Expert SMSF Accountants in Melbourne – Personalised Service & Real-Time Reporting
Set up, manage and optimise your SMSF with Melbourne’s trusted SMSF accountants. Licensed advice, personalised service, and real-time insights to guide your decisions.
Why Choose Rogerson Kenny as Your SMSF Accountants?
- Licensed to provide SMSF advice tailored to your circumstances
- Real-time SMSF reporting for confident decisions
- Personalised service with direct access to your Associate Director
SMSF Setup Services Melbourne
Many Australians are taking control of their retirement savings through a self-managed super fund. But deciding if an SMSF is right for you and setting it up correctly, requires expert guidance.
We ensure you understand your SMSF structure, that it aligns with your long-term lifestyle goals and that you are always in control.
SMSF Compliance & Administration Services
Stay compliant, minimise risk and avoid costly penalties with proactive SMSF administration services.
We use live, real time reporting technology that gives you instant access to your SMSF performance, so you stay in control 24/7.
Testimonials
The above is a statement found in Rogerson's/Kenny email signature's. Regarding our business it couldn't be more prophetic. Our association with Mark and Corey from Rogerson/Kenny over the last 5yrs has saved us countless tens of thousands by using their "brains".
I can't rate their capacity and competency highly enough and this was proved again recently regarding a change with our business structure. The change was structurally and technically very complicated and challenging and if not for their expert services wouldn't have succeeded. Can't recommend them highly enough, my advice is to use their brain's by making the change today.
SMSF Tax Accountanting
Work Directly With Our SMSF Specialist
At Rogerson Kenny, our SMSF accountants are local and work directly with our clients. Be guided directly with our Associate Director, Sarah Davie, who specialises in SMSF strategy and administration.
Clients value the continuity of having direct access to trusted advisor who understands their fund in detail and provides guidance year after year.
"Your SMSF should support your business, not sit beside it."
Melbourne’s Best SMSF Advisors for Retirement Security
Recognised as one of the best SMSF advisors in Melbourne, we bring together compliance expertise, licensed advice and personalised service to help you achieve your retirement lifestyle goals.
Don’t leave your retirement strategy to chance or outdated reporting. With Rogerson Kenny, you gain real-time visibility, licensed strategic advice and personalised service.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your expert SMSF Accountants and Business Advisors are here to guide your through the benefits of SMSF set up for business owners:
Why Set up a SMSF?
As a business owner setting up a SMSF gives you unparalleled control over your finances and ultimately, your future. With your own SMSF set up, you decide how your money is invested, giving you flexibility in your business and your personal financial and tax strategies. SMSF set up can help to ensure your overall financial position is in your control and is coordinated with your wider financial and business interests — especially when using an smsf for business strategy.
Additionally, setting up an SMSF empowers you to actively manage your superannuation so that it aligns with your overall business and wealth strategy, potentially providing greater long-term financial security. Setting up an SMSF gives you the freedom to implement tailored financial, estate and personal insurance solutions to enhance profitability, secure assets, protect your families future and drive sustainable growth for long-term business and wealth success.
Learn More Here
Do I need to have a good knowledge of investments to have a SMSF?
It is our experience that business owners have an understanding of how a legal structure works (like an SMSF) and at least a basic level of understanding investing. It is possible (and many clients do this) to outsource the investment function to a professional or indeed educate yourself.
You will need to prepare and implement an SMSF investment strategy for your SMSF and review it regularly. The investment strategy needs to reflect the purpose and circumstances of your SMSF and consider several factors.
Can I set up SMSF myself?
In a short answer, not really. You need a trust deed (which is a legal document setting out the rules of the SMSF), along legal documentation to appoint trustees and members and we also recommend you have a death benefit nomination form. You will also need to register the SMSF with the ATO and set up various registrations.
It is difficult without the right contacts and knowledge to establish an SMSF yourself (that is where Rogerson Kenny come in), however an SMSF is designed to operate it yourself. You will need to have some knowledge, time and skills to do it. This is where we can assist. As an SMSF trustee, you will need to spend time on:
- developing and implementing an investment strategy
- administration and record keeping, for example, meeting minutes noting trustee decisions
- completing financial statements and lodging tax returns or reports (which is a function Rogerson Kenny assist with)
We recommend you seek financial advice from a licenced financial adviser – specialising in SMSF set up. They can help review your existing investments and work out if an SMSF is suitable given your circumstances. Find out more here
Can I have insurances through my SMSF, like I do in my retail/industry fund?
An SMSF can hold all the insurances a retail / industry super fund can. An SMSF can hold life insurance, Total and Permanent Disability Insurance (TPD) for “any occupation” and Income Protection Insurance. An SMSF gives you the most flexibility for insurances and importantly, what can happen with insurance money when something occurs. This will be via a death benefit nomination form and can provide extraordinary flexibility.
SMSF trustees are legally obliged to consider insurances, as per their Investment Strategy. This however, does not mean insurance is compulsory, merely it needs to be considered. The SMSF trustees may deem that appropriate cover is held outside the SMSF or that insurances are not required.
We suggest you seek advice from an insurance professional when determining appropriate cover.
Is there anyone who can’t have a SMSF?
In most cases all members of a SMSF must be a trustee or a director of the trustee company. Anyone 18 years and over and not under a legal disability (i.e. Mental impairment or bankruptcy) can be a trustee unless they are a disqualified person.
A person is disqualified if any of the following apply:
- A person has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty
- A person has been subject to a civil penalty order under the super laws
- A person is considered insolvent under administration
- A person in an undischarged bankrupt
- Has been disqualified by a regulator
If a person is any of these things, then they will likely be ineligible to be a trustee of a SMSF.
