Find SMSF Help

Even if your a true DIY'er, where you learn and do as much as you can yourself, there will be times throughout the life of your SMSF where you will probably need some expert help.

Sometimes, this is as simple as some straightforward retirement / pension planning, while other times things can evolve to much more complex situations involving the interaction of multiple ownership structures, or setting out a strategic estate plan where there are complex family issues to consider.

 

We have classified SMSF Help into two segments:

 

1. SMSF Advisory services

 

2. Help from the ATO

 

SMSF Advisory Services

 

When you need help, a high quality advisory source with specialist SMSF skills and knowledge will be worth its weight in gold. Not only should it help you avoid non-compliance, but there should be tangible financial benefits to implementing recommended strategies, with a resultant peace of mind for your SMSF members. So where do you find them ?

 

 Accountant / SMSF administrator / adviser

Many accountants, SMSF administrators, and financial advisers (but not all) have specialist SMSF skills and knowledge. We say "not all" because SMSFs require a very specific knowledge and skill set. Most accountants and administrators will do end of year admin, but not all understand super laws and strategies. Financial advisors can be good with general super, but not necessarily SMSFs. This is something you will need to find out for yourself. Ask them exactly what services they provide in the SMSF area and to what extent and how long they have specialised in this area.

 

Note that some of these advisers and accountants will also have an accreditation via an association called SPAA - The Self Managed Super Fund Professionals Association of Australia, where they are endorsed as specialists in their field. Note however, that this is a purely optional accreditation, and just because an adviser or an accountant has chosen not to take this option, it does not necessarily mean that they are not equipped to assist you.

 

CLICK HERE to go to our SMSF Directory.

 

Help from the ATO

 

Whilst The SMSF Review has a lot of SMSF information on it for trustees, you may have a need for more detailed info on a particular topic or you have a specific issue that requires some input from the ATO. Listed below are resources from the ATO that are available for SMSF trustees. The ATO also has a range of free booklets and fact sheets available on a wide range of topics:

 

Monthly Super Update service

This is a monthly email super update service by the ATO that you can sign up to. Its free and every trustee should make use of it.

 

Getting a self-managed super fund product ruling

Self-managed superannuation fund product ruling (SMSFPR) was introduced to provide certainty to self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) trustees participating or potentially participating in a product. The ATO have released a range of updated information on this topic. Click Here to go to the ATO page with all the details.

 

Getting help with your self-managed super fund questions

Provides information on how to contact the Tax Office with your SMSF questions.
Click Here to go to the ATO page with all the details.

 

How to apply for SMSF specific advice

Provides the process of applying for SMSF specific advice.
Click Here to go to the ATO page with all the details.