News and alerts
Keep up to date with the latest news for self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees and professionals. New information is published here regularly, so be the first to know by subscribing to our Super email updates and RSS news feeds. News articles are generally removed after three months.
SMSF alerts and monthly newsletter
Subscribe to our email news products to receive our:
- monthly SMSF newsletter that provides a wrap-up of our latest published news along with useful resources, links and reminders
- alerts about important information, changes and requirements.
To subscribe, simply complete the SMSF News subscription formExternal Link.
Once you've registered, you will receive each new edition of SMSF News in an email.
December updates
12 December 2019
Audits on the top 100 SMSF auditors
Results from our review into the top 100 SMSF auditors during the 2018–19 financial year.
11 December 2019
Court shuts down illegal SMSF promoter
A $220,000 penalty and seven-year ban for a New South Wales woman promoting an illegal early release of super scheme.
10 December 2019
Supporting SMSF our clients
Recent LRBA law changes may have impacted some of the information included in lodged SMSF annual returns. Find out what we did to help our clients.
10 December 2019
Here's to another year - or twenty
It's been another busy year for SMSFs; read Assistant Commissioner Dana Fleming's December wrap up.
10 December 2019
Delaying SMSs for SMSF changes
An issue has been identified that will postpone the start date for sending alert messages to trustees when changes are made to their SMSF.
6 December 2019
Systems availability over the holiday period
Details of the systems relevant to SMSF trustees and auditors that will be unavailable over the ATO's shutdown period, December 2019–January 2020.
5 December 2019
Latest improvements to ATO Online for SMSF members
We're always working to improve the functionality of ATO online to give you a better experience and save you time. Check out the latest improvements.
November updates
25 November 2019
Make the move to myGovID and RAM
From late March 2020, AUSkey will be replaced with two new digital services, myGovID and RAM.
22 November 2019
You may be affected when the transfer balance cap is indexed
Our web content has been updated to include indexation of the general transfer balance cap.
22 November 2019
SMSs for SMSFs (now say that three times!)
From 30 November we'll begin issuing messages via email or text to let you know when changes are made within your SMSF.
21 November 2019
Audit tool software update - important information for macOS users
The Electronic Superannuation Audit Tool (eSat) software will not operate on certain Apple Mac operating systems. Find out your options.
18 November 2019
Key date alert - action your commutation authorities
SMSFs need to action commutation authorities by the due date, even when the date falls in the Christmas/New Year holiday period.
18 November 2019
Guidance for SMSFs on fractional property investment
Confirming our approach on the sole purpose test for SMSF trustees investing in fractional property investment products.
October updates
24 October 2019
Sydney SMSF super schemer sentenced
A recent court case highlights the consequences of illegal early release of super.
23 October 2019
Make sure it's legal to release a member's super benefits
Know your obligations when releasing super under compassionate grounds and hardship.
21 October 2019
Is your SMSF bank account in the name of your fund?
SMSFs must maintain a unique bank account for super payments.
21 October 2019
Don't delay: action your transfer balance cap correspondence
Excess transfer balance determinations and commutation authorities issuing in October will have a due date that falls during the busy Christmas/New Year period.
21 October 2019
Quarterly TBAR due 28 October
Lodge your clients' next quarterly transfer balance account reports (TBARs) due this month using Online services for agents, for benefits including pre-filled details and faster processing times. The spreadsheet lodgment option will not be available after 31 October.
16 October 2019
Highlights: SMSF quarterly statistical report June 2019
Read the highlights from our June 2019 quarterly statistical report on self-managed super funds (SMSFs).
4 October 2019
A Message from Assistant Commissioner, Dana Fleming
8 October marks an important milestone as we celebrate 20 years of ATO regulation of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs).
3 October 2019
Recent law changes affecting SMSFs
Treasury Laws Amendment (2018 Superannuation Measures No. 1) Bill 2019 has come into effect. It includes two integrity measures affecting SMSFs – find out what you need to do.
2 October 2019
Stay smart online to avoid cybercrime
7-13 October is Stay Smart Online week. Use this week to check you and your members are staying safe online.
1 October 2019
Auditing the SMSF auditor - what we look for
Our website now has a detailed checklist of what our staff look for when conducting an audit or review of an SMSF auditor.
September updates
27 September 2019
How long does it take for us to process a new SMSF application?
It can take up to 28 days for us to review a new SMSF application. Use Super Fund Lookup to find out the current status of your registration.
27 September 2019
We're here to help you
Find out how we can help you understand your responsibilities as an SMSF trustee or adviser with support and tools to make managing your SMSF as easy as possible.
18 September 2019
More information for SMSF trustees on investment diversification
Clarification of our communications to some SMSF trustees and their auditors about lack of investment diversification.
18 September 2019
Changes to how you notify us of your SMSF details
The way you need to advise us of your SMSF's financial institution account (FIA) or electronic service address (ESA) has changed.
18 September 2019
Your fund status will change if SMSF annual returns are late
Effective 1 October 2019, SMSFs more than two weeks overdue on any annual return lodgment will have their status changed on Super Fund Lookup.
August updates
26 August 2019
Need to know
Our senior staff speak regularly at superannuation industry conferences and events and we publish their speeches to our Media Centre.
19 August 2019
Over 920 SMSFs have voluntarily disclosed contraventions
If you identify a contravention in your SMSF, our SMSF early engagement and voluntary disclosure service is available.
19 August 2019
No longer accepting spreadsheet TBAR lodgments from 31 October
Since the introduction of online TBAR lodgment via Online services for agents, agents will no longer be able to lodge the TBAR spreadsheet form after 31 October 2019.
16 August 2019
Guidance for incorrect ENCC determinations
A small number of SMSF members are impacted by 'double counting' of the individual’s pension. This incorrectly inflates the member's total super balance and may cause an incorrect excess non-concessional contribution determination to issue.
9 August 2019
Does your SMSF investment strategy meet diversification requirements?
We're contacting SMSF trustees and their auditors where our records indicate a lack of investment diversification. We'll ask trustees to review their investment strategy to ensure it complies with regulation 4.09 of the SISA.
Previous updates
16 July 2019
Death benefit income streams – meeting minimum pension payment requirements
Failure to meet the minimum pension payment requirements for a reversionary death benefit income stream can mean the trustee may not meet the compulsory cashing requirements. Trustees need to act quickly to ensure they meet regulations.
15 July 2019
Preliminary findings of our new approach for detecting misuse of SMSF auditor numbers
Preliminary findings of our new approach for detecting misuse of SMSF auditor numbers (SAN) sees 1,445 instances of potential fraud. Make sure your SAN is protected by staying engaged with our process.
15 July 2019
Gender super gap is reducing... but remains significant
Our latest Self-managed super funds: statistical overview 2016–17 shows the super gap between men and women is reducing over time, but remains high.
Keep up to date with the latest news for SMSF trustees and professionals. Be the first to know by subscribing to the super area of our website and to our email newsletter.