Self-Managed Super Fund Structures

Kayla Hawker • August 9, 2023

Self-Managed Super Funds

Self-managed super funds (SMSF’s) are a way of saving for your retirement. The difference between a SMSF and other types of super funds is that the members of a SMSF are usually also the trustees. This means the members of the SMSF run it for their benefit and are responsible for complying with the super and tax laws.

SMSF Structures

The superannuation law sets out the basic rules for structuring a SMSF. One of these rules requires the SMSF to have a trustee. There are two trustee structure options, either  individual trustees  or a  corporate trustee . ​

There are many considerations when determining whether a SMSF should opt for individual trustees or have a corporate trustee, such as administrative efficiencies, legal liability, asset protection, succession planning and cost.

As trustees are equally responsible and liable for managing the fund, they need to be comfortable sharing this responsibility with the other fund trustees.

 A corporate trustee can have a sole director with full control over the fund, while a fund with individual trustees will need to have at least two individual trustees. For this reason, a corporate trustee is generally chosen for a single member SMSF.

As it is a very important decision to set up a SMSF it is also very important to have the correct structure for your SMSF, please refer to your trusted advisor to seek the appropriate advise.

More GTP Articles

By Natasha Gardner March 26, 2025
Effective bookkeeping is vital for the success of any business. By understanding and implementing various methods, leveraging the right software, avoiding common mistakes, and following practical tips, you can maintain accurate financial records and make informed business decisions. Common Mistakes Below are some pitfalls to watch out for: By being aware of these common mistakes [...] Read More The post Bookkeeping Tips appeared first on Green Taylor Partners.
By Regina Chia March 19, 2025
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is an important consideration for employers who provide additional perks to their employees. Whether it’s a company car, free gym memberships, or entertainment benefits, these perks may be subject to FBT. Understanding how FBT works can help businesses remain compliant and avoid unnecessary tax liabilities. In this article, we’ll break down [...] Read More The post Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Explained: What Employers Need to Know appeared first on Green Taylor Partners.
March 17, 2025
Some major businesses are able to ‘capitalise’ their brands. That means the brand has been valued and included as a balance sheet asset.  Most businesses don’t go to those lengths… but leaders who build valuable brands usually have a better chance of standing out and attracting customers and partners.  Let’s look into what makes a [...] Read More The post Building a Brand Identity to Standout in a Competitive Market appeared first on Green Taylor Partners.
By Matt Richardson March 12, 2025
There are some general rules you need to be aware of when preparing your own Estate Planning or having some role in the affairs of a deceased estate. Inheritance There is no tax payable on assets which pass from an Estate to a beneficiary in accordance with the deceased’s Will. Final Tax Return The deceased [...] Read More The post Death & Taxes – What happens when I die? appeared first on Green Taylor Partners.
By Kathryn Hamilton February 26, 2025
As much as it sucks, tax is a part of life and I am sorry to say but it isn’t going anywhere! To reduce it, you could be doing some forward planning to make informed financial decisions. Everyone can benefit from tax planning from the biggest business to an individual. Why is tax planning important? [...] Read More The post Tax Planning appeared first on Green Taylor Partners.
More Posts