ATO Cracks Down on Late SMSF Lodgements – Don’t Get Caught Out!
The SMSF Association National Conference took place in Melbourne this month, and as always, we received valuable industry updates.
This event is a key highlight for the industry, packed with insights, knowledge sharing and regulatory updates—and the 2025 conference was no exception!
At this year’s conference, Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig reinforced the ATO’s commitment to tightening compliance on late SMSF lodgements and non-compliance. With 85,000 SMSFs yet to lodge their 2023 returns and 54,000 still outstanding for 2022, the ATO is escalating enforcement to protect the integrity of the system.
Key ATO Actions on Late Lodgements:
- Removal from Super Fund Lookup – Late filers risk losing their ‘complying’ status, meaning no rollovers and no employer contributions
- Fines and Penalties – Trustees may face penalties of up to $6,600 for failing to act on release authorities and compliance notices
- Increased Monitoring – The ATO is closely tracking newly established SMSFs that fail to lodge their first return, as non-lodgment is a red flag for illegal early access
- Trustee Disqualifications – Over 600 trustees have already been disqualified this financial year, with names permanently published on public registers.
Stay Compliant and Avoid ATO Scrutiny
If you’re finding SMSF compliance challenging, don’t wait until the ATO takes action. The risks of late lodgement are significant, but with the right support, they can be managed effectively. Contact Carrick Aland Intuitive Super team today—our SMSF experts can help you stay compliant and protect your fund’s future.
Source: https://www.ato.gov.au/media-centre/smsf-association-national-conference-address
