Event-based reporting mistakes lead to greater scrutiny of SMSF audits
Since event-based reporting (EBR) started for SMSFs from 1 July 2018, the ATO says an unprecedented number of transfer balance cap reports have required re-reporting.
The transfer balance account report (TBAR) is used to report certain events and is separate from the SMSF annual return (SAR). The TBAR enables the ATO to record and track an individual’s balance for both their transfer balance cap and total superannuation balance.
The ATO says the regulations in place do not provide it with a discretion for “special circumstances” regarding contraventions of the transfer balance cap, and that it is particularly important for all SMSF trustees and members to self-monitor and ensure that members do not exceed the cap.
The re-reporting incidents, says the ATO, has mostly been in response to determinations and commutation authorities it has issued.
It says that in some instances the amended reporting indicates:
the member was not actually receiving a pension during 2017-18
the pension was commuted on 1 July 2017 so that the member was never in excess
the member had commuted the pension before 1 July 2017 to avoid being in excess, and the trustees had incorrectly included the commuted amount in their original reporting
the member commenced a pension during 2017-18, however the initial value reported to the ATO was amended so that the individual no longer exceeded their transfer balance cap.
The amended reporting usually results in the determination or commutation authority being revoked. ATO records show that approximately 39% of commutation authorities issued to SMSFs in the 12 months since were revoked, including commutation authorities issued to APRA funds after SMSFs had corrected reporting errors.
Specifications for this reporting are found on the Standard Business Reporting site (click here).
What to check during an audit
Due to the large number of amended TBARs the ATO is receiving for SMSFs, it is reminding SMSF auditors that it is important to check the following in the case where a member received a pension during 2017-18:
that an appropriate condition of release was met
that the pension is valued correctly in financial statements
the commencement date of the pension and any commutations have been properly documented
exempt current pension income (ECPI) has been correctly calculated with respect to the pension and any commutations that occurred during the year have been considered
the payments from the pension have actually been paid
the minimum pension payment requirements have been met.
The ATO has also announced that any TBAR re-reporting by SMSF trustees for future income years will be closely monitored, and that it may request evidence of relevant documents and calculations to substantiate the TBAR amendment.
Harper Group Pty Ltd Chartered Accountants Frankston Ph 9770 1547
Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is of a general nature only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Also, changes in legislation may occur frequently. We recommend that our formal advice be obtained before acting on the basis of this information.