The ATO has reminded Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (‘SMSF’) trustees that their SMSF must be operated for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits for its members. This means SMSF trustees can’t use funds from their SMSF to pay for personal or business expenses. This is known as ‘illegal early access’ of superannuation, and severe penalties apply.
The ATO also reminds SMSF trustees that there are rules regarding what they can invest in when dealing with a related party.
The ATO has recently released a factsheet to help SMSF trustees understand the rules on accessing their superannuation, and make sure they (and their business, if any) comply with the rules surrounding SMSF’s.