Control over investment decisions lies with the Trustees of the Fund.
We find this is the main reason so many Australians are establishing their own Self-Managed Superannuation Fund or SMSF for short. The range of investments you can consider for your portfolio include almost anything you yourself could invest in as an individual including:
- Direct investments (such as shares, ETFs, cash, term deposits, hybrids, income securities, gold/silver bullion and bonds)
- Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, Ethereum, initial Coin Offerrings (Just because you can doesn’t mean you should)
- Direct property (Residential houses, villas, units, as well as Commercial property such as offices, warehouses, factory units, shops and land.)
- Managed funds (retail or wholesale, domestic and/or international)
- Private Unit Trusts
- A business (non-related party to avoid hassle) and business property
- Non-traditional assets such as coins, antiques, art , taxi plate licences, ATMs (some of these have been subject to major losses)
The first step is to ensure your Trust Deed allows you to invest in the items you are considering. I know it is a long boring document but you need to know its contents so go through it regularly to get a handle on it. If it does not specifically mention cryptocurrencies then you should have the trust deed updated to allow them as they may not fall under any other category.
Once satisfied the Trust deed does not exclude an investment, the types of investments the SMSF actually holds are determined by the fund’s investment strategy, which is formulated by you, along with the other members in the fund, and often advised by an SMSF Specialist Advisor™. The fund’s strategy should reflect your objectives, risk profile/tolerance, liquidity needs and the investments you intend to utilise. This is not set and forget or forged in stone. The investment strategy can be changed as often as you wish, to suit your changing circumstances and to take advantage of new investment opportunities. The fund can also incorporate different strategies to suit each of its members.
An important benefit of this having this ultimate control is that, during retirement phase, you can continue to invest in growth assets. This contrasts the approach of many retail providers, who lock ‘pension phase’ investors into income-producing assets such as cash and fixed interest, increasing the risk that the investor may outlive their retirement savings. This is coming back on the agenda now as many funds move to ”Lifecycle strategies” which I believe are dangerous in assuming that fixed interest is low risk when inflation is a real risk and bubbles can effect the capital value of even “conservative”options.
It is important to understand that there are certain regulatory limitations placed on SMSF; for example, a fund cannot borrow money to invest in assets such as property or shares unless the funds are provided through a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) .
A fund cannot acquire assets from related parties of the fund or invest in in-house assets; for example the fund could not purchase your assets (such as your house or residential investment property) from you. Other restrictions placed on the fund include the inability to lend funds to members or their relatives or to provide the assets of the fund as security for personal borrowing.
As part of our service, we can provide you with access to a range of investments for your SMSF.
Can I invest in equipment and leased it to my business?
Technically yes but there are so many ways you can get in trouble it may not be worth the hassle. I went into this in more debt in this article.
Can I buy a Classic or Vintage Car within my SMSF?
Again technically and theoretically yes you can, but it would be very difficult with many pitfalls. You’d also have to be able to prove to the ATO that the investment meeting the sole purpose test and was going to generate income for your retirement and not for personal enjoyment now! You can own but you or a related party cannot drive it even for maintenance purposes! If you invest in classic cars, they would have to be hired out to generate income. It would be difficult for you to drive. Remember if you are driving you need to be covered by the vehicle’s insurance, and that would make it obvious to the ATO you are using the car for your own purposes.
Can I use a property within my SMSF?
SMSFs are expressly forbidden from investing in the family home or holiday home for your personal use. But they are able to invest in investment properties – as long as the property is only used for investment purposes. Likewise properties within holiday resorts or golf courses can draw the ire of the ATO as again you may be seen to benefitting members personally rather than providing for retirement
This means fund members can’t go and stay in the property or rent it out to family members. The property should generally be managed by a real estate agent to satisfy the sole purpose test regulations unless you can show genuine evidence that you are managing it professionally yourself.
If I want to push the limits! Coins, jewellery, antiques, wine and art?
You can invest in coins – but you can’t display them if you want to satisfy the sole purpose test. Coins are collectables if their value exceeds their face value. Therefore, if bullion coins have a value that exceeds their face value and they are traded at a price above the spot price of their metal content, they will be a collectable and your SMSF must comply with regulation 13.18AA in relation to the investment
Likewise, you can invest in wine but you can’t drink it unless you are in pension fully retired and taking it out as a lump sum pension payment! If your fund acquired the wine on or after 1 July 2011 it must not be stored in the private residence of any related party. A private residence includes all parts of a private dwelling (above or below ground), the land on which the private residence is situated and all other buildings on that land, such as garages or sheds.
