A guide to self-managed super funds

Self-managed super funds allow for up to four members who must all be trustees, and the fund’s sole purpose must be to providing for the retirement of members. This may include accessing a lump sum, an income stream, or death benefits.

If you choose to set up SMSF superannuation in Australia, you are responsible for all decisions relating to the fund, and are expected to be compliant with the laws governing super funds.

If you run a self-managed super fund you will need to:

• Set and follow an appropriate investment strategy for your risk tolerance and retirement needs
• Have the financial experience and skills required to make sound investment decisions
• Have enough time to research investments and manage the fund
• Budget for ongoing expenses such as professional accounting, tax, audit, legal and financial advice
• Keep comprehensive records and arrange an annual audit by an approved SMSF auditor
• Organise insurance, including income protection and total and permanent disability cover for super fund members

It is recommended that before committing to starting a self-managed super fund, you conduct thorough research, evaluate your financial position and seek professional advice.

Maintaining a self-managed super fund is likely to require a lot of time and specific financial knowledge and skills, so you may want to speak to professionals who can guide you through the administration requirements and assist with investment decisions as well.

Financial services professionals you approach could include:

• An accountant, for assistance with the fund’s accounts and operating statements.
• A tax agent, for assistance with logging tax returns and tax advice.
• A fund administrator, for assistance with the running of your fund and following the SMSF rules.
• A legal practitioner, for legal advice and assistance with your fund’s trust deed.
• A financial adviser, for assistance with preparing and executing investment strategies.

Remember that even if you get help from professionals, you will still be responsible for ensuring all tasks are completed correctly and adhere to legislation surrounding self-managed super funds.

According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), there are several steps that must be taken when setting up a self-managed super fund. Appointing professionals for assistance are among the most crucial.

Once this has been done, the following steps should be taken:

1. Choose individual trustees or a corporate trustee: Self-managed super funds can have up to four individual trustees, or a company acting as a trustee. Costs, requirements and ownership of assets will differ for each option.
2. Create the trust and trust deed: The trust deed is the legally binding document that details the arrangements relating to the trust and its beneficiaries, and how the fund is operated. It’s a legal document, so it must be prepared by someone qualified to do so, and must be agreed upon and signed by all SMSF trustees.
3. Appoint your trustees: All trustees of the fund must submit their consent in writing, and sign a trustee declaration that confirms they understand all of their associated duties and responsibilities. Eligibility criteria applies to anyone hoping to be a trustee.
4. Check your fund is an Australian super fund: It must be so for the entire financial year to be a complying super fund. If this is not the case, associated assets and income will be taxed at the highest marginal tax rate.
5. Register your fund: Your SMSF must be registered with the ATO. During the registration process, you can apply for a TFN, ABN and register for GST if you feel necessary.
6. Set up a bank account for your fund: This is necessary to pay the fund’s expenses and liabilities.

Though it could be tempting for SMSF investors to start making investments right away, preparing an investment strategy for your self-managed super fund could be better for you and all trustees in the long run.

This strategy should be regularly reviewed and amended in case there are changes to your income, personal circumstances, diversification plans, the liquidity of the fund’s assets or the fund’s ability to pay benefits when members reach retirement.

To be eligible for the same tax concessions generally available to other super funds, your SMSF will need to meet the ATO’s “sole purpose test”. In other words, the fund must be maintained for the sole purpose of being used during the retirement of the member or members, and investments made should reflect this purpose.

There are also some restrictions from the ATO to consider when making your investments, such as:

• The purchase and sale price of assets must reflect market value
• The fund cannot borrow money (except in certain limited circumstances)
• Assets cannot be bought from, and money cannot be loaned to, fund members (except in certain limited circumstances)

Before you can close an SMSF, requirements specified in the trust deed will have to be met and benefits will have to be dealt with.

Once this is done, the ATO recommends appointing an SMSF auditor to complete the fund’s final audit.

Then, the final annual return should be lodged, and outstanding tax and expected liabilities settled before closing the fund’s bank account and winding up the self-managed super fund.

Setting up a self-managed super fund will give you more control over your investments and how you buy and sell assets, giving you the chance to try to outperform traditional superannuation funds. This could potentially allow you to retire with more money than you might with a more typical super fund.

That being said, SMSFs generally have high set-up costs and annual running expenses, so a large superannuation balance could be necessary for the fund to be cost-effective. Also, they require a high level of financial expertise to manage, as well as a significant time commitment, which may not suit your retirement planning.

If you feel a self-managed super fund isn’t the best option for you, you may want to compare other superannuation options in Australia, such as industry super funds or a fund managed by a financial institution or private company.

You can compare super funds at RateCity to get a better idea of which superannuation investment options, fees, features and benefits may best suit your financial situation. Be sure to check the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) and/or financial services guide before making any decisions. 

Is an SMSF right for you? If you're not sure which super option may be right for your personal objectives, consider contacting a financial adviser or financial planner for more personal financial advice.