FAQs
Is it possible to have an SMSF with only one member?
Yes. It is possible to have an SMSF with only one member.
If the single member fund has a corporate trustee, the member must:
- be the sole director of the trustee company; or
- be related to the other director of the trustee company and there are only two directors of that company; or
- not be an employee of the other director of the trustee company and there are only two directors of that company.
If the single member fund does not have a corporate trustee, the fund must have two individuals as trustees. The member must be the trustee with:
- another person who is a relative of the member; or
- any other person provided the member is not an employee of that person.
Does SuperHelp provide investment advice?
SuperHelp does not provide any investment advice. You will need to consult a financial adviser.
Does SuperHelp put Restrictions on Investments?
No. You can use any bank of your choice. You can invest through a broker you are happy with. You can invest in anything that is allowed by the Superannuation Law. We do not place any restrictions on your investments.[/accordion_item]
Who owns SuperHelp?
We are an independent firm in that we are not owned by or affiliated with banks or other financial institutions. SuperHelp is proudly owned by its employees.
How come your fees are so low?
We constantly seek to minimise our costs and overheads so we can pass on the benefits to you.
- We specialize in SMSF. We use well refined, standard procedures thereby maximizing the efficiency of our work. Improvement in our efficiency will mean lower cost for our clients.
- We use technology extensively to minimise errors and improve efficiency. This saves time and reduces costs.
- Our accountants and auditors solely perform their accounting duties without having to do administrative work such as collecting information or client contact services thereby increasing productivity.
- Our offices are located away from the city CBD area and therefore we do not pay high rents.
Does SuperHelp send work overseas?
No. All work is done by our staff in Sydney.
How long does it take to receive the setup kit?
We will email your setup kit within 1 working days of receiving your order and the payment.
How long does it take to do the Annual Administration?
Annual Administration consists of
- Accounting,
- Auditing
- Preparation and lodgement of Tax Return with the ATO.
In most cases, our work will be completed in 4-8 weeks from the time we receive all your documents. Some delays will be experienced, on rare occasions, if we do not receive all the information required to complete the work.
What happens to the documents sent to SuperHelp for Annual Administration work?
All documents sent to us for Annual Administration such as Bank Statements, Trust Deed, invoices, and other financial statements will be returned to you after the work is complete.
Can I receive both an electronic and printed copy of my Financial Statements & Tax Return?
Yes. We normally supply your copy of the documents in printed form. If you prefer to receive only an electronic copy of your completed documents, please contact us, as we will supply the electronic copy only, with no additional charge.
I have set up a SMSF but can’t find my SPIN number – where can I get this?
The Superannuation Product Identification Number (SPIN) was previously used for surcharge reporting processes; however, the superannuation surcharge was abolished on 1 July 2005 so a SPIN should no longer be necessary for new funds.
What are the pros and cons of individual trustees and corporate trustee?
In most situations it will be better for an SMSF to have a corporate trustee, rather than individual trustees. The major disadvantage of a corporate trustee is the up-front cost of establishing the company. However, there are longer-term benefits of having a company which generally outweigh the extra costs. The following table looks at the advantages and disadvantages of a corporate trustee over an individual trustee:
| CORPORATE TRUSTEE | INDIVIDUAL TRUSTEE | |
|
|
||
| Sole member SMSF | Sole member SMSF | |
| You can have an SMSF where one individual is both the sole member and the sole director. | A sole member SMSF must have two individual trustees. | |
| Continuous succession | Ceases upon death | |
| A company has an indefinite life span; in other words, it cannot die. Therefore, a corporate trustee can make control of a SMSF more certain in the circumstances of the death or incapacity of a member. | If the SMSF has individual trustees, eg, a mum and dad SMSF, then timely action must be taken on the death of a member to ensure the trustee/member rules are satisfied (SMSF rules do not allow a sole individual trustee/member SMSF). | |
| Lump sums and pensions | Lump sums only payable on commuting pension | |
| An SMSF with a corporate trustee can pay benefits either as pensions or as lump sums. | The member must surrender their pension entitlement if they wish to obtain a lump sum (as an SMSF must have its primary purpose of paying a pension). You cannot simply pay a lump sum benefit as extra paperwork is needed to evidence the pension entitlement first being requested and then being surrendered. | |
| Administrative efficiency | Extra and costly paperwork | |
| When members are admitted to, or cease, membership of the SMSF, all that is required is that the person becomes, or ceases to be, a director of the corporate trustee. The corporate trustee does not change as a result. Therefore, title to all the assets of the SMSF remains in the name of the corporate trustee. | To introduce a new member to an SMSF with individual trustees requires that person to become a trustee. As trust assets must be held in the names of the trustees, this will require the title to all assets to be transferred to the new trustees when a member is admitted to or exits the fund. | |
| Greater asset protection | Less asset protection | |
| As companies are subject to limited liability, a corporate trustee will provide greater protection where a party sues the trustee for damages. | If an individual trustee suffers any liability, the trustee’s personal assets may be exposed. | |
| Estate planning flexibility | Extra administration and costs | |
| A corporate trustee ensures greater flexibility for estate planning, as the trustee does not change as a result of the death of a member. | The death of a member requires there to be a change of trustee, and this gives rise to considerable administrative work and costs at an inopportune time. | |
Book Your Free SMSF Consultation
Book your free consultation with me to find out if SMSF is right for you. If you have any other questions, we are happy to help!
Why is SMSF Set up so affordable at SuperHelp?
SuperHelp has been servicing the SMSF market for over 15 years. We pride ourselves on being able to provide an affordable SMSF service without compromising on quality. One of these services is to provide new members with setting up their SMSF at an affordable fee when they use our award winning service.
Do I need to use a specific bank, broker or provider?
Unlike other SMSF administrators and accountants we do not restrict you to what bank, broker or service provider you use. We are independent and do not take any commissions from other parties so that our clients can invest their super where they please.
How long has SuperHelp been around for?
SuperHelp have been around since 2002 - so over 15 years! While new SMSF administrators have come and gone, we are still around!
Do you offer any other SMSF services?
Yes we do! You can see a full list of SMSF services on our services page.
Contact Us
SuperHelp is located in Macquarie Park, NSW however we work with clients all around Australia.