Crypto & SMSFs – A Warning For Trustees

As interest in cryptocurrency continues to grow, an increasing number of self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are incorporating digital assets into their investment strategies.

While the potential for high returns can be appealing, the world of crypto is still relatively new and comes with significant risks. For SMSF trustees, it’s essential to tread carefully and comply with superannuation regulations to protect your fund and your future.

In recent years, SMSF trustees may have lost access to their crypto holdings due to theft, scams, forgotten passwords, and platform collapses. The lack of traditional consumer protections in the crypto world makes due diligence more critical than ever.

Here are some essential tips to help you manage crypto investments within your SMSF safely and responsibly:

1. Use a Correctly Named Wallet

The crypto wallet holding your SMSF’s assets must be registered in the name of the SMSF, not your personal name. This is crucial for ensuring the legal ownership of the investment and maintaining your SMSF’s compliance with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.

2. Separate SMSF and Personal Crypto Investments

You must never mix personal and SMSF crypto assets. Combining them may breach the sole purpose test and could result in compliance action from the ATO. Keeping clear separation between personal and SMSF assets is a fundamental part of managing your fund legally and ethically.

3. Use Reputable Trading Platforms

Only buy and trade cryptocurrency on legitimate, well-reviewed platforms. Look for businesses registered with relevant authorities, secure HTTPS connections, and clear trading policies. Independent reviews and user feedback can offer valuable insights into a platform’s reliability.

4. Keep Accurate Records

Thorough recordkeeping is a must. This includes every purchase, sale, and transfer of crypto assets. Crypto sales and transfers are considered disposals and may be subject to capital gains tax (CGT). Maintaining complete records is essential for accurate tax reporting and successful audits. You should also keep documentation for wallet creation and any changes made.

5. Safeguard Your Passwords

Lost or stolen passwords are one of the most common reasons SMSF trustees lose access to their crypto assets. Never share your wallet password and always store it securely, preferably using a password manager or an encrypted offline method.

6. Avoid Related Party Transactions

SMSFs must transact at arm’s length. That means avoiding deals with related parties that aren’t conducted on commercial terms. This rule applies to crypto just as it does to any other investment.

7. Maintain Valuation Records

Auditors require accurate market valuation of crypto assets each year. Ensure you can provide appropriate documentation that reflects fair market value at year-end.

8. Beware of Scams and Impersonators

The ATO has warned of impersonators claiming to be representatives investigating crypto tax evasion. These scammers may request wallet access or personal information. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from a government agency and never share sensitive information over the phone or email.

Crypto can be an exciting frontier for SMSF trustees, but it comes with serious responsibilities. Ensuring compliance, protecting your assets, and maintaining good records are all essential steps.

When in doubt, seek licensed advice to make sure your fund remains secure, compliant, and aligned with your long-term retirement goals.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information only. Regrettably, no responsibility can be accepted for errors, omissions or possible misleading statements or for any action taken as a result of any material in this guide. It is not designed to be a substitute for professional advice, as such a brief guide cannot hope to cover all circumstances and conditions applying to the law as it relates to these items.

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Sharee Webster

Sharee Webster BComm (UQ), CA, CTA, RTA, Dip FP

Sharee is the owner/director of the Holmans Maroochydore office. Sharee is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Queensland, a Chartered Tax Adviser from the Taxation Institute of Australia, a Registered Tax Agent and has a Diploma of Financial Planning.

Prior to returning to the Sunshine Coast and joining Holmans in 2007, Sharee was based in Sydney for almost 20 years where she progressed her career as a chartered accountant to holding positions in senior management and owner in an accounting practice.

With over 25 years as a chartered accountant, Sharee provides strategic accounting and tax advice and specialised business solutions including to suit a wide variety of private clients, owner-operated business, large corporate entities, and Self-Managed Super Funds.

Sharee is passionate about being part of the Sunshine Coast Community and about giving back to the community. In June 2017, Sharee was appointed to the Board of Be (formerly Comlink) Ltd, a large Not for Profit whose main office is located on the Sunshine Coast. Be provides Transport, Home Care and Community services across Queensland. She loves being involved with this organisation – whose goal is for all people to age well.

She was the Treasurer of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network for 6 years stepping down in early 2018. As a Buderim local, she was on the Board of Directors of the Buderim Community Enterprises Limited, trading as the Buderim Community Bank ® Branch of Bendigo Bank for six years stepping down from that role in 2018 too.

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