SMSF investments in art operate in a similar way. You can’t hang it in the hall at home, but you can rent it to a non-related company or an art bank that rents out artworks on an ongoing basis.
Here is a link to the ATO’s guidance on leasing and selling artworks:
ok so what about stepping into the Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin mania?
Just because it may be possible does not mean you should. If you want to then you need to do some major research and follow normal compliance rules to the Nth degree. Read my blog SMSF Research – BITCOIN, DOLLARS, GOLD: What Is the Future of Money?
Although it might seem like a good idea to use your super to invest in exotic assets, the value of these types of investments is notoriously volatile and the market for these asset classes is generally pretty illiquid. If you have special or professional knowledge in a particular subject then you may be able to put forward a better case than an ordinary person for engaging in those assets as part of your funds strategy. Again make sure that you are not using your SMSF or its assets to prop up your own business.
I hope these thoughts have been helpful and please take the time to comment if you know of other investments as I know this is not an exhaustive list. Would love some feedback as well.
Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP
Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™
Tel: 02 98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299
PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154
Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Advisory Pty Ltd (ABN 34 605 438 042) (AFSL 476223)
This information has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. This website provides an overview or summary only and it should not be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter or relied upon as such.
The SMSF Coach 
Faruk
/ April 21, 2021Hi Liam, can i invest my super on Gold?
Can I physically purchase the Gold and store it in a safe at home with authenticity papers?
Can I purchase any Gold? or is it only one particular type?
Thanks
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ April 21, 2021Hi Faruk, yes your SMSF can buy Gold.
No you cannot store it at home.
Gold coins may be seen as Collectibles that causes many headaches in an SMSF so maybe consider Gold Bullion or a Gold ETF. For your research please have a look at the range of offers from providers like Perth Mint and ABC Bullion for SMSFs
https://www.perthmint.com/investment-options-for-smsf.aspx
https://www.abcbullion.com.au/superannuation-SMSF/smsf-gold
Please get advice on your own particular circumstances as this information is provided for general advice only and not a recommendation.
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Rob
/ August 8, 2020Liam – thoughts on commercial property zoned as Caretaker Residence – still operates as a commercial space but legally can be occupied. We would like to be able to consider this to run our next business from a warehouse like this. Cheers Rob
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ August 8, 2020That’s a tough one without more detail. For example, the managers unit in a motel is ok and remains 100% business real property but an upstairs rental unit of a commercial shop is not. It’s the actual use of the property not the zoning that is important.
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ August 8, 2020Get all the facts together and go see an SMSF Special advisor in your area.
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Kym
/ June 9, 2020Hi Liam, love the info you provide.
Mate I have a home loan on my principal home I live in now however I wish to subdivide this property giving me a extra empty block Of approx 600m2. I wish to give this subdivided block to my SMSFund and use the now equity in land to build a House upon it under my SMSFund.
Question, once I divide can I put new block into my SMSFund without Taxes.
Kind regards
Kym
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ June 9, 2020Sorry Kym but an SMSF cannot acquire a residential block/property from a related party of the fund even if gifted or contributed. I know that may seem harsh but there were too many schemes involving residential property being moved in and out of SMSFs in the 90s and the ATO clamped down on it.
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paul wakeham
/ June 9, 2020Hi i am 53 years old living in AUSTRALIA if i used my smsf money to buy an investment property . When i sell it after my preserved age of 60 will i have to pay capital gains tax on the profit i make ?
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ June 9, 2020Paul you would still need to meet a condition of release such as fully retiring or leaving any one employer after age 60 and move your fund in to Pension phase before the sale would be tax exempt. Here is more on conditions of release https://www.ato.gov.au/Super/APRA-regulated-funds/Paying-benefits/Releasing-benefits/Conditions-of-release/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20conditions%20of,after%20the%20age%20of%2060
The strategy is valid to buy a property until you enter pension phase and then sell to fund retirement income. you just to do your research and meet the criteria along the way. You should seek advice before contemplating this strategy as you do have a duty to consider a number of matters such as diversification and liquidity and should understand the costs involved and the risks that you may underperform your current fund. You should also be careful of any one-stop-shops offerring to “make the process easy” and ensure you have third party advice from someone not assocdiated in any way with the sale of the property to you.
