The regulator says that if an SMSF had assets, such as cash or other investments, at any time during the 2024–25 financial year, then trustees must lodge an SMSF annual return for the 2024–25 financial year.
The lodgment due date will depend on individual circumstances. If it is a new SMSF and the trustee is preparing the SAR themselves, the due date is 31 October 2025. Trustees will also need to lodge by this date if they have previously lodged a SAR late.
The Tax Office said trustees must also appoint an SMSF auditor no later than 45 days before they need to lodge their SAR. Before lodging an SAR, an audit must be finalised and the SAR must contain the correct auditor details.
Failing to lodge an SAR on time can result in the compliance status of the SMSF being changed to “regulation details removed” on Super Fund Lookup. This may prevent rollovers and employer contributions from being made to the fund.
If trustees need help with lodging their SAR, they are advised to contact a registered tax agent as soon as possible to make sure they can lodge on time, as an extension may not be granted. In some instances, they may still have to lodge by 31 October 2025, even if they appoint a tax agent.
If a trustee nominates a new registered agent, they will need to confirm they’re the authorised representative for the fund.
If the fund does not have any assets, trustees need to either make a return not necessary request or cancel the fund’s registration if they no longer wish to have an SMSF.
When preparing a SAR, refer to the 2025 SAR instructions.
