SMSFA Audit Day chance to learn how to navigate ATO scrutiny
A recent Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) decision which highlighted the importance of contemporaneous documentation and commercial reasoning provides the perfect backdrop for the SMSF Audit Day being held by the SMSFA on 20 September 2023.
The one-day virtual program, has been designed with the SMSF auditor’s perspective in mind, focusing on the importance of SMSF trustees and auditors collecting and retaining appropriate evidence.
Throughout the day, leading industry experts will explain how SMSF auditors can navigate the scrutiny of the ATO when it comes to executing investment strategies, valuing fund assets, and dealing with related parties.
“This AAT case exhibited all the hallmarks of a non-arm’s length transaction. Notably, the fund had received a substantial amount of income from a related unit trust and the relevant parties were not dealing with each other on arm’s length terms,” SMSFA CEO Peter Burgess said.
“However, the evidence presented was pivotal in overturning the ATO’s decision and serves as a resounding reminder that SMSF advisers, accountants and auditors need to be on their game when structuring and auditing related party arrangements – every facet of the arrangement needs to be on commercial arm’s length terms and be commercially justified.
“In today’s regulatory environment, it is important to recognise that SMSF auditors are required to strike a balance between upholding Australian Auditing Standards, fulfilling their obligations to SMSF trustees, meeting ATO and ASIC expectations whilst effectively managing their relationships with accountants.”
The importance of nurturing a solid accountant auditor relationship will feature as a session at the SMSF Audit Day, alongside a session delving into the role that new technology can play in enhancing the SMSF audit process.
“We know that SMSF professionals are continually confronted with complex arrangements, particularly when dealing with related parties and that the incidence of related-party disputes is on the rise,” Mr Burgess said.
“The focus on this issue, along with the SMSF Audit Day’s overarching theme of diligent evidence, will assist SMSF auditors to stay abreast of current and emerging issues to help mitigate the risk of litigation.”