Liam
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shane hall
/ October 24, 2019Hi Liam do you think gold or pink diamonds are a safe investment?
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ October 24, 2019Gold is often a useful holding in a diversified strategy and I aim for 4-5% allocation but you need to see if it meets your own personal objectives as it does not provide income unless you sell some.
I have seen the Pink Diamonds ads and brochure and to be honest I would not touch them with a barge pole. Ask yourself if you have ever heard one of the great investors mentioning them…yeah..nah!
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Ryan Storey
/ March 20, 2019Hi iv read your comments and they are very helpful. What is I was to start a gym in my home town? Could I use money in my smsf to pay for rent and gym equipment??
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ March 20, 2019Hi Ryan, Definitely not the rent and in most cases the answer is no to equipment too with some exceptions up to 5% of your fund balance. You should see someone about your specific situation.
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john brown
/ January 24, 2019If you are to lease a car on commercial terms which are much higher interest than super funds interest, can super better the interest and provide the car if under the 5% rule
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ January 24, 2019The rates charged must be on arms length commercial terms similar to those available from a third party. You must also put a written lease agreement in place within set terms and conditions. Remember you must also stay below the 5% so be careful if the value if other assets like shares or property drop. Here is a good article https://smsmagazine.com.au/columns/avoiding-in-house-asset-complications/ You should seek advice from your administrator and Auditor to ensure they will be ok with your strategy
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Mike
/ May 29, 2018Hi there, just wondering if i can transfer part of my super to a forex trading account so i can start trading AUD/USD and if so, would any money made have to go back into my super or can i keep that as income?
Cheers
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ May 29, 2018If you have an SMSF you can consider this type of investing but you should review the pros and cons and outline the risks involved and the risk management measure s you are putting in place to protect these funds. All profits and losses are held within the fund and you cannot access any of the profits for yourself personally until you meet a condition of release (usually after age 60). You cannot charge the fund for your services either unless your actual day job is a FX Broker.
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Lawrence
/ November 23, 2017Hi Liam,
I love this site of yours.
My situation is one of being in pension phase & I plan to invest 5% of our fund’s current value into bitcoin, Ethereum & Bitcoin gold through the 1 exchange.
To date I’ve only transferred 1% of fund into these coins but to maximise the return I chose to sell coins on the highs and buy on the dips a couple of times.
So my question is, does the ato have a distinction on whether or not buying and selling coins regularly within a smsf constitutes “day trading”, which in turn may be viewed as running a business within the fund and risk making the fund non compliant ?
Thanks for any advice.
Laurie
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ November 23, 2017It is not illegal to run a business through your SMSF, it’s just difficult. Please read the second half of my latest blog for questions and process you should undergo if investing in crypto currency like Bitcoin or Ethereum. https://smsfcoach.com.au/2017/11/21/smsf-research-bitcoin-dollars-gold-what-is-the-future-of-money
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Lawrence
/ November 28, 2017Thank you Liam for your advice.
I will most likely be contacting you for a 1 on 1 meeting.
Kind regards, Laurie
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Tim Wiese
/ October 31, 2017Hi Liam, I love the web site, I was hoping to set up a SMSF and buy a franchise. Can this be done at all. Any info would be great Cheers Tim
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ October 31, 2017Hi Tim
While strictly speaking in theory an SMSF can run a business, in reality it is very hard to run a business due to the constraints on what an SMSF can do in terms of dealing with related parties, giving a charge over assets etc and meeting the Sole Purpose Test. For example a Bank may require security to offer EFTPOS facilities and a SMSF cannot have a secured Overdraft facility often essential for a business to run smoothly. Similarly landlords often require guarantees and floating charges over assets. You will have issues with employing relatives in a business owned by an SMSF and if you get any of these issues wrong the penalties are harsh and could leave your business in limbo.
Here is the ATO page on this matter which highlights some of their concerns. https://www.ato.gov.au/super/self-managed-super-funds/investing/carrying-on-a-business-in-an-smsf/
You should seek expert legal advice from a Franchise lawyer before considering such a move. My inclination is that it is just all too hard and puts constraints on the fledgling business that would hinder its running and growth.
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Wayne
/ October 23, 2017Hello Liam
Great information. Can I use my SMSF to invest in and/or by Bitcoin.?
