About SMSF's

 
Is an SMSF right for me?
What can an SMSF invest in?
When and how can I access my Super?
What reports will be prepared for my SMSF?
  • Do you have the time and expertise to run your own SMSF?
  • Do you have an appropriate minimum balance to operate your SMSF and have a plan on how much you want to contribute in future?
  • Are you aware of the costs of setting up and/or running a SMSF? Depending on your balance it may be cheaper or more expensive than a Industry or Retail Fund.
  • Do you have the expertise to select appropriate investments for your fund or will you use the help of professional personnel such as financial planners?
  • What are your reasons for wanting a SMSF?

To help in deciding if an SMSF is right for you , one of our strategic advisors can compare your options and guide you in making a decision that’s right for you. You will be more informed whether an SMSF will be suited to your personal circumstances.

Investments should be for the sole purpose the providing for the member’s retirement. The types of investments allowed are determined by the SMSF trust deed, SIS act and it’s  investment strategy. Your investment strategy needs to include the types of assets you wish your fund to invest in. A list of allowable investments may be:
  • Cash at Bank
  • Term Deposits
  • Listed Securities (such as shares, managed funds, property trusts)
  • Unlisted Securities (only where there is no control of asset)
  • Units in a 13.22 Unlisted Trust (Special rules apply to these trusts)
  • Commercial Property (Special rules applies for related parties)
  • Residential Property (only to be rented or purchased at arm’s length (no related parties)
Collectibles (special rules on how these are stored and used)

What Investment Restrictions are there?

Investment restrictions apply to certain investments, particularly where a member is seen to have received a benefit. All investments must be purchased on an arm’s length basis. Examples of investments that have investment restrictions are:
  • Loans or financial assistance to members or related parties
  • Units in trust controlled by the member or associates
  • Shares in a company controlled by a member or associate (i.e. private company)
  • Asset in your fund leased to a related party  (business real property has an exemption)
  • Residential Property rented or purchased from related parties
  • Units in trust controlled by the member or associates
  • Holiday House – used by the member
  • Golf Memberships used by the members
  • Collectibles that don’t adhere to specific rules
  • Use an SMSF asset for security for an loan
  • Assets with the use of borrowings without the correct Legal structure in place.
To ensure you do not breach the investments, when in doubt always seek assistance by speaking to an SMSF professional.
Superannuation can be accessed when you meet one of the following conditions of release:
  • Retirement (attaining age 65 or becoming “retired” from work)
  • Terminal illness
  • Temporary and permanent disability
  • Severe financial hardship
  • Compassionate grounds
  • Death
Money can be accessed by way of taking one of the following:
  • An Account Based Pension
  • A Transition To Retirement Income Stream (TRIS)
  • Lump Sum
  • Annual financial reporting, including financial statements, tax return and member statements
  • Independent annual SMSF Audit
  • Class Super App to enable all clients to view “live” balances of their Super