Setting up your SMSF or self managed super fund from overseas

At Colombia Law Connection, we are uniquely equipped to assist Australians living overseas with the process of opening a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF). Our law firm, owned and operated by Australians based in Colombia, is dedicated to making the complexities of superannuation management navigable for our clients.

We leverage our in-depth understanding of Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regulations and the expat experience to provide tailored solutions that cater to your specific needs and circumstances. Our team guides you through every step, from determining whether an SMSF is the right fit for your retirement goals, to establishing the fund and registering it with the ATO. We provide expert advice on creating a compliant and effective investment strategy, and help facilitate the setup of the fund's bank account.

As expats ourselves, we comprehend the intricacies of maintaining "central management and control" while being abroad, and the precise conditions that constitute a "temporary absence" as per the ATO. Our comprehensive services also encompass ongoing management tasks, including arranging for annual audits by approved SMSF auditors and lodging annual returns.

Our mission is to ensure that your SMSF remains compliant, viable, and beneficial to your retirement plans, regardless of your geographical location. Trust in Colombia Law Connection to streamline your SMSF setup and management process, delivering the peace of mind that your retirement savings are being handled with expert care and professional diligence.

What is a self managed super fund or SMSF?

A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a type of private retirement fund that you manage yourself. They are regulated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and are specifically designed for those who want direct control over their retirement savings and investments.

An SMSF allows its members to consolidate their superannuation into a single fund that they manage themselves. Members of the fund can be trustees or they can appoint a company to act as a trustee, but all members must be either trustees or directors of the company that is the trustee.

SMSFs can have up to four members, all of whom are involved in decisions about the fund and investments. Unlike other super funds, SMSFs allow their members to have a direct investment strategy in relation to their superannuation. This can include investments in shares, property, and other asset classes.

SMSFs do come with significant administrative responsibilities, as they are a legal tax structure regulated by the ATO. They must be audited by an approved SMSF auditor and annual returns must be lodged. They also require a separate bank account for the fund's operations.

What are the steps required to open a SMSF?

Setting up a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) involves several steps. Each step is critical to ensure the fund is legally compliant, suitable for your retirement goals, and structured to protect your financial interests. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Access to local banking services: Consider if an SMSF is Right for You: An SMSF requires significant time, effort, and financial expertise to set up and manage. It may not be the right choice for everyone. Evaluate your financial knowledge, the amount of time you can dedicate to managing the fund, and whether the potential benefits outweigh the costs and responsibilities.
• Seek Professional Advice: To fully understand the obligations and legal requirements of running an SMSF, it's important to get advice from a qualified professional. This could be a financial advisor, accountant, or a specialist SMSF advisor.
• Establish a Trust Deed: The trust deed is the legal document that establishes the fund and outlines how it will be operated. It must be prepared by a solicitor and needs to be compliant with superannuation laws and the ATO regulations.
• Appoint Trustees: All members of the SMSF must be trustees or directors if you decide to set up a corporate trustee. Trustees are responsible for managing the fund and making investment decisions.
• Register the Fund: Register your fund with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This should be done within 60 days of the fund's establishment.
• Create an Investment Strategy: Your strategy should reflect the purpose and circumstances of your fund and its members. This includes considering the diversification of investments, risk and return, liquidity, and insurance needs of the members.
• Open a Bank Account: The SMSF needs its own bank account to manage its operations and accept contributions, rollovers of super and income from investments.
• Roll Over Existing Super: You can roll over any existing superannuation you have into the new SMSF. It's important to check whether there are any fees or insurance implications before doing this.
• Begin Investing: Start investing in line with the fund's investment strategy. All investments and transactions must be made for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits for the members.
• Annual Audits and Reporting: Each year, the SMSF must be audited by an approved SMSF auditor. You also need to lodge an annual return with the ATO.

Remember, the regulations surrounding SMSFs are complex, and there can be serious consequences if the fund breaches the laws. Therefore, it's always important to seek professional advice before setting up an SMSF.

Why cant I open and manage a SMSF while being a resident overseas?

As per the regulations set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the central management and control of a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) must ordinarily be in Australia, which typically requires the trustees to be Australian residents. This condition is necessary to maintain the complying status of the fund.

Here are some key reasons for this regulation:

• Residency Rule: The "residency rule" is intended to ensure that superannuation benefits, which receive favorable tax treatment, are only made available to those who are saving for retirement while they are living and working in Australia.
• Regulatory Control: The regulatory authorities need to be able to exert control and supervision over the operation of SMSFs, which is more difficult if the trustees are overseas.
• Tax Consequences: If an SMSF fails to meet the residency rules, it may become noncompliant and be subject to high taxes in Australia.

That being said, there are some circumstances in which an individual can manage an SMSF while temporarily overseas. However, there are very specific rules about the length of time you can be away and how the fund can be managed. If you are planning to move overseas, it's critical that you seek advice to ensure your SMSF remains compliant with the laws. Always consult with an SMSF expert or financial advisor to understand the implications.

How Colombia Law Connection can help with setting up your SMSF while overseas

At Colombia Law Connection, we understand the complexities and challenges faced by Australian expatriates when it comes to managing their superannuation. We recognize the appeal of a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) for those seeking direct control over their retirement savings and investments, but also understand the regulatory restrictions that can make it difficult to maintain these funds from overseas. That's where our expertise can make a difference.

As a Colombian law firm owned and operated by Australians, we bring a unique perspective to this issue. We know Australian superannuation law and we understand the expat experience. Our team of professional advisors is well versed in Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regulations pertaining to SMSFs and has significant experience in supporting clients who live and work overseas.

A key aspect of our service lies in helping Australian expats navigate the "residency rule", which is a core requirement for maintaining an SMSF. This rule mandates that the central management and control of an SMSF must ordinarily be in Australia. However, it doesn't mean that Australians living overseas are completely barred from opening or maintaining an SMSF. The regulations allow for temporary periods of overseas residence, under specific conditions. The ATO considers factors such as the length of time spent overseas and the intent of the trustees regarding their return to Australia.

Our team at Colombia Law Connection provides expert guidance on these intricacies, helping you understand what constitutes "temporary absence", how you can maintain "central management and control" while overseas, and how to keep your SMSF compliant even when you are living abroad. We also offer comprehensive management services to ensure that your SMSF meets all ATO requirements, from auditing by an approved SMSF auditor to the lodgement of annual returns.

In addition, we provide detailed advice on investment strategies, helping you leverage your SMSF to make direct investments in a range of asset classes, from shares to property. This means you can continue to grow your retirement savings while living overseas, tailoring your investment approach to suit your specific circumstances and financial goals.

What sets Colombia Law Connection apart is our commitment to personalized service. We know that every client's situation is unique, so we provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. We value open communication and aim to build long-term relationships with our clients, providing ongoing support and advice as your circumstances and the regulatory environment evolve.

Managing your superannuation from overseas doesn't have to be a headache. With the right advice and support, you can maintain an SMSF while living abroad, ensuring that your retirement savings are working for you in the most effective way possible. At Colombia Law Connection, we are dedicated to making this a reality for our clients.

Trust us with your SMSF management and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your retirement savings are in expert hands, no matter where in the world you are.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage your superannuation from overseas.