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ October 23, 2017The answer is a bit yes and no as it depends if you can satisfy the rules around the acquisition, holding and disposal of SMSF assets (including Bitcoin) we well as the sole purpose test. This article is a good starting point. http://www.mccullough.com.au/page/Home/Updates/Can_a_self_managed_super_fund_invest_in_bitcoins/
Hope this helps. Seek advice for your fund from your accountant and auditor
Liam
@SMSFCoach
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Gary Kenna
/ October 23, 2017hi Liam, great site, i was wondering if i could invest in an overseas dollar?
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ October 23, 2017Hi Gary
If your SMSF deed allows investing in foreign currencies (most do) and you build it in to the SMSF strategy then it is ok but make sure you set up any foreign currency accounts in the proper name etc.
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Dane
/ September 6, 2017Thanks very much for your advice liam, i really appreciate it.
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Dane
/ September 4, 2017Hi, my smsf owns a 100 acre rural property with bushland covering the majority, and i was wondering if the fund could purchase a box trailer for maintenance purposes on the property. The fund owns the farm outright, there is no LRBA involved. The trailer would be kept on the farm and used for mainly fencing and bushfire fuel reduction or removal. I live 9 hours away from the farm, so the trailer will not be used for any kind of personal use. Thanks in advance for your advice.
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ September 4, 2017While I Question the prudence of a 100 acre bush block as an asset suitable to provide for the retirement income of the members, the fact is that you have decided it is and that is your responsibility. If the trailer is to be used to keep the property secure and safe then in general I can see no problem with acquiring it in the fund. You should ask the auditor if your fund. As trustee you should address the reasons for buying a depreciating assets in the fund and how this will meet the sole purpose test . So while it can be done you need to document why you are doing it and making sure your auditor is happy and won’t issue a Contravention Report to the ATO which may drive an ATO Audit in to your funds investments.
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Paul
/ August 9, 2017Hi can I use my supper to buy vintage motor bike helmets
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ August 9, 2017Short answer is yes but the hurdles in terms of storage at a third party facility, insurance in the name of the fund, collectibles valuation rules would mean the costs and hassle would not be worth the drama.
you can even display them in your hoe or business.
See the rules in detail here https://www.ato.gov.au/Super/Self-managed-super-funds/Investing/Restrictions-on-investments/Collectables-and-personal-use-assets/
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Kym
/ June 30, 2017Hi Liam,can my smsf purchase a large 1.3acre residential block with a existing 21×9 metre completed shed on it. I wish for my buisness to lease this shed at fair market value as a storage shed for the business, is this allowable. Also please I have 70% deposit, would it be better to pay off quickly or save some money in my SMSF and borrow more for the land.
Kind regards
Kym
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ July 1, 2017Hi Kym, you will need personalised advice but as general advice I can say that property used predominantly for business use like storage will qualify as business real property and therefore can be bought in an SMSF AND LEASED BACK TO YOUR BUSINESS ON COMMERCIAL TERMS. you should discuss with your advisor the value of keeping your equity and borrowing a higher percentage to ensure you have funds for further development or diversification. Understand you can’t borrow against the equity you build up in this property later so you need to understand your future options before committing to much too early to the property. Seek advice on your whole situation.
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Shaun
/ June 16, 2017Hi,
Am i able to purchase land (20 acres or more) with my smsf? At this stage i wasnt planning on running a business on it i was more interested in having it as investment and sell 10 years down the track for a profit.
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ June 16, 2017Hi Shaun, I can’t give personalised advice on the blog so you should seek advice for your personal circumstances. However there is no restriction on purchasing property but a trustee would need to explain in the SMSF Investment strategy the reasons for doing so and how this will provide for the retirement of the members of the fund. The trustee would need to show how the fund would manage the holding costs and administration fees if this is a non-income producing asset. You must always focus on the Sole Purpose Test. see more here https://www.ato.gov.au/super/self-managed-super-funds/investing/sole-purpose-test/ Just in case the property is currently owned by a related party you should also view https://www.ato.gov.au/super/self-managed-super-funds/investing/restrictions-on-investments/
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Shaun
/ June 16, 2017Thanks for your info.
