What contributions can your SMSF accept?
As an SMSF trustee, understanding which contributions your SMSF can legally accept is essential for keeping your fund compliant. Getting the rules wrong can mean returning contributions, facing penalties or paying additional tax — so it’s important to stay informed.
The Basics: What Contributions Are Allowed?
Your SMSF can only accept contributions that meet specific legal criteria. To be an allowable contribution:
- The contribution must be an accepted type of contribution.
- The member must meet any relevant age-based restrictions.
- You must have the member’s tax file number (TFN) before accepting most member contributions.
When accepting contributions, trustees must:
- Document the amount, type and components of each contribution
- Allocate contributions to the member’s account within 28 days after the end of the month they were received
- Correctly report them in the SMSF annual return
Why a Member’s TFN Is Critical
Members do not have to provide their TFN, but without it:
- Your SMSF cannot accept member contributions, such as personal or spouse contributions
- Employer contributions may be taxed at 47%
- Members cannot receive super co-contributions
If you accept member contributions without a TFN, you must return them within 30 days of realising the TFN is missing.
However, if the member provides their TFN within 30 days of the SMSF receiving the contribution, the amount does not need to be returned.
Mandated Employer Contributions
Mandated employer contributions include super guarantee (SG) payments and contributions required by an industrial award or agreement.
Your SMSF can accept these contributions at any time, for members of any age.
Non-Mandated Contributions and Age Rules
Non-mandated contributions include:
- Salary sacrifice contributions
- Personal member contributions
- Spouse contributions
- Third-party contributions
- Downsizer contributions
- Contributions covered by the CGT cap
Your SMSF can accept all types of non-mandated contributions for members under age 75, with no work test required.
Downsizer contributions
Members must be at least 55 when making a downsizer contribution. There is no upper age limit, so members aged 75 or older can still contribute under this category.
Work test for deductibility (67–75)
A work test applies only if a member aged 67–75 wants to claim a tax deduction for their personal contribution. This test is managed by the ATO and does not affect your SMSF’s ability to accept the contribution.
Contributions around age 75
For members turning 75:
- Contributions must be received no later than 28 days after the end of the month in which they turn 75.
For members 75 or older, your SMSF generally cannot accept non-mandated contributions, except downsizer contributions.
ATO forms
Some contributions — such as downsizer contributions or those under the CGT cap — require the member to submit the relevant ATO form to the trustee at the time of contribution so they can be classified correctly.
In-Specie Contributions and Related-Party Rules
In-specie contributions involve transferring assets other than cash into the SMSF. Trustees must ensure compliance with other superannuation laws, including the restrictions on acquiring assets from related parties.
Failure to follow these rules can result in significant compliance breaches.
Stay Compliant
SMSF contribution rules are complex, and mistakes can be costly.
For detailed guidance:
- Visit the ATO’s website and search “Accepting contributions”, or
- Speak with a qualified tax adviser or financial adviser
Staying up to date with SMSF rules will help you meet your trustee obligations and keep your fund compliant.