SMSF annual returns: What you need to know

Every self-managed super fund (SMSF) must lodge an annual return with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

It's one of the fund's key compliance obligations, bringing your SMSF's tax return, regulatory reporting and member contribution information into one lodgement.

Why is an SMSF annual return important?

Lodging your annual return on time helps your SMSF:

• Maintain its complying status

• Continue receiving eligible contributions and rollovers

• Access concessional tax treatment

• Avoid unnecessary penalties and interest charges

Before lodging the annual return, your SMSF needs to undergo its annual independent audit.

SMSF annual return due dates

Your due date depends on your fund’s circumstances and whether the return is lodged through a registered tax agent or SMSF administrator.

If Stake Super prepares and lodges your return, we'll manage the process and help your fund meet the relevant ATO deadlines.

Late lodgements

Missing your lodgement deadline can cause serious issues for your SMSF.

Depending on the circumstances, the ATO may:

• Apply late lodgement penalties

• Charge interest on outstanding tax

• Update your fund's Super Fund Lookup status, which can affect contributions and rollovers

• Take further action if needed

The longer an annual return remains overdue, the greater the potential impact.

How Stake Super makes it easier

We handle the annual return process from start to finish, including:

• Preparing your financial statements

• Coordinating your independent SMSF audit

• Preparing the annual return

• Arranging electronic lodgement with the ATO

• Helping manage any tax payable or refunds through your Stake Wallet

We'll let you know when we need information or approvals from you. Then we'll take care of the rest.

Can you get an extension?

In some circumstances, the ATO may give you more time to lodge an SMSF annual return.

If you think you may need an extension, you should contact the ATO or your registered tax agent as early as possible.

Ready for an easier way to manage your SMSF?

Stake Super helps with annual returns, audits and ongoing administration, so there’s less paperwork to manage.

Get started online or speak to a Stake Super specialist.

This is not financial product advice, nor a recommendation that a self-managed super fund (‘SMSF’) may be suitable for you. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account. SMSFs have different risks and features compared to traditional superannuation funds regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (‘APRA’). Stake SMSF Pty Ltd, trading as Stake Super, is not licensed to provide financial product advice under the Corporations Act. This specifically applies to any financial products which are established if you instruct Stake Super to set up an SMSF. When you sign up to Stake Super, you are contracting with Stake SMSF Pty Ltd who will assist in the establishment and administration of an SMSF under a ‘no advice model’. You will also be referred to Stakeshop Pty Ltd to enable your trading account and bank account to be set up in order to use the Stake Website and/or App. For more information about SMSFs, see our SMSF Risks page.

Ciara Conway

Commercial Manager - Stake Super

Ciara is a Commercial Manager at Stake Super, with over 10 years of experience in the SMSF industry and an MA in Accountancy and Finance from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Having previously worked at a chartered accounting firm and one of the largest SMSF administrators in Australia, Ciara has extensive knowledge of SMSF compliance. She is also a current member of the SMSF Association.