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Richard Horne
/ March 13, 2017Hi,
Can two adjoining parcels of rural land be purchased within the SMSF, currently leased out to a farmer for sheep grazing, one of the parcels on a separate title is only accessible through the other title,
Can the property in the future be leased back to a newly established family business at market rates as a shooting/riding/4×4 destination.
thanks
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ March 13, 2017An SMSF is able to invest in rural property in most instances, providing it meets the fund’s investment strategy. Yes the fund can acquire 2 adjoining blocks on separate titles but if it is borrowing to do so then they would have to be 2 separate contracts and 2 separate mortgages or LRBAs. The purchase also needs to meet the sole-purpose test of providing retirement benefits for its members, or benefits to their dependants if a member dies before retirement.
Rural property used in a primary production business will satisfy the definition of business real property even if not all the property is being used for commercial purposes.
This means an SMSF can buy a rural property from a related party at market value, even if a member, or another related party of the fund, lives on the property. It also means that once the SMSF has acquired the property, it can be leased to a related party of the fund at market rates without breaching the rules, so this may suit your shooting/riding/4×4 destination venture. As these are your retirement savings you should think carefully before risking the funds supporting a business venture. You should get some personalised advice on the pros and cons of such a strategy.
This concession applies as long as the area of the property being used for domestic or private purposes is no larger than two hectares and the property is not being used predominantly for domestic or private use. so if you had to build a caretakers cabin or home on the property, that would be ok but make sure the SMSF has the funds to do so or that you can make contributions to fund the building. Again an important question to ask is if the superannuation assets and additions are being invested to support your retirement or to support your current lifestyle.
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J
/ February 24, 2017Hi Liam
Is it possible to contribute a classic car you already own into your SMSF if you get a market valuation by a suitably qualified valuer. I know this is possible if buying off a unrelated party, but I can’t find any information to suggest this is or isn’t allowed when dealing with related parties.
If possible the contribution would be made as a non-concessional contribution.
Thanks
J
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ February 24, 2017Hi J
I can only provide general advice on here so I would say that a Classic Car is not considered Business Real Property and does not meet any of the other exemptions for acquiring an asset from a Related Party. So in general I could say this type of strategy would not be accepted.
You can find out more about what Business Real Property means here https://www.ato.gov.au/super/self-managed-super-funds/investing/restrictions-on-investments/business-real-property/
and Restrictions on investments here https://www.ato.gov.au/Super/Self-managed-super-funds/Investing/Restrictions-on-investments/
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J
/ February 24, 2017Thanks Liam, much appreciated.
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Patrick Annand
/ July 21, 2016Hi Liam.Is it possible to hold land within a SMSF for the purpose of grazing as in beef production.
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ July 21, 2016Hi Patrick, It should be ok but the land would have to be zoned properly and leased to the primary producer on market terms and in a written lease/agreement. If the SMSF intends to run cattle on the land itself then that can be complicated. Most buy the property and lease it to a related entity who actually runs the beef production Business. E.g. SMSF buys the land and leases to family trust / company that runs the farm business.
You should run the specific details past a SMSF specialist to get personalised advice.
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Gary Day
/ July 4, 2016Can an SMSF trade in short selling shares? That is selling shares it doesn’t own. I understand in short selling there is unlimited risk so it would seem a dangerous activity but is there something in SIS or the regulations or anywhere else that addresses this? Selling something you don’t own, is there a sort of borrowing? i know big funds lend stock to short sellers but do they undertake the activity themselves? I assume not since they are lending stock.
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ July 4, 2016Gary I believe naked short selling which you are talking about is not allowed except in very limited cases in Australia. See http://download.asic.gov.au/media/1241087/rg196-short-selling-20110429-updated-asx200-to-asx300.pdf#page10
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Lennie
/ June 22, 2016Hi Liam. Great site …thank you!
I was wondering if I am able to invest in some Bit Coin (A cryptocurrency) through my fund?
Thank you for your time.
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ June 23, 2016Hi Lennie, the main question with having Bitcoin in your SMSF is proving that the fund is held on the name of the trustee as required by the regulations. An auditor will need to be satisfied that the Bitcoin are clearly owned sn recorded as owned by the fund. Also in your SMSF investment strategy you need to explain why they make a suitable investment for the fund as they don’t provide an income return so you need to explain the potential for capital appreciation and why they are a suitable for your portfolio. Here is a great article on the subject http://www.smsfadviseronline.com.au/strategy/14370-smsfs-audit-and-bitcoin
Hope this helps
Liam
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Lennie
/ June 23, 2016Good man Liam. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lennie
/ June 22, 2016Hi Liam, Fantastic site…thank you.
