Self Managed Super Funds

Understanding the Basics and Legalities

A self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) is a do-it-yourself fund for up to four members. Each member acts as a trustee, ensuring a transparent and personalised approach. It’s important to note that all members must be trustees and vice versa. In some cases, a ‘single member fund’ may require two individual trustees or a corporate trustee.

Key Components for SMSF Success

Two vital components are required to establish your SMSF: a dedicated bank account and a trust deed. The trust deed outlines membership eligibility, admission procedures, investment options, and death benefit recipients. An annual audit and tax return filing with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are also mandatory.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Embarking on managing your own SMSF is a significant financial decision. Before committing, assessing costs and understanding your legal obligations is crucial. While self-management offers benefits, it’s essential to be aware of the rigorous compliance and regulations that come with it.

Before embarking on your SMSF journey:

• Take the time to assess the financial implications.
• Understand the legal landscape.
• Consider seeking professional advice.

By doing so, you can confidently make the right decision for your future.

Control for Better Investments and Fees

Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) have gained immense popularity in recent years regarding managing your future. One key reason is the unparalleled level of control they offer. As a member, you can dictate your investment choices, collect ongoing fees, and even influence the tax you pay. 

Exploring the Benefits of SMSFs

Establishing your SMSF requires a diligent assessment of both advantages and responsibilities. For countless Australians, SMSFs prove to be a game-changer for several compelling reasons:

1. Enhanced Investment Control: Bid farewell to limitations and embrace the freedom to handpick your investment options. With an SMSF, you hold the reins, allowing for a more tailored approach that resonates with your financial goals.
2. Investment Flexibility: Break free from the confines of traditional industry and retail funds. SMSFs empower you to explore a broader range of investment avenues, opening doors to potential growth and diversification.
3. Cost Efficiency: Keeping more of your hard-earned money in your pocket is always a priority. SMSFs often boast lower fees than their industry and retail counterparts, allowing you to optimise your financial gains.
4. Performance Potential: When compared to industry and retail funds, self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) have the potential to achieve superior performance outcomes. 

Tax and Wealth Benefits

Operating an SMSF unlocks numerous tax advantages and allows you to leverage changes in tax and superannuation laws as soon as they come into effect. Additionally, SMSFs are a powerful tool for families to consolidate resources, foster wealth growth, and facilitate intergenerational wealth transfer. Such estate planning benefits are often inaccessible through traditional superannuation products.

Enhanced Tax Benefits and Portability

Furthermore, SMSFs offer enticing tax benefits through account segregation and the ability to share imputation credits. Your SMSF also provides portability, allowing your account to stay with you regardless of location as long as you operate within Australia’s superannuation laws.

Investment Potential

As a trustee of your SMSF, you can decide where your hard-earned retirement savings are invested. Unlike traditional superannuation funds, the possibilities are endless, with many investment options. 

Diversify Your Portfolio

With an SMSF, you can explore investment avenues beyond the ordinary. Enjoy the freedom to invest in listed shares, bonds, LICs, ETFs, and direct property. Additionally, you can transfer personally owned listed shares and managed funds directly into your SMSF. 

Business Real Estate – A Smart Move

Why limit yourself to residential properties when you can put your SMSF to work with ‘business real property’? This unique advantage allows your fund to own properties exclusively utilised for business purposes. 

Take Charge of Your Investments

Gone are the days of relying on market fluctuations. With an SMSF, you can create your investment strategy, actively manage your portfolio, and adapt to changing market trends. Embrace the freedom to shape your financial future.

To ensure the long-term growth of your SMSF, it is crucial to establish a clear investment philosophy. Like any other super investment, consider determining an acceptable rate of return and assessing your risk appetite for your retirement savings. Seeking professional management guidance in these areas can be a strategic move.

Active Engagement: Regularly Reviewing Investment Strategies

As a responsible SMSF trustee, you must regularly review and refine your fund’s investment strategy. You can adapt to market development and maximise your fund’s potential by staying proactive. Additionally, remember to assess the importance of insurance coverage for the members of your fund.

Simplify Compliance: Leveraging Specialist Administrators

Managing the compliance activities associated with an SMSF can become overwhelming. That’s why many savvy investors choose to employ specialist administrators who excel in handling intricate compliance tasks on their behalf. Delegate these administrative burdens to professionals while maintaining complete control and flexibility over your investments.

Staying on the Right Side of the Law: Key Compliance Components

Your SMSF’s compliance with superannuation laws is paramount, and as a trustee, you bear the legal responsibility of ensuring adherence to all regulations. Familiarise yourself with the vital compliance components, such as guidelines for borrowing, in-house asset rules, acquisitions from related parties, and conducting all dealings at arm’s length.

An SMSF offers a flexible structure that empowers members to optimise estate planning, ensuring smooth wealth transfer across generations while minimising tax obligations. Take advantage of this unique feature to secure your family’s financial future.

Tax Concessions: A Conducive Environment for Growth

Within an SMSF, earnings are taxed at a favourable concessional rate of 15%. Capital gains on investments held for over 12 months are also subject to an effective tax rate of just 10%. This tax-friendly environment encourages long-term financial growth and rewards prudent investment strategies.

