1. Notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO):
Inform the ATO of your intention to wind up the SMSF by submitting the appropriate form.
2. Settle outstanding liabilities and expenses:
Ensure all bills, taxes, and fees are paid, including any penalties or taxes owed.
3. Distribute SMSF assets to members:
Determine the correct share of SMSF assets for each member and transfer their portion accordingly.
4. Cancel the SMSF's Australian Business Number (ABN):
Contact the ATO to cancel the SMSF's ABN to avoid any further obligations.
5. Lodge any outstanding SMSF annual returns:
Ensure all annual returns are lodged with the ATO, even for the year of wind-up.
6. Pay any outstanding tax liabilities:
Settle any tax liabilities, including capital gains tax, before finalizing the wind-up.
7. Close the SMSF bank accounts:
Close all SMSF bank accounts and ensure all funds are properly accounted for.
8. Obtain written consent from all members:
Ensure all members provide written consent to wind up the SMSF.
9. Document all trustee resolutions:
Record all decisions made by the trustees regarding the wind-up process.
10. Complete the final audit and tax return:
Engage an auditor to perform the final audit and prepare the SMSF's final tax return.