SMSF – ATO finalises its position in relation to event-based reporting

After detailed consultation with the self-managed super fund (SMSF) sector, the ATO announced today that its implementation of event-based reporting from 1 July 2018 will be limited to those SMSFs with members with total superannuation account balances of $1 million or more.

Deputy Commissioner James O’Halloran said that this means that SMSFs whose members’ total superannuation balances are less than $1 million can choose to report events which impact their members’ transfer balances at the same time that the SMSF lodges its annual return.

“As a result of this approach it is estimated that up to 85% of the SMSF population will not be required to undertake any additional reporting outside of current annual reporting timeframes for the foreseeable future.” Mr O’Halloran said.

“From 1 July 2018 those SMSFs that do have members with total superannuation account balances of $1 million or more will be required to report events impacting members’ transfer balances within 28 days after the end of the quarter in which the event occurs.

“However, it is important to restate that in all cases, regardless of the reporting timeframe that applies, reporting is only required if an event that impacts a member’s transfer balance cap actually occurs – for example, when a SMSF member first starts to receive a pension from their fund.”

Mr O’Halloran said “On 22 August 2017 we issued a public position paper about SMSF event-based reporting. The feedback we received highlighted concerns about the effort and costs that may be associated with the proposed approach.

“The ATO has listened carefully to this feedback, and in considering these concerns we have decided to provide an annual reporting timeframe for SMSFs with members with lower superannuation balances and to allow a quarterly reporting timeframe for other SMSFs.

“The ATO believes that the combination of these approaches sensibly balances administrative ease and efficiency with the increased need for transparency across the superannuation system.”

Source: https://www.ato.gov.au/Media-centre/Media-releases/SMSF-event-based-reporting/