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How to Wind Up an SMSF
Winding up an SMSF involves careful steps to comply with trustee duties and ATO regulations. Learn why SMSFs are wound up and essential tasks including asset disposal, member benefit payments, final audit, tax reporting, and documentation. This guide helps trustees manage the SMSF closure process compliantly and efficiently.
3 min read
What is an SMSF Actuarial Certificate?
An SMSF actuarial certificate certifies the tax-exempt income proportion in funds with both pension and accumulation members. This guide covers when a certificate is required, segregation vs proportionate methods, consequences of losing the certificate, impacts of losses, and considerations for cash-only investments.
3 min read
SMSF Residency Rules that Trustees Must Know
SMSF residency rules are crucial to keeping your fund compliant and eligible for concessional tax rates. To remain an Australian SMSF, funds must satisfy establishment, central management and control, and active member tests. Temporary absences overseas may be permitted, but long-term or permanent absences can risk non-compliance. Learn how the rules work and why planning ahead is essential for trustees.
3 min read
What Information is Required to Set Up a Bare Trust for Your SMSF?
See what information is required to set up a bare trust for your SMSF, including property details, lender information, and loan specifics. Discover why professional guidance is essential to ensure compliance with LRBA rules and safeguard your SMSF property investment.
3 min read
Who and What Is an SMSF Trustee?
In an SMSF, trustees are legally responsible for managing the fund, complying with superannuation law, and acting in the best interests of members. Whether as individual trustees or directors of a corporate trustee, their role includes managing investments, ensuring compliance, and protecting members’ retirement savings. Learn what an SMSF trustee is, their obligations, and why this role is critical to running a successful fund.
3 min read
How to Transfer Super from a Retail Fund into Your SMSF
Transferring superannuation from a retail fund to your SMSF requires accurate setup, use of SuperStream, and compliance with ATO rules. This article outlines the necessary steps, expected timing, documentation to keep, insurance and fee considerations, and tax implications to ensure a smooth, compliant rollover to your SMSF.
3 min read
What Can an SMSF Invest In? Rules Explained
SMSFs can invest in shares, property, term deposits, and more, but strict rules apply. Investments must meet the sole purpose test, align with an SMSF investment strategy, and avoid prohibited use by members. Understanding SMSF investment rules helps trustees stay compliant while building a portfolio designed to provide retirement benefits.
2 min read
What Is a Bare Trust in an SMSF?
A bare trust is essential when an SMSF buys property with a loan. The bare trustee holds legal title while the SMSF retains beneficial ownership, ensuring compliance with superannuation law and protecting members’ retirement savings. Learn how bare trusts work in limited recourse borrowing arrangements, why proper setup and stamping are critical, and the risks trustees face if the structure is not executed correctly.
3 min read
Who Can Be a Trustee or Director of an SMSF?
SMSF trustees and directors must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the ATO to ensure fund compliance. This article explains who can serve as a trustee or corporate director, disqualification rules, legal personal representatives, trustee consent, and declarations to support trustees and mortgage brokers in managing SMSFs responsibly.
3 min read
What is an SMSF? Understanding Self-Managed Super Funds in Australia
A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) gives individuals direct control over their retirement savings. With one to four members acting as trustees, an SMSF allows tailored investment strategies across property, shares, cash, and more, while requiring strict compliance with ATO rules. SMSFs offer flexibility and potential tax benefits, but managing them involves responsibility, time, and ongoing costs.
3 min read
How Many Members Can I Have in an SMSF?
Discover how many members your SMSF can have and understand the differences between individual and corporate trustees. Learn about governance, compliance, costs, asset ownership, and succession planning to keep your SMSF legally compliant and efficiently managed.
3 min read
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