Can I buy property with my SMSF?
Your SMSF can buy any type of property that the trustees feel fits the investment strategy of their SMSF, however it is important to understand the specific rules that apply to owning and using a property that is owned by an SMSF.
This mean you can buy a commercial property, residential property, vacant land, farm land, etc. There are restrictions on use, with regard to property and SMSF. For example, if the SMSF owns residential property, a member of the SMSF or related party can’t use it (even if market rents are paid). The are exceptions to this rule, where if the property meets the definition of business real property, then if a commercial rent is paid, members of the SMSF or related parties, can use the property. This is commonly seen when an SMSF owns a factory and rents it to the business of one of the members of the SMSF.
Learn More Here
Who can help me prepare my strategy for my SMSF?
There is a legal requirement for the trustees to have an investment strategy for an SMSF.
An investment strategy can be for the SMSF as a whole, or for each SMSF member (depending on the risk tolerances of SMSF members).
An investment strategy is a document that sets out how you plan to achieve the SMSFs or SMSF member’s investment objectives. There is no prescribed format for an investment strategy (unless your trust deed says so), but it must reflect the purpose and circumstances of the SMSF and its members. An investment strategy is a fluid document that should be updated whenever circumstances in the SMSF change and should be reviewed regularly.
The SMSF investment strategy must consider diversification of assets, liquidity of the SMSF’s assets, insurance, the ability of the SMSF to meet the needs of SMSF members (ie. ability to pay a pension) and the ability of the SMSF to discharge its existing and prospective liabilities.
The trustee must prepare the investment strategy, but can take assistance from others, such as an appropriately licensed financial advisor.
Read more here
What can an SMSF invest in?
An SMSF can invest in a way that is often unavailable in most other super funds.
An SMSF can hold property, listed and unlisted shares, cash, artwork, gold and rare metals and other exotic or not-so-common investments. Some more exotic investments include horse semen, valuable guitars, wine, moon rock, classic cars.
The Sole Purpose (or core purpose) of your SMSF must be to provide retirement benefits to the members of the SMSF on retirement or benefits to a deceased members dependant or estate on the death of a member.
Investment rules and tight collectable rule for SMSFs are in place and regulated by the ATO to limit the risks that SMSF fund members are exposed to, to maintain / maximise retirement savings.
Learn More here
SMSF Set Up Process
Your SMSF needs to be set up correctly so that it’s eligible for tax concessions, can receive contributions and is as easy as possible to administer. Ultimately, it needs to be classed as a regulated SMSF by the ATO. The process of setting up a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) involves several key steps:
Appoint Trustees: Identify and appoint individual or corporate trustees for the SMSF.
Create a Trust Deed: Establish a trust deed outlining the rules and regulations governing the fund.
Obtain TFN and ABN: Obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) and an Australian Business Number (ABN) for the SMSF.
Open a Bank Account: Open a dedicated bank account for the SMSF to manage its financial transactions.
Make contributions and / or transfer existing superannuation balances to the SMSF.
Develop an Investment Strategy: Create a clear investment strategy in accordance with legal requirements.
Ensure Compliance: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to regulatory and compliance obligations.
Read and sign the ATO Trustee Declaration form: Ensuring all Trustees have an understanding of their obligations for managing an SMSF
Throughout this process, seeking professional advice from a SMSF specialists is recommended to ensure fund compliance and top ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals.
Learn more about the pitfalls of incorrrect fund set up.
Speak with a SMSF Specialist today
How to set up a SMSF Australia
Setting up a SMSF in Australia involves several steps. First, appoint trustees and establish a trust deed. Obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) and an Australian Business Number (ABN) for the SMSF. Open a dedicated bank account for the fund and roll over existing super balances.
Key though is developing an investment strategy in line with your needs and the legal requirements.
Once this is all established, the necessary documents are then lodged with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You should consider seeking professional advice throughout this process to ensures compliance and a smooth SMSF set up.
Get your guide to setting up an SMSF here.
Are SMSF set up cost tax deductible?
No, SMSF setup costs are not tax-deductible. Expenses such as the establishment of the trust deed, obtaining professional advice, and the costs associated with registering the fund with the ATO are generally not tax-deductible. They are a cost that is absorbed by the Fund with no tax benefit.
Ongoing operational and investment-related expenses are generally tax deductable immediately, however there may be some costs that are not tax deductible (ie initial financial planning advice) or can be claimed over time (ie borrowing costs associated with a limited recourse borrowing arrangement). It’s crucial to seek advice from a tax professional to understand the specifics of SMSF setup costs based on your individual circumstances.
Speak with a SMSF & Business Accounting Specialist today
Can I reimburse myself from my SMSF for the setup costs?
Yes you can. It is common to be required to pay for the setup of your SMSF. Clearly, this is before it would have any money in it. So, once funds are available in your SMSF, you can simply transfer the funds equal to the setup costs to yourself.
Work with an expert in SMSf set up for business owners.
How much do accountants charge for an SMSF?
The typical costs to operate a SMSF vary, depending on the complexity of the SMSF, which is usually defined by the number and type of investments, the number of transactions, the number of members and if they are in pension mode.
A simple SMSF may start from $1,500 + GST through to $4,000 + GST and beyond.
SMSFs also need to pay for an audit (usually organised by the accountant) and there is the SMSF ATO levy and if you have a trustee company, a fee to ASIC for the company.
Keep in mind with these costs, the fund becomes cost efficient as compared to a retail or industry super fund from around $300,000.
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