides information on how to contact the ATO with your SMSF questions. |
| How many superannuation interests does a member of a superannuation fund have in their fund? |
| Commissioner's view as to what constitutes a superannuation interest in relation to the different kinds of superannuation fund. |
| How to report contributions that you roll over - self-managed superannuation funds |
| How to report contributions rolled over from your self-managed super fund in the Rollover Benefits Statement and the SMSF Annual Return. |
| In-house assets and transitional rules |
| Explains what an in-house asset is, the transitional rules that apply to certain assets owned before 11 August 1999 and the changes that apply after 30 June 2009. |
| Keeping good records |
| Advice for trustees of a SMSF on what records to keep and why. |
| Keeping SMSFs within the definition of an SMSF |
| Trustees should ensure the fund always stays within the legal definition of a self managed superannuation fund |
| Key superannuation rates and thresholds |
| The key rates and thresholds that apply in relation to contributions and benefits, employment termination payments, superannuation guarantee and co-contributions. |
| Legal protection for SMSFs |
| Explains that self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees have fewer avenues of recourse against fraud and theft compared with trustees of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) regulated super funds. |
| Limited recourse borrowing arrangements |
| We have issued Final SMSF Ruling SMSFR 2012/1 - Self Managed Superannuation Funds: limited recourse borrowing arrangements - application of key concepts. |
| Limited recourse borrowing arrangements by self-managed super funds - questions and answers |
| This document provides general guidance on the ATO's current views regarding the application of the super law to limited recourse borrowing by self-managed super funds. |
| Managing your fund's investments |
| You need to manage your fund's investments in the best interests of fund members and in accordance with the law. Your investments should be separate from the personal and business affairs of fund members, including yourself. |
| Minimum pension relief for self-funded retirees |
| The amended regulations to provide relief for self-funded retirees from the minimum payment requirement for account-based pensions have been extended. |
| New start date for certain super reform measures |
| The government has announced a new start date of 1 July 2013 for a number of changes aimed at improving the integrity of self-managed super funds. |
| No-TFN tax offset - IOP calculator |
| The No-TFN tax offset - interest on overpayments (IOP) calculator is now available. |
| Obligations and responsibilities for self-managed super fund trustees |
| Trustees should regularly review their fund's investment strategy. Penalties may now apply if a trustee doesn't keep money and other assets of the fund separate from any money or assets held by the trustee personally or by a standard employer-sponsor or an associated standard employer-sponsor. |
| Ownership of assets by self-managed superannuation funds |
| Provides SMSF trustees with information about appropriate documentation to confirm the fund's ownership of assets. This protects the fund's assets and ensures compliance with the super laws. |
| Paying benefits and returning contributions |
| Your fund can only pay a benefit if you meet a condition of release and there are rules for accepting contributions that all trustees need to know. |
| Paying benefits from a self-managed super fund |
| Paying benefits from a self-managed super fund (NAT 74124) is designed to assist trustees who are required to make payments out of an SMSF. |
| Paying benefits from a self-managed super fund |
| Paying benefits from a self-managed super fund is a new publication we have added to our existing suite of self-managed super fund (SMSF) products. |
| Recent changes to electronic lodgment of the SMSF annual return |
| From 1 July 2012 systems changes have been made to ensure that unless your SMSF has been wound up during the financial year, you will not be able to lodge a return electronically where your SMSF had no assets at the end of the financial year end or no member balances at the end of the financial year. |
| Reform of SMSF levy arrangements |
| The government will reform the levy on self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) by changing when the levy is collected and increasing the levy to ensure regulatory costs are fully recovered. |
| Reporting, record keeping and administration |
| As a trustee you'll have a number of administrative obligations - for example, you'll need to arrange an annual audit of your fund, keep appropriate records and report to us on the fund's operation. |
| Residency of self-managed super funds |
| For a self-managed super fund to receive tax concessions, it must be a complying super fund and must satisfy a residency test. |
