Illegal early access to super

Beware of Illegal Early Super Access Schemes

ATO Warns Against Promoters Exploiting Super Funds for Non-Retirement Purposes

Faced with tough times, some people may be thinking about accessing their super early.

Taxpayers may have been approached by someone (a ‘promoter’) claiming that members of super funds can withdraw their super or use an SMSF to pay off debts, buy a car, or pay for a holiday.

The ATO warns taxpayers that this is illegal.  Super funds should remind members that super is for retirement.  Members need to meet very strict conditions to access their super early, and acccessing their super outside of these strict conditions is illegal.

Illegal early access to super can have a significant impact on members’ retirement savings, result in additional tax, penalties and interest, and lead to members being disqualified from ever being able to be an SMSF trustee again.  When a trustee is disqualified, their name is published and this can affect their personal and professional reputation.

If a promoter gets a member to provide them with enough personal information, they may also steal their identity and use it to access their super for themselves.

Need superannuation help?

For assistance with superannuation advice and compliance, please contact the Omnis Group team in West Perth on 08 9380 3555.

Justin Flavel

Managing Director

Justin’s experience spans across 20 years in accounting, financial analysis and general business practice.

Although born and bred on the land, Justin’s interest was more in spreadsheets, ledgers, and finance which led him to attend university. In 1992, Justin graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance. As well as qualifying as a CPA member and becoming a Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia, he began gaining practical experience in small and mid-tier accounting practices.

During the late 90s, Justin decided to expand his horizons and travel through Europe. It was during this time that he seized the opportunity to expand his knowledge on the workings of large organisations by taking on roles in multinational corporations.

Today, Justin’s passion is in facilitating businesses to grow and evolve. His focus is on acting in the role of business mentor to help clients develop the full potential of their businesses. He joins clients on their unique journey, and provides the tools and knowledge they need along the way to make the right decisions.

Justin’s aim for his clients parallels his own philosophy and personal journey—focusing on his own career growth and business success while maintaining balance in his life with his wife and three daughters.

Omnis Group Managing Director - Justin Flavel