Help and support for SMSFs

Resources to help you run your SMSF

Running a self-managed super fund (SMSF) takes time and effort. There is a lot to manage, record and report whether in accumulation phase or receiving a pension (income stream) from your SMSF.

We provide a range of resources to help trustees understand and comply with the SMSF laws and obligations, including:

• lifecycle publications, which you can use as a reference tool
• online education modulesExternal Link, which are interactive and enable you to build your knowledge
• information on how your SMSF is regulated
• information on how we respond to SMSF non-compliance
• instructional videos throughout our web content and on ATOtvExternal Link
• our newsletter and alertsExternal Link
• the SMSF newsroom
• ATO CommunityExternal Link, our online peer-to-peer forum to discuss your SMSF and general super questions with other trustees and professionals in the sector.

SMSF specific advice

You can request SMSF specific advice about how superannuation law applies to a particular transaction or arrangement for an SMSF, including its investments or payment of benefits.

We don't:

• offer financial and investment advice
• recommend SMSF professionals or auditors
• advise on resolving trustee disputes.

SMSF early engagement and voluntary disclosure service

If you are an SMSF trustee or professional, you can use our SMSF voluntary disclosure service. This service allows you to engage early with us about regulatory contraventions that have not been rectified.

Scam and fraud support

Fraudsters and scammers encourage people to:

• invest in fake superannuation and SMSF investments
• illegally access their superannuation early.

To help keep your SMSF safe, you can check:

• how to protect your information
• our scam alerts page, which we regularly update with information about the latest tax and super-related ATO impersonation scams
• schemes targeting SMSFs for information about illegal early release and tax avoidance schemes.

Before working with a tax or super professional, you should ensure they have the appropriate registrations. You can check the:

• Australian Securities & Investment Commission's (ASIC) professional registersExternal Link for registered financial advisers or approved auditors
• Tax Practitioners BoardExternal Link for registered tax professionals or BAS agents.

How to report scams or fraud

If you receive an SMS, email or letter from the ATO about an SMSF that you did not establish, contact us on 13 10 20 immediately.

If you suspect fraudulent activity but are not the victim, you can:

• confidentially report schemes and promoters to us
• call the Tax Integrity Centre hotline on 1800 060 062
• complete the online tip-off form. The form is also available in the 'Contact' us section of the ATO app.

If you suspect the wrongdoing involves a tax practitioner, you can also lodge a complaint with the Tax Practitioners BoardExternal Link.

ASIC has more information about how to recognise and report super scamsExternal Link.

If you are the victim of a scam or fraud

We offer general assistance if you are a victim of tax fraud.

If your SMSF has been the victim of fraud, you should also email the SMSF Strategic Campaigns mailbox. In your email, include the following information:

• your name and contact details
• the name and ABN of the SMSF
• the circumstances of the fraudulent activity, including names of alleged fraudsters
• whether the matter is being investigated and by whom
• what assistance you require.

We can assist you with:

• lodgment deferrals
• paying outstanding tax debts
• amending annual returns
• winding up your SMSF.

If you need advice on claiming damages or compensation, you should seek independent professional advice. In some circumstances the Australian Financial Complaints AuthorityExternal Link (AFCA) can make orders for compensation against financial planning firms and other organisations. If you require information on making such claims, you should contact AFCA.

How to contact us

For general help with your SMSF obligations:

• phone us on 13 10 20 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday
• write to us at

AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE
PO Box 3100
PENRITH  NSW  2740

Before contacting us, be aware that we can’t provide financial or investment advice.