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Restrictions on investments

Check if your investments on a commercial 'arm's length' basis.

Last updated 29 September 2016

All investments by your SMSF must be made on a commercial ‘arm’s length’ basis. The purchase and sale price of fund assets should always reflect true market value, and the income from fund assets should always reflect a true market rate of return.

 

Generally:

  • you can't buy assets from, or lend money to, fund members or other related parties (there are some exceptions to this rule)
  • your fund can't borrow money.

If you don't comply with the investment restrictions we may impose significant penalties, including disqualifying you as a trustee and even prosecution. It's a good idea to speak to an SMSF professional to make sure your investments comply with the law.

Find out about:

Several investment restrictions apply to 'related parties' of your fund and 'relatives of members'.

Check borrowing, your fund can borrow money only in very limited circumstances.

QC23321