Is your SMSF tax-ready?

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Self Managed Super Funds or SMSF
Is your SMSF tax ready?

Feb 17

Here is a list of 5 Steps which will ensure that your SMSF is tax-ready!

1. Give notice

If you're planning to claim a tax deduction on your personal super contributions, you'll need to complete a Notice of Intent with your personal income tax return. You can download this form from the Australian Taxation Office website. And if you're thinking about applying for a government pension, make sure you lodge this notice and claim your tax deduction before payments start.

2. Value your assets

You're required to value the assets of your SMSF at market value at 30 June each year in order to provide accurate and up-to-date information on your annual return. For tax purposes, market value is the amount a willing buyer of the asset could reasonably be expected to pay.

If your fund has any in-house assets, you'll also need to have these valued. Make sure the market value of these investments is less than five per cent of the fund's total value or you could be hit with a fine.

3. Keep records

It's your responsibility to keep accurate records of your financial statements and tax returns, as well as minutes of trustee meetings and decisions. Get copies of all your statements and schedules, and keep these on file - so it's a simple matter of handing them over to your auditor when tax time comes around.

4. Get an auditor

You'll need to appoint a registered auditor to audit your fund every year. Allow at least 45 days before you have to lodge your SMSF annual return, to ensure your auditor has enough time to examine your financial statements.

You can check your auditor is registered at the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) website - if they are, they'll have an SMSF auditor number to include on your annual return.

5. Lodge a return

Once the audit is complete, it's time to lodge your SMSF Annual Return. You can either do this electronically though a tax agent, or by printing the form on the ATO website and mailing it back to the ATO.

Don't forget that a new version of the SMSF Annual Return is released each year - so make sure you're using the correct one.

Want to know more?

If you want to keep enjoying the flexibility and control of your self-managed super fund, you’ll need to make sure your fund is compliant at tax time. Here’s how to do it.
Note: SMSFs are not appropriate for all investors due to the time, cost and responsibility involved in managing and SMSF and because they are not cost competitive for lower account balances.

Your self-managed super fund is a powerful investment tool, and a great way of saving for your retirement. But don’t forget that as trustee, with control comes responsibility published here. And that means it’s up to you to make sure your SMSF is complying with super and tax laws.

While managing your super fund can help you maximise your returns , it’s not always easy to know if you’re doing it right – especially around tax time. Get professional advice to help you get your super in order, by speaking to our financial adviser at Avante Financial Services on 1300 788 650.

Is your SMSF tax ready?