Most people know something about self managed super funds (SMSFs), the do-it-yourself version of compulsory superannuation. But for many people, the many benefits of SMSFs – as well as the potential costs – are unknown.
Do you understand enough to know if an SMSF could be right for you?
Back to basics
An SMSF is a superannuation fund of one to four members, all of whom act as trustees and are responsible for running the fund, investing assets, paying benefits and meeting compliance requirements.
While the SMSF is in the ‘accumulation’ phase (before it starts paying a pension), capital gains are taxed at 10 percent or 15 percent and the fund’s investment income is taxed at only 15 percent – a rate that drops further when imputation credits on franked dividends are used to lessen (or even eliminate) the fund’s tax liability. Once the SMSF starts paying a pension, the investment earnings on the fund’s assets, including all capital gains, are tax free and imputation credits are refundable.
First, the good news
The great advantage of an SMSF is that you’re in control. Asset allocation, tax strategies, insurance options and retirement planning – it’s all up to you.
Direct control
SMSF assets are administered by trustees who are also members of the fund. Whereas industry funds are managed on an individual’s behalf, SMSF trustees have direct control over when investment assets are bought and sold, and when capital gains are realised. Trustees also exercise control over the fund’s service providers (for example, the administrator, auditor, financial advisor, insurer or investment manager) and can seek out the best provider at the best price, or change service providers. Compare this to industry funds where service providers are usually bundled with the fund, leaving unhappy members with no choice but to leave the fund.
Choices, choices
As trustees have absolute choice over the fund’s investments, SMSFs provide greater choice than individual funds, opening up many investment options – property, shares, cash, art and collectibles (conditions apply) can all become an SMSF investment (provided the investment strategy meets the “sole purpose test”).
Fee savings
Most super funds charge management fees of between 1.5 percent to 3 percent, or even more, of fund assets. Taking direct control can help you save on these fees. And while SMSF running costs can be significant (but more on that later), they can be outweighed by the considerable savings on fund manager fees and the benefits arising from a personalised superannuation strategy.
Pensions and estate planning
As trustees and members have direct control over the SMSF, it’s much easier to tailor pensions and estate planning to personal requirements. Instead of the uniform approach of industry funds, trustees can pursue different strategies to adapt to changing market conditions, create different income streams, or adopt other strategies (conditions apply).
Property advantages
SMSFs may own residential property, provided the fund buys the property from or leases it to an unrelated party. Business owners can also own their business premises in an SMSF and rent to themselves or to a related party. Also, SMSFs can borrow to fund the acquisition of property, subject to certain constraints.
But consider this…
Your time – and skills
SMSFs suit people who want to take charge of their superannuation – and who are willing to devote considerable time to running their fund.
Those extra costs
Administration or accounting fees, annual audit fees (every SMSF must be independently audited), investment costs, and sometimes, actuarial costs, can all add up. Generally, the annual costs of running a medium-sized SMSF are between $2,000 and $5,000. Your fund needs to be substantial enough to make this worthwhile, so SMSFs are usually not advisable if the fund assets are likely to be less than $200,000.
Compliance requirements
SMSFs have strict compliance requirements. Fund trustees and members should be careful to understand and adequately address these requirements, as penalties can be severe.
And the returns?
There is no guarantee that your SMSF will outperform industry funds.
Before making the switch
If you’re considering switching to a SMSF, ask yourself:
1. Do I have the time and skills to run my own super fund?
2. Will the benefits be worth the costs?
3. How will switching to an SMSF affect my current super benefits, insurances, services and fees?
SMSFs are complex, but can offer significant benefits to the right investor. If you want to know more, seek advice from a qualified accountant or financial planner.
Disclaimer: This is not advice. Readers should not act solely on the basis of the material contained in this article. Items herein are general comments only and do not constitute or convey advice per se. Also changes in legislation may occur quickly. We therefore recommend that professional advice be sought before acting in any of the areas. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
