Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) have become increasingly popular among Australians who want greater control over their retirement savings. While retail or industry super funds are managed by professional fund managers, SMSFs are managed by the members themselves, providing them with more investment options and greater control over their investments.

Thinking of investing in your own super, or considering sharing one with your spouse? Keep reading to find out more about your SMSF options – our accountants provide helpful insight below!

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What is a Self-Managed Super Fund?

An SMSF is a type of superannuation fund that is regulated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Members of an SMSF act as trustees and are responsible for making investment decisions, managing the fund’s compliance, and meeting legal obligations.

SMSFs can have up to four members, and each member is a trustee or director of the trustee company.

Keep Reading: Are You Considering an SMSF? Here’s What You Need to Know

Why is Superannuation Critical for Retirement Planning?

Superannuation is critical for retirement planning as it is designed to provide you with a source of income in retirement, in addition to the Age Pension. The more money you save in super, the more you will have in retirement.

Superannuation is also tax-effective, meaning that you can reduce your taxable income by making contributions to your super fund.

Who Needs an SMSF? Who Benefits Most from Investing in One?

While anyone can set up an SMSF, it may not be suitable for everyone. SMSFs are generally more suitable for people who have a significant amount of money to invest, are looking for greater control over their investments, and have the time and expertise to manage an SMSF. SMSFs can also be beneficial for families who want to pool their superannuation savings to invest in property or other assets.

If you are considering setting up an SMSF, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully. SMSFs can be expensive to set up and manage, and there are strict legal requirements and compliance obligations that you must meet.

Can Spouses Contribute to the Same Super?

Yes, spouses can contribute to the same super fund as the primary trustee, including an SMSF. Consolidating your superannuation savings into one fund can make it easier to manage and potentially reduce fees.

You can also take advantage of spouse contributions, where one spouse can contribute to the other’s super fund to help boost their retirement savings.

Tips on Maximising Your SMSF and How to Protect Your Assets for the Long-Term

To maximise your SMSF, it is essential to have a well-diversified portfolio that includes a range of assets such as property, shares, and cash. It is also important to regularly review and adjust your investment strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions.

One of the key advantages of an SMSF is the ability to invest in property. However, investing in property through an SMSF can be complex, and there are strict legal requirements that you must meet. Before investing in property through your SMSF, it is important to seek advice from a qualified SMSF accountant, like our team at Agilis CA, or a financial advisor.

Keep Reading: Tax Tips for Property Investors

Another way to maximise your SMSF returns is to ensure that you are taking advantage of all available tax benefits. This includes ensuring that your SMSF is structured in the most tax-effective way, making the most of concessional and non-concessional contributions, and taking advantage of tax deductions and offsets.

Keep Reading: Understanding the Basics of Tax on Superannuation

In terms of protecting your assets for the long-term, having a robust estate plan is essential. This includes having a valid will, appointing an enduring power of attorney, and considering life insurance. Having a sound estate plan can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are provided for in the event of your death or incapacity.

Another important aspect of protecting your SMSF assets for the long-term is to ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage in place. This includes life insurance, total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance and income protection insurance. Insurance can help protect your retirement savings and provide financial security for you and your family in the event of unexpected events such as illness, injury, or death.

It is also important to regularly review and update your insurance coverage to ensure that it remains adequate and relevant to your current circumstances. For example, if you have recently had children or purchased a new property, you may need to adjust your insurance coverage accordingly.

Succession planning is also an important part of protecting your SMSF. This involves planning for the transfer of your SMSF assets in the event of your death or incapacity. This includes nominating a beneficiary or beneficiaries for your SMSF and ensuring that your superannuation benefits are distributed in accordance with your wishes.

Finally, it is important to regularly review and monitor the performance of your SMSF to ensure that it remains on track to meet your retirement goals. This involves regularly reviewing your investment strategy and performance, monitoring your SMSF expenses, and ensuring that your SMSF remains compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

We understand that this can be overwhelming to try to manage yourself, without experience or expertise. That’s why having an SMSF accountant at your side is so helpful!

How Our SMSF Accountants Can Help You Manage and Grow Your SMSF

Managing an SMSF can be complex, and it requires a significant amount of time and expertise. At Agilis CA, our SMSF accountants can help you manage and grow your SMSF by providing a range of services, including:

• Setting up your SMSF: Our SMSF accountants can help you set up your SMSF by providing advice on the most suitable structure and helping you meet the legal and compliance requirements.
• Investment strategy: We can help you develop and implement an investment strategy that is tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and investment preferences.
• Compliance: SMSFs are subject to strict legal and compliance requirements, and our SMSF accountants can help you meet these obligations to avoid penalties and ensure that your fund remains compliant.
• Taxation: Our SMSF accountants can help you navigate the complex tax rules that apply to SMSFs, including preparing your annual tax return and ensuring that your fund is structured in the most tax-effective way.
• Estate planning: We can help you develop an estate plan that ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are provided for in the event of your death or incapacity.

At Agilis CA, we have experienced SMSF accountants who can help you manage and grow your SMSF. We can provide you with the advice and support you need to ensure that your SMSF is set up and managed correctly, and that your retirement savings are maximised and protected for the long-term.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about your SMSF options and how we can help you effectively maximise and protect your retirement savings.