News : ATO

ATO, SMSF

New funds dominated by middle-agers

The number of middle-aged people setting up an SMSF has continued to rise, with more than 50 per cent of new funds established by people between 35 and 50 years of age.

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ATO, Auditing, Compliance

Static asset values can be legitimate

There can be legitimate reasons as to why an SMSF asset has not changed in value over several years, but auditors must document their presence.

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ATO, Auditing

SMSF auditor independence targeted

Recent action against SMSF auditors clearly indicates regulators are enforcing the independence standards for the betterment of the sector.

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ATO, Compliance

Trustee non-compliance increasing

Auditor contravention reports lodged with the ATO have shown a jump in non-compliance among SMSF trustees over recent years.

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ATO, Auditing, Documentation

Audit files miss trustee fundamentals

SMSF Self-managed superannuation Trustee declarations ATO Paul Delahunty Auditors

The files of many SMSF auditors are currently missing some fundamental documentation elements involving basic trustee obligations.

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ATO, Pensions, Tax

Short pension terms raise red flags

ATO BDO Peter Crump SMSF Self managed superannuation Tax Ruling 2013/5 pension

SMSF members should be wary of short-term pension strategies and adopt a multi-year approach to prevent the process being viewed as a tax avoidance measure.

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ATO, Platforms

Check pension payment exemption usage

SMSF Self-managed superannuation Minimum pension ATO Exemption BDO Peter Crump

In the event of a minimum pension not being met, SMSF practitioners must establish whether a trustee has previously used the self-determination exemption.

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ATO, Auditing

Platform asset audit guidance issued

Audit report Part A qualification ATO

The ATO has informed trustees that an audit qualification may be unavoidable where evidence to confirm asset ownership held by certain platforms is difficult to obtain.

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ATO, Compliance

New funds monitored for illegal access

SMSF Self-managed superannuation ATO Super Fund Lookup SFLU Registration Establishment illegal access

The ATO is closely monitoring the registration details of new SMSFs to identify any fraudulent activity or attempts to illegally access superannuation entitlements.

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ATO, Auditing

Auditor mail-out about education

ATO Paul Delahunty Self-managed superannuation SMSF auditors Asset valuations Mail-out

The ATO has made clear the purpose of the mail-out it undertook to SMSF auditors to allay practitioner fears of any compliance implications.

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