| Rollover benefits statement and instructions for transactions on or after 1 July 2013 |
| The Rollover benefits statement is available to download in Portable Document Format (PDF). Only use this version of the form for transactions occurring on or after 1 July 2013. |
| Self managed superannuation fund webinar program |
| We offer webinars and seminars to trustees of self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to help increase knowledge about their responsibilities and obligations |
| Self-managed super fund quarterly statistics methodology |
| Information summarises the methodology we use to produce quarterly statistics for self-managed super funds (SMSFs). |
| Self-managed super fund statistical report - December 2011 |
| Statistical reports for the self-managed super fund market for the period up to December 2011. |
| Self-managed super fund statistical report - December 2012 |
| Statistical reports for the self-managed super fund market for the period up to December 2012. |
| Self-managed super fund statistical report - June 2011 |
| Statistical reports for the self-managed super fund market for the period up to June 2011. |
| Self-managed super fund statistical report - June 2012 |
| Statistical reports for the self-managed super fund market for the period up to June 2012. |
| Self-managed super fund statistical report - March 2011 |
| Statistical reports for the self-managed super fund market for the period up to March 2011. |
| Self-managed super fund statistical report - March 2012 |
| Statistical reports for the self-managed super fund market for the period up to March 2012. |
| Self-managed super fund statistical report - September 2010 |
| Statisical reports for the self-managed super fund market for the period to September 2010. |
| Self-managed super fund statistical report - September 2011 |
| Statistical reports for the self-managed super fund market for the period up to September 2011. |
| Self-managed super fund statistical report - September 2012 |
| Statistical reports for the self-managed super fund market for the period up to September 2012. |
| Self-managed super funds - key messages for trustees |
| Read this fact sheet (NAT 71128) in conjunction with the Trustee declaration (NAT 71089). Keep a copy of this fact sheet with you and refer to it when making important decisions on behalf of your fund. |
| Self-managed super funds - trustee declaration |
| Describes the trustee declaration and key messages for trustees publication. Should be read in conjunction when trustees make any investment decisiosn and so they are completely aware of their roles and responsibilities. |
| Self-managed super funds and tax exemptions on pension assets |
| You may be able to claim a tax exemption in the SMSF annual return for certain income, once your SMSF commences paying super pensions. |
| Self-managed super funds overview |
| Issues to consider before setting up an SMSF, how to set up and run an SMSF, and how to wind up an SMSF. |
| Self-managed super funds: A statistical overview 2009-10 |
| The statistical overview for 2009-10 of self-managed super funds (SMSF) provides high level observatins and commentary. The majority of data in this overview has been collected from the SMSF annual return (SAR), SMSF registrations and auditor contravention reports (ACRs) lodged by approved auditors. |
| Self-managed super funds: A statistical overview 2010-11 |
| The statistical overview for 2010-11 of self-managed super funds includes high-level observations and commentary. The majority of data in this overview has been collected from the SMSF annual return (SAR), SMSF registrations and auditor contravention reports (ACRs) lodged by approved auditors. |
| Self-managed superannuation fund annual return |
| The self-managed superannuation annual return (NAT 71226) comprises your income tax reporting, regulatory reporting and member contributions reporting. |
| Self-managed superannuation fund annual return 2012 |
| For use by self-managed superannuation funds to complete 2012 annual return. NAT 71226-6.2012 |
| Self-managed superannuation fund annual return instructions |
| The Self-managed superannuation fund annual return instructions (NAT 71606) can assist you to complete the Self-managed superannuation fund annual return (NAT 71226). |
| Self-managed superannuation fund annual return instructions 2012 |
| For use by self-managed superannuation funds to assist in completion of 2012 annual return. NAT 71606-6.2012 |
| Self-managed superannuation fund independent auditor's report |
| This new report applies from 1 July 2012. For an annual audit, this means for reporting periods commencing on or after 1 July 2011. You may use this report for audits completed for earlier periods. |
| Self-managed superannuation funds - starting and stopping a superannuation income stream (pension) |
| Information about issues trustees of SMSFs may need to take into account when a superannuation income stream starts or stops. Includes answers to common questions. |
| Self-managed superannuation funds determination - SMSFD 2011/1 |
