SMSF Alliance TV

Welcome to SMSF Alliance TV, created for the information and education of potential or existing SMSF trustees. It has been inspired by the ATO’s collection of animated, educational SMSF videos and utilises their format, but also contains videos that we have created to enhance or replace theirs.

Our business-to-business, SMSF solutions are designed for financial advisers or professionals who wish to offer an enhanced SMSF service proposition. We do not deal with trustees directly but have developed SMSF TV as a resource for advisers to educate their clients, either from here, or from our YouTube channel.

Each video is ranked on a 10-star rating based on their coverage of the topic. Please continue to check for updates on the SMSF Alliance TV page or subscribe to our SMSF Alliance TV YouTube channel to keep updated.

Thinking about an SMSF

SMSFs vs Large APRA Super Funds

The relative merits of these fund types is one of the superannuation sectors most contentious issues. There are passionate advocates on both sides who let their bias cloud their arguments. Both sides are right, or wrong, depending on the circumstances. This presentation tries to take a balanced view – which probably means it’ll be criticised by both sides.

We rate this video:

(9/10)

Do you Qualify for an SMSF?

Aspiring SMSF members generally believe that they can be in an SMSF if they want to be. This is not true. SMSF members must also be trustees and there are a number of individuals whose records, including those held by ASIC and the ATO, will result in their application being rejected – sometimes permanently. A quick self assessment before going to the expense of setting up a fund is advisable. 

We rate this video:

(9/10)

What’s involved with an SMSF

Useful for any existing or potential SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(8/10)

Why do I want an SMSF?

Useful for any potential SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(8/10)

SMSF – You can’t do it all yourself

Useful for any potential SMSF trustee though it does introduce unnecessary complexity by separating some professional activities that are usually combined.

We rate this video:

(7/10)

Setting up an SMSF

SMSF Trustees Individual vs Corporate

A corporate trustee costs a little more than individual trustees, both to establish and ongoing. Why is it then, that the vast majority of SMSFs established by SMSF specialists have a corporate trustee? And if you do decide on a corporate trustee, can you save on costs by using an existing company?

We rate this video:

(9/10)

Don’t Ignore the ATO

When processing a new SMSF registration the ATO may decide to speak with you, the trustee, directly. You can’t avoid the request but, with a little preparation, you can handle it with ease. Arrange a call back time and view as many of the videos on this page beforehand especially Trustee Declaration, What the ATO Might Ask You, Loans and early access, SMSF-related party transactions, Borrowing and limited recourse borrowing arrangements, Annual obligations, Investment strategy and What happens if your fund breaches the law?

We rate this video:

(9/10)

Setting up your SMSF

Useful for any potential SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(9/10)

Trustee declaration

The trustee declaration is mandatory reading as it forms the basis of what the ATO expect of you, the trustee. It is especially important to read if the ATO wish to ask you about your new SMSF registration application.

We rate this video:

(9/10)

What the ATO Might Ask You

When processing a new SMSF registration the ATO may decide to speak with you, the trustee, directly. It’s useful to have an idea of what the call will involve. It’s a good idea to view as many of the videos on this page beforehand especially Trustee Declaration, Loans and early access, SMSF-related party transactions, Borrowing and limited recourse borrowing arrangements, Annual obligations, Investment strategy and What happens if your fund breaches the law?

We rate this video:

(9/10)

Planning for the unexpected

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(8/10)

Investments

Loans and early access

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(9/10)

SMSF – Related party transactions

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(9/10)

Arm’s length

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee. Great examples of breaches but no coverage of penalties.

We rate this video:

(7/10)

Borrowing and limited recourse borrowing arrangements

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee but overly simplistic.

We rate this video:

(5/10)

Business real property

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee but overly simplistic.

We rate this video:

(7/10)

Contributions and Payments

Planning for retirement

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(8/10)

Retirement and conditions of release

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee but ignores change of employment after preservation age as a condition of release.

We rate this video:

(6/10)

What happens when a member dies?

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(9/10)

Administration

Annual obligations

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(8/10)

The annual audit

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(7/10)

SMSFs & Enduring Powers of Attorney

There may be circumstances when it’s prudent, or even necessary, for a trustee/director of an SMSF to appoint an enduring power of attorney to act in their place.

We rate this video:

(9/10)

Investment strategy

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(7/10)

Record keeping in your SMSF

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(6/10)

What happens if your fund breaches the law?

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee.

We rate this video:

(9/10)

Wind-Up

When should I wind up my SMSF?

Useful for any new or existing SMSF member/trustee but could be better.

We rate this video:

(6/10)