Retirement
Would-be SMSF trustees queried by ATO
The ATO is contacting SMSF applicants and investigating their tax history to identify scenarios where an SMSF is a risky option for an individual, according to a financial advice firm.
Would-be SMSF trustees queried by ATO
The ATO is contacting SMSF applicants and investigating their tax history to identify scenarios where an SMSF is a risky option for an individual, according to a financial advice firm.
Verante Financial Planning adviser Liam Shorte says the ATO is calling prospective trustees and asking them why they want to set up the SMSF and who recommended it.
“They’re looking for applications that are at risk, so applications where there may be issues, and they’re looking to talk to the trustees and ask them a range of questions to see why they’re setting up the trust, who’s recommended it to them, and just making sure that they understand their duties,” Mr Shorte said.
The ATO is also checking that prospective SMSF trustees fit within certain criteria by checking certain records such as their previous tax history.
“They’re also looking at the accountant’s records as far of their history with members with things like late lodgements, so that’s some of the criteria they’re using to target their resources,” Mr Shorte said.
Mr Shorte said this could be part of ASIC’s plans to crack down on SMSF establishments, where they’re inappropriate for individuals, which were flagged earlier this year.
“If the ATO isn’t happy with these responses, they pass the information across to ASIC as well, so they are data sharing the responses,” he said.
Mr Shorte said it’s important for those looking to establish their own SMSF to be aware of the requirements and be able to access educational resources.
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