SMSF Capital Gains Rules and how they affect your investments

SMSF capital gains rules state that if you make a net capital gain, it will be included in your SMSF’s assessable income. SMSFs have flat tax rate of 15%. Complying SMSFs are entitled to a CGT discount of 1/3 if the relevant asset had been owned for at least a year.

Net capital gain is calculated as per below;

Total Capital Gain for the year

Less

Total Capital Losses for that year and any unapplied losses from earlier years

Less

The CGT discount and any other concessions.

A capital loss made on a sale of investment can only be offset against capital gains. If capital losses are greater than capital gains in a financial year, they must be carried forward to be offset against future capital gains.

SMSF Capital Gains during Pension Phase

Ordinary income and statutory income that a complying SMSF earns from assets held to provide for super income stream benefits, usually called pension, is exempt from income tax. CGT implications depend on whether the segregated or unsegregated method is used to determine exempt current pension income.

If your SMSF is 100% in Pension phase and has segregated pension assets, you should ignore any capital gains or capital losses resulting from the disposal of these assets. Due to this tax rule, many SMSFs have a general policy – subject to investment conditions – of trying to minimise the sale of such assets as real estate and shares – until their funds begin to pay a pension.

If the SMSF uses the unsegregated method, capital gains and losses to need to be accounted for by obtaining Actuarial Certificate.

SMSF Capital Gains Rules and How SuperHelp can help

If you have any questions in relation to your SMSF, please call us for more information on 1300 736 453.

Disclaimer: This information should not be considered personal financial advice as it is intended to provide general advice only. This factsheet has been prepared by Superhelp Australia Pty Ltd without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situations or needs.

The information contained in the factsheet may not be appropriate to your individual needs therefore you should seek personal financial advice before making any financial or investment decisions.