SMSFs – Keeping it in the family

Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) can offer their members many benefits, but one that’s often overlooked is their potential as a multigenerational wealth creation and transfer vehicle.

Family SMSFs are relatively rare. According to the most recent ATO statistics (2022-23), the majority of SMSFs (93.2 per cent) have only one or two members. ⁱ  Just 6.6 per cent have three or four members, and only 0.3 per cent have five or six members (the maximum allowed).

Advantages of a multigenerational SMSF

An SMSF is sometimes established when two or more generations of a family share ownership or work in a family business. A multigenerational SMSF can then form part of a personal and business succession plan, potentially making it easier to pass on ownership and management of assets to the next generation.

With more members, SMSFs also gain additional scale, allowing them to invest in larger assets, such as property. You can add business premises to the SMSF and lease it back without violating the related parties rule and 5 per cent limit on in-house assets. ⁱⁱ

Reduced tax and administration costs are also benefits of a multigenerational SMSF.

Running a family SMSF means the costs of establishing and administering the fund are spread across more members. This can be particularly helpful for adult children who are beginning to save for retirement.

In addition, more fund members mean more people to share the administrative burdens of running an SMSF, which may be helpful as you get older.

A multigenerational SMSF does not need to be automatically wound up if you die or lose mental capacity, and it can simplify the process of paying out a member’s death benefit, potentially allowing it to be paid tax-effectively. Note that death benefits paid to non-tax dependent beneficiaries incur a tax rate of up to 30 per cent, plus the Medicare levy. ⁱⁱⁱ

More fund members also make setting up a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) easier because their contributions reduce the fund’s risk of being unable to pay the borrowing costs. (An LRBA allows an SMSF to borrow money to buy assets).

Funding pension payments

Another advantage of an SMSF with up to six members arises when the fund begins making pension payments to older members.

If younger members are still making regular contributions, fund assets don’t need to be sold to make pension payments, which helps avoid the realisation of capital gains on assets.

Family SMSFs can also provide non-financial benefits by facilitating the transfer of financial knowledge and expertise between generations. While your children gain a solid financial education from participating in the management of the SMSF, they can also offer valuable investment insights from a different perspective.

Risks and responsibilities

It is important to note that a multigenerational SMSF may not be suitable for everyone.

SMSFs of any size come with certain risks and responsibilities. You are personally liable for the fund’s decisions, even if you act on the advice of a professional, and your investments may not yield the returns you were hoping for.

Before you start adding your children and their spouses to your fund, it’s essential to consider the challenges of running a family SMSF. Developing an asset allocation strategy that caters to different life stages can be complex. Older members may prefer a strategy designed to deliver a consistent income stream, while younger members are typically more focused on capital growth.

Risk profiles are also likely to vary. Generally, younger fund members have a higher appetite for investment risk than those closer to retirement.

Family conflict can also arise when relationships are strained due to divorce, blended families, and personality clashes.

The death of a parent can also create disputes over the distribution of fund assets or forced asset sales. Decisions about the payment of death benefits by the remaining trustees can derail carefully made estate plans and result in expensive legal battles.

Larger families with multiple adult children and partners may also find the six member limit an obstacle, forcing them to look at other options such as running several family SMSFs in parallel.

The process of choosing the best approach for a self-managed superannuation fund depends on your financial situation and goals,

Whether you’re already working with us or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help. If you’re an existing client, reach out to your adviser to discuss your next steps. If you’re new and looking for guidance, our experienced advisers are ready to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward achieving your financial goals.

Let’s start the conversation today.

Sources

 i SMSF quarterly statistical report June 2024 | data.gov.au

ii Related parties and relatives | Australian Taxation Office

iii Paying superannuation death benefits | Australian Taxation Office