Deferred Contribution Tax Payments

Unlike industry and retail super funds, where the 15% contributions tax is deducted upon receipt, an SMSF allows deferred contribution tax payments. This means that taxes are only paid after the lodgement of the annual tax return, granting you greater control and flexibility over your financial decisions.

Pension Management

Enjoy maximum flexibility in establishing and managing various pensions within your SMSF. Whether you opt for account-based, transition to retirement, or term-allocated pensions, your SMSF provides a comprehensive range of options tailored to your needs.

Accessing Centrelink Benefits Made Easier

Experience greater flexibility in accessing Centrelink benefits, including the esteemed Age Pension, through your SMSF. Capitalise on the advantages this self-managed super fund offers to optimise your retirement planning and secure the financial support you deserve.

Establishing Your SMSF

Setting up your Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is crucial for efficient administration and compliance. Our expert services cover:

Hassle-free Establishment: We guide you through the process, assisting with form completion and paperwork. You can self-administer the fund or utilise our efficient SMSF administration service.

The key steps involved in establishing your SMSF are:

1. Trust Deed Acquisition: Obtain the necessary Trust Deed.
2. Trustee Appointment: Appoint Trustees, each signing a ‘Consent to Act’ Form.
3. ATO Trustee Declaration: Each Trustee must sign this declaration.
4. Regulated Fund Election: Trustees must elect to become a regulated fund under SISA within 60 days of SMSF establishment to enjoy concessional tax treatment.
5. TFN and ABN Acquisition: Obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) and Australian Business Number (ABN).
6. Dedicated Bank Account: Establish a separate bank account for the SMSF, meeting SISA requirements while protecting your retirement income.
7. Investment Strategy: Prepare and implement a comprehensive investment strategy for your SMSF.

Comprehensive Services We Offer

• Precise Trust Deed Preparation: Our professionals create a fully customised SMSF Trust Deed for you.
• Seamless ATO Application: We complete and lodge all ATO application forms on your behalf.
• Trustee Declarations: Every SMSF Trustee (and Directors of Corporate Trustees) must sign an ATO Declaration confirming their awareness of duties and responsibilities within 21 days of appointment.
• Dedicated Bank Account Setup: We facilitate the establishment of a bank account exclusively for your SMSF.
• Secure Asset Distribution: We assist you in completing binding death nomination forms and guide the orderly distribution of assets in unfortunate circumstances.

Simplified Ongoing Administration

Effortlessly handle your SMSF with our all-inclusive administration services, encompassing:

• Streamlined Paperwork: We handle all ongoing paperwork associated with your SMSF.
• Annual Financial Statements: Our experts prepare the necessary yearly financial statements for your SMSF.
• Income Tax and Regulatory Returns: We take care of the preparation and lodgment of your annual income tax return and regulatory returns.
• Efficient Minute Keeping: Our professionals prepare requisite meeting minutes for your SMSF.
• Up-to-date Asset List: We maintain an accurate and updated asset list for your SMSF.
• Professional SMSF Audit: We arrange the annual audit of your SMSF to ensure compliance and peace of mind.
• Hassle-free Pension Administration: We handle the paperwork to initiate and administer pensions within your SMSF.

Ensuring Member Returns and Mitigating Investment Risk

Investing in the investment risk is crucial to provide adequate member returns. By carefully considering this risk, SMSF trustees can make knowledgeable investment decisions that align with the fund’s goals.

The Power of Diversification Across Different Asset Classes

Appropriate diversification is critical to a long-term investment strategy. Exploring various asset classes, such as shares, property, and fixed interest, allows for greater potential returns while reducing the impact of market fluctuations.

Securing Retirement Benefits and Managing Costs

A well-crafted investment strategy focuses on member returns and ensures that the SMSF can meet retirement benefits and cover associated costs. By addressing the members’ age, income, employment, and retirement needs, trustees can tailor the strategy to their specific circumstances.

Remember, an effective SMSF investment strategy should be regularly reviewed to adapt to changing market conditions and member requirements.

1. Administration and Compliance: We offer services related to the administration and compliance of self-managed super funds. This includes assistance with regulatory requirements, record-keeping, and reporting.
2. Investment Advice: We provide investment advice tailored to SMSFs, helping trustees make informed decisions about where to invest their funds within the regulatory framework.
3. Taxation Services: SMSFs have specific tax obligations, and we offer expertise in navigating tax regulations to optimise the fund’s tax position.
4. Legal Support: Our valuable service is our assistance with legal matters related to SMSFs, including compliance with superannuation laws and regulations.
5. Technology Platforms: We offer technology platforms or software solutions that simplify the management and reporting processes for SMSFs.

Our company takes pride in providing tailored and personalised solutions for Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs). We deliver the most suitable and effective solutions for your SMSF requirements. For more information and to discuss how we can assist you, contact us today!

Drop your query at admin@owenpeach.com.au. Or call us at (03) 9509 0188.