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ATO provides clarity on nil member balances

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By mbrownlee
April 22 2022
1 minute read
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ATO provides clarity on nil member balances
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The ATO has outlined the approach SMSF auditors should take where a fund has a member with a nil balance.

Speaking at the SMSF Association National Conference, Super Sphere director Belinda Aisbett said there are situations SMSF auditors may come across where a member of a fund has a nil balance and has not previously made contributions to the fund.

ATO director of superannuation and employer benefits Paul Delahunty said the ATO does not consider a nil member balance in itself to be a specific compliance issue.

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However, Mr Delahunty noted that a nil member balance could indicate some issues around the administration of the fund.

“One of the things [we consider] in relation to nil member balance is what has actually transpired in relation to history. We would say, well, has there been some potential mischief that’s occurred?” said Mr Delahunty, speaking at the same conference.

“Have there been any rollovers that have occurred from another fund into the SMSF and which has been used to facilitate illegal early release?”

Mr Delahunty said it’s also important that SMSF auditors consider some of the potential administration issues around whether they are a member or just a trustee.

“They may have been mistakenly added as a member, and so there may be administrative issues associated with how it’s been set up,” he explained.

He also outlined that it is the auditor’s responsibility to consider section 17A and determine whether the fund meets the definition of an SMSF.

Ms Aisbett said that in the majority of cases she sees with nil member balances, there is no mischief and that it will often be for succession reasons.

“With most funds of mine with a member with a nil balance, it’s because mum and dad getting a bit elderly, they just bring in one of the kids so that the kids are already in play if something happens and mum or dad pass away or they become impaired,” she said.

Ms Aisbett said it is important that where there’s someone who signs up as a member and has a nil balance that the auditor asks about contributions and rollovers and whether there’s a fund somewhere else.

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Miranda Brownlee

Miranda Brownlee

Miranda Brownlee is the deputy editor of SMSF Adviser, which is the leading source of news, strategy and educational content for professionals working in the SMSF sector.

Since joining the team in 2014, Miranda has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest superannuation stories in Australia, and has reported extensively on technical strategy and legislative updates.
Miranda also has broad business and financial services reporting experience, having written for titles including Investor Daily, ifa and Accountants Daily.

You can email Miranda on: miranda.brownlee@momentummedia.com.au