| SMSFD 2011/1 explains whether a benefit payable with a cheque or promissory note can be 'cashed' for the purposes of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SISR) at the time the cheque or note is received by the member or beneficiary. |
| Self-managed superannuation funds: A statistical overview 2008-09 |
| This statistical overview for 2008-09 of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF) provides high level observations and commentary. The majority of commentary has been collected from the SMSF annual return (SAR), SMSF registrations and auditor contravention reports (ACRs) lodged by approved auditors. |
| Setting up an SMSF |
| If you set up an SMSF you become a trustee of the fund. This means you'll be responsible for managing your SMSF according to its trust deed and the laws and rules that apply to SMSFs. The key principle is that you run your SMSF for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits to fund members. |
| SMSF member verification system |
| Information for SMSFs about the SMSF member verification system that provides greater transparency around super rollovers from APRA-regulated super funds into SMSFs. |
| SMSFs and lending |
| This document outlines the reasonable steps SMSF trustees should take when lending money to ensure that any investment is in the members' best interests. |
| Stopping schemes to illegally access super |
| We are working to protect the retirement savings of Australians from schemes to illegally access super. |
| Super for same-sex couples and their children |
| Information for super funds on the laws surounding same-sex couple and their children. |
| Super legislation |
| Information about the rules you must follow under the super legislation. |
| Superannuation adviser visits 2012 |
| Outlines the visits by Assistant Commissioners Stuart Forsyth (Superannuation) and Ann Hurst (Aggressive Tax Planning) with super advisers to gain a direct understanding of the issues and risks affecting the super industry. |
| Superannuation and false or misleading statements which do not result in a shortfall amount |
| The law has changed to expand the false or misleading statement penalty provisions to include false and misleading statements that do not result in a shortfall amount. |
| Superannuation benefit component calculator |
| Super professionals can use this calculator to determine the crystallised segment of the tax free component of a superannuation interest. |
| Superannuation crystallisation calculator |
| The Superannuation crystallisation calculator is now available. |
| Tax treatment of transfers from foreign super funds |
| These questions and answers relate to the tax treatment of transfers from foreign super funds to Australian complying super funds. |
| Thinking about self-managed super |
| Setting up an SMSF is a major financial decision and you need to have the time and skills to do it. There may be other, better options for your superannuation savings. Either way you should certainly get professional advice. |
| Transition to retirement |
| Information for super funds about paying transition to retirement income streams. Under this measure, fund members who have reached their preservation age can access their benefits without having to retire or leave their job. |
| Understanding superannuation interests in an SMSF |
| Provides information about what is a superannuation interest in a self managed super fund and how the value of the interest is determined. |
| Understanding tax and SMSFs |
| The income of your SMSF is generally taxed at a concessional rate of 15%. To be entitled to this rate your fund has to be a 'complying fund' that follows the laws and rules for SMSFs. Much higher rates apply to income from non-arm's length investments and contributions above the contribution caps. |
| Unpaid trust distributions and in-house assets |
| We have released two self-managed superannuation funds rulings: SMSFR 2009/3 and SMSFR 2009/4. |
| Updating superannuation fund details online |
| Tax agents and trustees of superannuation funds who currently hold an ATO digital certificate can now view and update superannuation fund details via the Australian Business Register (ABR) website. |
| Valuation guidelines for self-managed superannuation funds |
| Helps self-managed superannuation fund trustees when valuing assets for superannuation purposes. |
| What does business real property mean? |
| Business real property is defined as is the meaning of an eligible interest in real property. Details the connection required between property use and business, must be subject to a business use test. Final Ruling has a wide range of examples listed. |
| Winding up an SMSF |
| At some point you may need to wind up your SMSF. This could happen if all the members and trustees have left the fund or all the benefits have been paid out. To wind up an SMSF, you must ensure there are no assets left in the fund and fulfil a number of reporting and administrative obligations. |