Liam, am I permitted to invest a portion of my SMS Funds into Bit Coin?
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Orhan Jasarov
/ April 24, 2016Can you purchase a car
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matt
/ November 9, 2015Hi.
Is it possible for a smsf to purchase a fishing licence and then lease it at market value to a company I set up?
Thanks
Matt
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ November 9, 2015You should seek personal advice but in general a fishing licence would not fall within the definition of business real property.
Business real property generally means land and buildings used wholly and exclusively in a business. See the following page for more details:
https://www.ato.gov.au/Super/Self-managed-super-funds/Investing/Restrictions-on-investments/Business-real-property/
If it is worth less than 5% of the assets of the fund there may be a strategy you could consider but it is complicated.
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Graham Upton
/ April 28, 2015Hi Liam,
Great article.
Can we open an trading account with a foreign broker and invest 100% of smsf fund in overseas shares? What are the restrictions (if any)?
Thank you.
Graham Upton
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ April 28, 2015Hi Graham, I can only offer General Advice on here but as long as the trustees have written an Investment Strategy for their SMSF that explains why they are investing overseas and that they have considered the pro and cons and put risk management in place then it is possible. Care should be taken with the naming of accounts, any charges over assets, where cash is held while not invested etc ensure the regulations are followed. You should approach your administrator and auditor with any prospective broker’s application form and financial services guide to ensure they will be happy to accept them.
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Annetta
/ April 2, 2015Excellent web site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find high quality
writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate people like you!
Take care!!
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Chad
/ December 11, 2014If I had the SMSF as a company and not under an individual name as the trustee, can I then buy and sell cars and have them insured in the companies name or would the insurance have to go under someone elses name if possible as I am thinking of importing vehicles if it is possible under the SMSF?
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Chad
/ December 11, 2014By the way thankyou for enlightening people with this information as it is quite difficult to find out straight forward information, that the general individuals need to know. The more areas we can invest in, the more successful we, as individuals can be, of course with doing alot of research before investing would be a smart choice.
Thanks again.
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ December 11, 2014Chad
I would be careful about running the strategy you are considering but it may be possible. You should get advice especially to ensure you are not using an overdraft or using the SMSF assets as a guarantee for payment etc. As far as insurance, all assets of the fund must be insured in the Trustee’s name (Company Trustee name with SMSF noted as the beneficial owner).
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Eli James
/ December 7, 2014Wonderful Article
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Annie
/ November 6, 2014Very good written information. It will be helpful to anyone who usess it, including yours truly
:). Keep doing what you are doing – can’r wait to read more posts.
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I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this informative article together.
I once again find myself spending a llot of time both reading and commenting.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!
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Abhijit
/ March 5, 2014Can I have an SMSF for investment overseas?
My SMSF has got 30Ks; can I borrow money from my father to buy something worth 150-200 Ks paying him interest rate at market price off my super balance. Dont have have any bank offering SMSF for overseas transactions.
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SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ March 5, 2014Abhijit, as a general principle yes you may be able to do what you suggest but it requires a Limited Recourse Borrowing arrangement including a Bare Trust so the costs when you only have $30k may be prohibitive. I encourage you to get specific advice on the strategy and your circumstances before proceeding. Remember if investing overseas the investment must still meet the SIS Act requirements in terms of ownership which may not blend well with the local laws where the investment is held. You also need to consider exchange rate risks.
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/ February 27, 2014Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I
stumbledupon it 😉 I may return once again since i have bookmarked it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
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Trevor McGowan
/ December 12, 2013What is required for me to make a variation to the assets amy SMSF can invest in? i.e. do I type in the variation and have both parties in the Fund sign it. If so does anyone else need to witness it?
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The SMSF Coach - Liam Shorte
/ December 12, 2013Hi Terry
Yes you can do a set of minutes but check your SMSF Investment Strategy document first to make sure the investment falls within the guidelines in your SMSF written Investment Strategy (you should have one of these from your accountant or administrator) If the new investment is outside those allocation then simply change that document to show you have considered the appropriateness of the new investment as part of your overall strategy and have each Trustee or Director sign that document.
To do a minute for the new investment just state the name of the fund and the trustees and where the meeting was held, appoint a chairperson and then agree to the proposed investments. sign and date that document as Chairman
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Trevor McGowan
/ December 12, 2013Nice clear information.
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