Managing a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) in Australia involves grappling with the intricate and evolving taxation and superannuation landscape. One pivotal determinant of SMSF compliance is passing the residency test – a litmus test for eligibility to access favorable tax rates. In this article, we dive into the nuances of the SMSF residency test and its implications, shedding light on its complexity and impact on SMSF trustees.
The Landscape: SMSFs and Compliance
A self-managed superannuation fund offers a host of tax benefits, including a concessional tax rate of 15% on assessable income, subject to balance cap limits. These benefits, however, hinge on the SMSF meeting the complex stipulations outlined in the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth) (SIS Act). Failure to adhere to these regulations could entail severe consequences, potentially resulting in taxation at a hefty 45%.
Residency Test: A Fundamental Criterion
To qualify as a complying superannuation fund, thus retaining its status as an Australian superannuation fund, an SMSF must successfully fulfill a 3-part residency test. This test encompasses three distinct components, each of which is indispensable for the SMSF to maintain its compliance standing.
Test 1 – The SMSF Establishment and Assets Test
An SMSF can demonstrate compliance with the residency test by either being established in Australia or having assets situated within the country. Meeting this criterion can be relatively straightforward: if the initial contribution that establishes the fund is paid to and acknowledged by the trustee in Australia, the SMSF is deemed to be established in Australia, irrespective of the geographic distribution of its assets. However, it's crucial to underscore that mere documentation executed in Australia is inadequate; the contribution itself must be transacted within the country.
Alternatively, an SMSF can meet this requirement by holding assets within Australian borders. Failing to satisfy either of these conditions can trigger non-compliance with the first test and, consequently, breach the residency requisites.
Test 2 – The Central Management and Control (CM&C) Test
For the second examination, the SMSF's central management and control (CM&C) must ordinarily transpire within Australia. It is feasible to pass this test even if CM&C temporarily relocates overseas, provided the duration does not exceed two years, as delineated in Section 295-95(4) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth). This assessment places emphasis on the fund's strategic and high-level decision-making processes.
Deciphering the precise location of CM&C execution is intricate and contingent upon contextual factors. The Taxation Ruling TR 2008/9 elucidates the Commissioner of Taxation's stance, accentuating pivotal activities like devising investment strategies, evaluating performance, and asset management.
Test 3 – The "Active Member" Test
The third and final scrutiny revolves around the "active member" criterion. To fulfill this test, the SMSF must establish the absence of an active member or confirm that at least 50% of the fund's assets, linked to superannuation interests of active members, are held by active members who are Australian residents. An "active member" pertains to individuals contributing to the fund or those on whose behalf contributions have been made.
Significantly, specific conditions are outlined for an individual not to be classified as an active member, including foreign residency, non-contribution, and a history of contributions made during Australian residency.
Safeguarding SMSF Residency Status
When SMSF trustees consider relocating overseas or have already embarked on such a journey, preserving the fund's residency status becomes paramount. Seeking professional advice is strongly recommended to grasp the implications and implement strategies to minimize the risk of non-compliance with the residency test.
Several approaches can be adopted to safeguard the SMSF's residency status, encompassing the appointment of an enduring power of attorney, the introduction of alternate directors (pertaining to corporate trustees), conversion of the SMSF to a Small APRA Fund, the addition of resident and non-resident trustees, contemplation of an APRA fund rollover, or soliciting a Private Ruling from the ATO when uncertainty looms.
In Conclusion
The SMSF residency test stands as a critical benchmark for compliance, determining eligibility for beneficial tax rates. The trio of components – SMSF establishment and assets, central management and control, and active member tests – each contributes substantially to upholding the fund's compliance standing. While the test's intricacies and implications are far-reaching, seeking professional counsel and proactive strategizing can empower trustees to surmount challenges and ensure ongoing compliance for their SMSFs.
This article was originally published on the HopgoodGanim website and has been reproduced with permission.
Got questions? Reach out to Tax Ideas Accountants & Advisers at +61 2 83181545 or book an appointment on our live calendar.
