Self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF)

Out experienced financial advisers can help you navigate the complex process of setting up and managing an SMSF, ensuring you make informed decisions and maximise the benefits of this retirement savings vehicle.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

What is an smsf?

SETTING UP A SELF-MANAGED SUPER FUND (SMSF), GIVES CONTROL AND INVOLVEMENT BACK TO THE MEMBERS.
Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is a private Super fund regulated by the ATO. SMSF provides members the ability to make their own investment decisions and take control of their retirement strategy. Generally, an SMSF has the following features:
  • SMSFs can invest in a wide range of assets, including residential & commercial property, direct shares, and managed funds.
  • No more than 6 members
  • Members manage the fund themselves, making investment decisions and overseeing its operations
  • SMSFs are established as trusts
  • Trustee can be a company or individual(s). No member of the fund is an employee of another member of the fund, unless those members are related
  • No trustee of the fund receives remuneration for his or her services as a trustee
  • A written trust deed and investment strategy that meets all members’ objectives

why an smsf?

control
You can choose where you want to invest your money, including properties, direct shares, collectables, term deposits and cash. You are in charge of making changes to fund investments in a timely manner depending on market conditions and your investment strategies.
Borrow fund to invest (gearing)
SMSFs can borrow money through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) to buy assets such as residential property, commercial property or shares. This allows SMSFs to: 1. Increase investment potential: SMSFs can invest in assets that may provide higher returns than their available cash. 2. Diversify investments: SMSFs can use borrowed funds to invest in a broader range of assets, reducing reliance on a single investment type. 3. Flexibility: SMSFs can choose the borrowing amount, interest rate, and loan term that suits their needs.
Cost effective
SMSFs typically have lower admin fees compared to industry or retail super funds. Most of the operational costs of running an SMSF are fixed. Therefore, as a fund grows in value its costs will generally be reduced proportionally. This is different to Industry or Retails Super Funds where costs are usually taken as a percentage of your overall balance.
Tax benefits
SMSFs can potentially reduce tax liabilities through strategic planning and investment choices. An SMSF has the ability to time buying and selling decisions relating to the fund's investments. Unlike a large super fund, SMSF trustees can decide to defer the purchase or sale of a particular investment asset to reduce the taxable income of the fund in a particular tax year.
A secure income in retirement
When a member of the fund reaches their preservation age and be in retirement or transitioning to retirement, they can starts drawing payments from their SMSF super as their retirement income to fund for their living expenses. Super pensions are not taxed, nor are investment returns and other income achieved by an SMSF that’s in the pension phase. However, the annual pension payments to retired members must be at least the minimum amount set by the ATO.
EState planning
SMSF provides opportunities to transfer retirement benefits to its member’s dependents in a tax-effective way. Trustees can decide who receives death benefits and in what proportions. Death benefits can be paid to dependents tax-free, or to non-dependents with a lower tax rate. SMSFs allow for binding death benefit nominations, non-lapsing nominations, and reversionary pensions.

HOw we can Help

areas we can assist
SMSFs offer greater control and flexibility in managing retirement savings, but also require more involvement and responsibility from the members. It's essential to seek professional advice before establishing an SMSF to ensure it's the right choice for your situation. Below are some areas that we normally assist our client with:
Establish fund
Arrange trust deeds + Set up bare trust (if applicable)
Appoint trustees, identify members, elect to be regulated by ATO
PREPARE/REVIEW AN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Estate planning
Structure personal insurance
Review and maintain compliance
contact us to find out more