ATO action on overdue SMSF annual returns

Posted on Dec 6, 2017 by Accounting Directions

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is cracking down on self-managed super funds (SMSFs) that have overdue SMSF annual returns, particularly those with two or more returns overdue.

As part of its compliance action, the ATO is currently:
– Cancelling approximately 9,000 ABNs of SMSFs that show no evidence of operating
– Writing to SMSF trustees who are in pension phase to remind them that they still have a lodgment obligation
– Continuing to focus on SMSFs with high levels of income and/or high-value assets who also have overdue returns
– Taking further compliance and audit action on selected SMSFs
– Visiting selected tax agents to obtain feedback on why their SMSF clients’ lodgments are overdue
– Contacting tax agents by phone to obtain an agreed date for lodgment of overdue SMSF annual returns.

SMSFs that do not meet the agreed lodgment timeframes will be subject to serious financial implications.