SMSF FOUNDATIONS COURSE

Help grow your SMSF knowledge through Smarter SMSF's new foundations course, helping you to better understand the core requirements of self managed super funds.

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SMSF Foundations Course

$350.00 + GST

SMSF Foundations Course

The SMSF Foundations Course has been built by two of Australia’s leading SMSF specialists, Aaron Dunn and Tim Miller.  The course contains 6 modules, providing a total of 10 hours of e-learning based education. It introduces SMSFs and broader superannuation concepts to new entrants about the fundamentals in completing their day-to-day work.

About the SMSF foundations course

The SMSF Foundations Course has been built by award winning SMSF specialists, Aaron Dunn and Tim Miller.  The course contains 6 modules, providing a total of 10 hours of e-learning based education. It introduces SMSFs and broader superannuation concepts to new entrants about the fundamentals in completing their day-to-day work.

All modules including a range of interactive activities to validate learning, detailed workbooks, and additional supporting materials (e.g. ATO references) to assist students in building their foundation knowledge.  Each module includes CPD assessment that must be completed as you work through the course.

The SMSF foundations course is available to purchase via Smarter SMSF’s learning platform, along with an enterprise solution for larger organisations to utilise via your own Learning Management System (LMS).  It is fully responsive, allowing you to access the modules to complete via a PC, laptop, tablet or mobile device.

Download the Smarter SMSF courses flyer

Complimentary SMSF Association Affiliate Membership*

Students who have completed the SMSF foundations course are eligible to claim their complimentary period of SMSF Association membership, which is available until 31 March of the following calendar year.*

Click here for more details

Course outline

On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • Identify the different types of superannuation funds that exist and list the advantages and disadvantages of SMSFs
  • Explain the requirements to operate an SMSF, including the trustee structure, requirements of the trust deed and a trustee’s responsibilities.
  • Explain the different types of contributions that can be made into superannuation and the limitation in making contributions.
  • Outline the key requirements of trustees preparing and maintaining a fund’s investment strategy
  • Explain the investment restrictions imposed on how a trustee can invest within a SMSF
  • Outline the different types of pensions that can be paid from a SMSF and how benefits can generally be paid to a fund member.
  • Explain the different statutory requirements that a trustee must adhere to in running a SMSF.

This module covers:

  • The regulation of Australia’s superannuation system
  • The three pillars of superannuation in Australia
  • The different types of super funds that exist in Australia
  • The key features and regulation of self-managed super funds
  • The definition of a self-managed super fund
  • How to establish an SMSF
  • The requirements to establish an SMSF

This module covers:

  • What is a contribution, the eligibility requirements and how contributions can be made into super
  • The types of contributions that can be made
  • How a member’s total superannuation balance impacts them making contributions
  • The operation of the work test and work test exemption when a member is contributing and intends to claim a tax deduction
  • The timing of contributions be made into super
  • The contribution caps, the operation of the bring-forward rule and the ability to split contributions with a spouse & dealing with excess contributions

This module covers:

  • Creating an SMSF investment strategy
  • The requirements of an SMSF investment strategy
  • Introducing the Sole Purpose Test
  • How an SMSF can invest and acquire assets

This module covers:

  • SuperStream and SMSFs
  • SMSF quarterly reporting requirements
  • SMSF annual reporting requirements
  • Member statements

This module covers:

  • The preservation rules, preservation age and conditions of release
  • How benefits can be paid, including lump sums and super income streams
  • An introduction to the Transfer Balance Cap and transfer balance account
  • An introduction to Accounts Based Pensions

This module covers:

  • What triggers the end of the SMSF lifecycle?
  • Understanding death benefit requirements
  • Winding up an SMSF during the various lifecycle stages

 

Tim Miller, FSSA

SMSF Technical & Education Manager / Course Co-Author

FAQs

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions about the SMSF Foundations Course:

How long do I have access to the course for after purchase?

Four month from activation date, unless you purchase the renewal update service that provides you with ongoing access to the course, including updates to accommodate changes to the law or other additions to the course.

What is included within the course?

Each module will take between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, which also includes a range of supporting materials that should be also be read including workbooks (100+ pages in total), links, sample documents and other supporting materials.

How often is the course updated?

The course is regularly reviewed and updates made within a reasonable timeframe following any superannuation and tax laws changes.

When does the CPD certificate get issued?

Immediately after successfully completing all modules and assessments.  You will be able to download from the course page as per the screenshot below:

Can a CPD certificate be issued for more than one person?

No, only 1 x CPD certificate will be issued per course purchase, unless otherwise agreed to by Smarter SMSF.

Is the course available to purchase for larger organisations, member bodies or dealer groups?

Yes, Smarter SMSF has a custom-built enterprise solution that can be provided for the course that allows you to add each of the modules onto your own learning management system (LMS) or alternatively can be hosted by Smarter SMSF.

Get in contact with us on 1300 95 94 76 or email to discuss pricing on this option further.

If you have any other questions, simply contact us using the form or call 1300 95 94 76.

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