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March 2026 SMSF newsletter

ETFs: How to use them and what they cost
Exchange-traded funds have made building a well-diversified investment portfolio easier and more cost effective than ever, as growing numbers of SMSF investors are discovering. Read more.
ETFs: How to use them and what they cost
Exchange-traded funds have made building a well-diversified investment portfolio easier and more cost effective than ever, as growing numbers of SMSF investors are discovering. Read more.
Small APRA funds: What are they and why would I need one?
Small APRA funds are often overlooked, but they offer valuable benefits if you want more control of your super investments without the trustee responsibilities. Read more.
Small APRA funds: What are they and why would I need one?
Small APRA funds are often overlooked, but they offer valuable benefits if you want more control of your super investments without the trustee responsibilities. Read more.
Transfer Balance Cap indexation: Opportunities for SMSF members?
The transfer balance cap is set to increase from 1 July 2026, creating opportunities to maximise your retirement income. Read more.
Transfer Balance Cap indexation: Opportunities for SMSF members?
The transfer balance cap is set to increase from 1 July 2026, creating opportunities to maximise your retirement income. Read more.
Where are we now? Pending and recent superannuation changes
Sometimes it seems the super rules are in a constant state of flux, but for some measures the pace of change can be glacially slow. Read more.
Where are we now? Pending and recent superannuation changes
Sometimes it seems the super rules are in a constant state of flux, but for some measures the pace of change can be glacially slow. Read more.
SMSF pension failures: Why missing a payment can be costly
Failing to meet the minimum pension payment rules in an SMSF can have serious tax consequences. Here’s what happens if you miss the required withdrawal and how trustees can avoid… Read more.
SMSF pension failures: Why missing a payment can be costly
Failing to meet the minimum pension payment rules in an SMSF can have serious tax consequences. Here’s what happens if you miss the required withdrawal and how trustees can avoid… Read more.

SuperGuide members Q&A: March 2026

Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 11:00 am AEST

In this webinar super expert Garth McNally answers recent questions from SuperGuide members.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Watch our previous webinar, Superannuation considerations for couples.

Q: I have an SMSF (I am the sole member) with $1.5m industrial property generating $150k profit per year therefore building up the cash balance in SMSF. I’d like to transfer a significant portion of the cash balance in SMSF to an industry fund.

I’ve had trouble searching for information that provides commentary on the pros/cons of such a strategy, what the tax implications are, and how accessible the funds are if I need to transfer funds back to the SMSF.

I’m not looking for financial advice but are looking to be directed to resources where I can further my research on this topic.

A: Transfers between SMSFs and industry/retail (large) funds operate in the same way as transfers between two large funds.

To transfer some of your SMSF balance to an industry fund, simply join the fund you have chosen online. When you have confirmation your account is active and you have been issued with a member number you may transfer the amount you choose from your SMSF to your new industry fund account using Superstream.

Your balance in the industry fund can be transferred back to your SMSF at any time. The fund must process your request within 3 business days.

Generally there is no tax on transfer between funds, however if you sell assets that have experienced a capital gain in your SMSF to finance the transfer, that gain is taxable in the fund.

Transferring money out of a large fund (to an SMSF or another large fund) generally doesn’t generate any capital gains tax becuase large funds manage tax at a fund level and a single member leaving the fund won’t trigger the sale of assets. The exception to this rule is if you choose a ‘direct’ investment option with the large fund.

The downside of maintaining membership in two super funds is the need to manage two accounts and the potential for increased costs due to administration charges in both funds.

The alternative to transferring cash from your SMSF to an industry fund is to invest the cash that has accumulated inside your SMSF in line with your SMSF investment strategy.

You may find our content on direct investment options and how to change super funds helpful.

March 15

Tax planning: Consider the capital gains tax position of the fund. The end of the financial year might seem some time away, but if you want to sell any lumpy assets to offset realised capital gains, now is a good time to start arranging these sales.

Important: All information on SuperGuide is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether any information on SuperGuide is appropriate to you before acting on it. If SuperGuide refers to a financial product you should obtain the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or seek personal financial advice before making any investment decisions.

Superguide Pty Ltd ATF Superguide Unit Trust as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Financial Advisers Australia, AFSL 464629.