ATO extends due date for 2016–17 SMSF returns

This week the ATO announced that it will extend the due date for lodgment of self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) annual returns for 2016–17 to 30 June 2018.

Deputy Commissioner James O’Halloran said “We recognise there are some major new considerations and decisions for SMSFs and their advisers to make in this first financial year of operation of the superannuation reforms that came into effect from 1 July 2017.

“We have therefore decided to extend the lodgement date for 2016–17 SMSF annual returns so that SMSF trustees and their advisers can focus on these important matters.

“We have heard from many professionals that their current focus is on providing important advisory services to their SMSF clients to ensure they are in the best position to make decisions to take into account some of the recent superannuation reforms including eligibility for transitional capital gains relief.

“Accountants, tax agents and SMSF advisers play a key role in ensuring SMSFs are best placed to make informed financial decisions following the recent reforms. Recognising the crucial considerations and decisions that SMSFs and their advisers need to make in this first year we have sought to reduce some of the burden of SMSF compliance work by extending the due date for 2016–17 SMSF annual returns.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the ongoing support tax professionals and SMSF advisers provide in facilitating change, especially at this important time for the sector and the broader superannuation industry.

“The extended lodgement timeframe also means that all SMSFs who are eligible for transitional CGT relief as a result of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap will have additional time to consider and make relevant elections before the due date for lodgement of their 2016–17 SMSF annual return”, Mr O’Halloran said.

Mr O’Halloran also noted that because the extended due date of 30 June 2018 falls on a Saturday, in accordance with relevant administrative provisions of the tax laws, lodgement of 2016–17 SMSF annual returns can made on the next business day, Monday 2 July, without penalty.

For more information about lodging SMSF annual tax returns, go to ato.gov.au.

This article was reproduced from the ATO website and can be found here.