Setting up an SMSF

If you actively invest in shares and property, a self-managed super fund (SMSF) can be a way for you to take control of your retirement planning. SMSFs can be onerous to administer and are subject to strict rules. A breach of the rules can have serious consequences for you and your fund so it's important to understand what's involved with running your own fund.

Bell Potter's Personal Superannuation Solution (SMSF)

An accredited Bell Potter Adviser, working with one of our superannuation specialists, can help you decide if an SMSF is suitable for you. SMSFs are generally only cost effective and worth setting up if you have a minimum investment of $200,000. If you meet that minimum, we can arrange to set up a fund for you with Bell Potter's in-house SMSF service.

Our service takes care of the administrative complexities of setting up a fund for up to four members. Importantly, each member of the fund must be a trustee of the fund. We arrange for a trust deed and, with your Adviser's help, you can establish an investment strategy. We also arrange for the fund to be recognised as a complying fund with the Australian Tax Office and organise a Tax File Number.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees retain responsibility for the running and administration of the fund. However, Bell Potter oversees essential administrative tasks, including record keeping, accounting, and annual audit and reporting, tax return preparation and trust deed updates on behalf of the trustees.

Your Bell Potter Adviser can then help you to select investments and rebalance your portfolio as the market and your circumstances change.

Key Features

• Advice on setting up a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund from one of our superannuation specialists.
• Investment advice to match your fund's investment strategy and objectives.
• Ongoing administration, reporting, annual accounts and audit (prepared by outside professionals) and preparation of tax returns for submission to the ATO.
• Easy web access to equities research along with up-to-date portfolio information.
• The option to transfer any existing super funds to Bell Potter.

Find out more

If you would like to learn more about superannuation, read our document entitled Self Managed Super Explained.

Click here to find an experienced Adviser in your area or to arrange an appointment with one of our superannuation specialists.