The ATO is reminding self-managed super funds (SMSFs) of the rules regarding non-arm’s length income from trusts.
The non-arm’s length income rules can apply to investments, transactions and other arrangements undertaken by SMSFs when the terms of the relevant investment, transaction or arrangement are uncommercial in nature.
If income is distributed from a discretionary to a SMSF beneficiary, it is:
– automatically deemed non-arm’s length income of the SMSF (regardless of the nature of the dealings of the relevant parties)
– taxable at the highest marginal tax rate.
Income received by a SMSF that is a fixed entitlement to trust income is also non-arm’s length income if it is:
– income from a scheme where the parties were not dealing with each other at arm’s length
– more than the SMSF might have expected to derive if the parties were dealing with each other at arm’s length.
If you are unsure whether income from trusts is considered arm’s length income, contact our office.
The ATO reported that 45% of working Australians were not aware that they had multiple super accounts in 2016. Having multiple super accounts is particularly common for individuals who have had more than one job. If this is you, it is important to identify and manage your super accounts because having more than one can be costly as a result of account fees from multiple funds.To combat this, you may want to consolidate your super, which moves all your super into one account. Not only does this save on fees, but it also makes your super easier to manage and keep track of.
Before consolidating your super, it is important to do the following:
Research your funds’ policy Compare your active super accounts so you can make the right choice about which one you should close. Things to assess include:
Exit fees
Insurance policies
Investment options
Ongoing service fees
Performance of the funds
Check employer contributions Changing funds may affect how much your employer contributes, as some employers contribute more to certain funds. Check your current accounts to see if changing funds will affect this. Once you have selected a super fund, regardless of whether you choose a new super fund or one of your existing ones, provide your employer with the details they need to pay super into your selected account.
Gather the relevant information When consolidating your super, you will need to have the following details ready:
Your tax file number.
Proof of identity. This could include your driver’s license, birth certificate or passport.
Your fund’s superannuation product identification number (SPIN).
Your fund’s unique superannuation identifier (USI).
