Issue
Will the superannuation fund meet the definition of a Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) under subsection 17A(2) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SISA) if the fund appoints the only member of the fund as a trustee of the fund, whilst retaining the current trustee as joint trustee?
Decision
Yes, the fund will meet the definition of a SMSF under subsection 17A(2) of the SISA once the only member of the fund has been appointed as a joint trustee of the fund.
Facts
The superannuation fund has the following features: • the fund has one member; • the member is not currently a trustee; • the member is not an employee of the trustee; and • the current trustee, an individual, is an Australian resident.
The current trustee of the fund does not receive any remuneration from the fund or from any person for any duties or services performed by the trustee in relation to the fund.
Reasons for Decision
Where the trustees are individuals, a superannuation fund with only one member can meet the general definition of a SMSF for the purposes of subsection 17A(2) of the SISA, if the fund meets the requirements specified in paragraphs 17A(2)(b) and (c) of the SISA.
Paragraph 17A(2)(b) states that if: 'the member is one of only two trustees, of whom one is the member and the other is a relative of the member; or the member is one of only two trustees, and the member is not an employee of the other trustee; and no trustee of the fund receives any remuneration from the fund or from any person for any duties or services performed by the trustee in relation to the fund.'
Where the superannuation fund appoints the only member of the fund, who is not an employee of the existing trustee, as a trustee of the fund and retains the other individual in the capacity of trustee, then the fund will meet the definition of a SMSF for the purposes of subsection 17A(2) of the SISA.