With the end of the financial year fast approaching, now is the time for SMSF trustees to take stock and ensure their fund is well-positioned, compliant, and tax-efficient.
The weeks leading up to 30 June 2026 present valuable opportunities—but also strict deadlines. Below is a practical guide to the key strategies every SMSF trustee should consider before year-end.
Maximise Contributions While You Can
One of the most effective ways to grow your super is by ensuring you fully utilise your contribution caps.
Concessional contributions (pre-tax) are capped at $30,000 this financial year. These include employer contributions and salary sacrifice.
If eligible, you may also be able to use unused cap carry-forward amounts from previous years.
Non-concessional contributions (after-tax) allow up to $120,000, or up to $360,000 under the bring-forward rule.
Review your contributions now and top up before 30 June—remember, funds must be received by your SMSF bank account in time.
Don’t Miss Minimum Pension Payments
If you’re drawing a pension from your SMSF, you must meet the minimum annual withdrawal requirement based on your age.
Failing to meet this requirement could result in:
- Loss of tax-exempt pension income
- Additional tax liabilities
Check your pension payments now and ensure any shortfall is withdrawn before 30 June.
Review Investments and Manage Tax
End of Financial Year (EOFY) is an ideal time to review your SMSF’s investment portfolio and tax position.
- Consider realising capital losses to offset gains
- Review whether asset sales should occur this financial year or next
- Ensure all assets are recorded at market value as at 30 June
Work with your adviser to ensure your investment decisions align with your tax strategy.
Update Your Investment Strategy
SMSF trustees are legally required to regularly review and document their investment strategy.
This includes considering:
- Diversification
- Liquidity needs (especially pension payments)
- Risk and return
- Insurance for members
Document your annual review before 30 June to meet audit requirements.
Check Property and Borrowing Arrangements
If your SMSF holds property or has a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA):
- Ensure loan repayments are up to date
- Confirm terms remain compliant
- Verify any related-party arrangements are conducted at arm’s length
Review loan agreements, repayment schedules, and rental arrangements for compliance.
Stay on Top of Compliance Rules
Avoid last-minute compliance issues by reviewing key obligations:
- In-house assets must remain below 5% of fund assets
- All transactions with related parties must be properly documented
- Trustee decisions should be clearly recorded via minutes/resolutions
Complete a compliance health check before year-end.
Review Insurance and Estate Planning
EOFY is a natural time to revisit your broader financial planning within your SMSF.
- Are your insurance policies still appropriate?
- Are your binding death benefit nominations (BDBNs) valid and up to date?
- Ensure your estate planning documents reflect your current wishes.
Timing Is Critical
It’s important to remember that many strategies are only effective if implemented before 30 June.
Processing delays—particularly for contributions—can catch trustees out at the last minute.
A proactive EOFY review can make a meaningful difference to your SMSF’s performance and compliance.
By addressing contributions, pensions, investments, and regulatory obligations now, you can:
- Minimise tax
- Maximise retirement savings
- Avoid costly compliance breaches
Should you require further information on self-managed super fund considerations prior to 30 June 2026, please feel free to contact Peter Quinn by submitting an enquiry or by calling us on +61 2 9580 9166.
The information in this document does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs, so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and it is recommended that you seek assistance from your financial adviser