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How to roll over your super and make contributions to your SMSF

Learn how to transfer your super into a self-managed super fund (SMSF) and start making contributions. This guide covers rollover requirements, contribution types, and key considerations to help you take control of your retirement savings.

Once your SMSF is set up and compliant, you can begin transferring your super and making contributions. Here is an overview of what is involved.

Rolling over super into your SMSF

If you’re moving funds from an APRA-regulated super fund (such as an industry or retail fund) into your SMSF, there are several requirements to meet first.

What to check before initiating a rollover

Before requesting a rollover, make sure your SMSF has:

  • Correct member and fund details with the ATO
  • A registered and compliant status on Super Fund Lookup 
  • An Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • A unique bank account in the name of the fund
  • An active Electronic Service Address (ESA) that supports rollovers

Once these are in place, you can request a rollover from your existing fund. The process is typically initiated via your MyGov account or by contacting your previous fund directly.

For detailed guidance, visit the Australian Tax Office guidance on rollovers.

Insurance considerations

Rolling out of an APRA-regulated fund may result in the loss of any insurance cover attached to your account, such as life or income protection insurance.

Important:
Before initiating a rollover, review any existing insurance policies and other benefits. These do not automatically transfer to your SMSF, so you may need to arrange new cover separately.

Making contributions to your SMSF

Once your SMSF is ready to receive funds, there are three main ways to contribute:

  1. Employer contributions
    Your employer can pay super directly into your SMSF. You’ll need to provide them with your fund’s ABN, bank account details, and ESA.
  2. Personal contributions
    You can make voluntary contributions from your own income or savings. 
  3. Spouse contributions
    Your spouse can contribute to your SMSF on your behalf, which may offer tax benefits depending on your circumstances.

These may be concessional (before-tax) or non-concessional (after-tax).

For up-to-date info on contribution requirements, visit the ATO.

Types of contributions

There are 2 types of contributions you can make into your SMSF

  • Concessional contributions: These include employer contributions and salary sacrifice. They are taxed at 15% and subject to annual caps.
  • Non-concessional contributions: These are made from after-tax income and have separate caps.

To check current contribution limits and eligibility, visit the ATO.

Final tips and resources

  • Keep accurate records of all contributions and rollovers.
  • Ensure your SMSFs bank account is used solely for fund transactions.
  • Consider seeking professional advice to ensure compliance with superannuation laws.

For more help, explore the ATO’s information on contribution.

Rules and duties of SMSF trustees

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Distributed by Commonwealth Bank

Things you should know

This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. The information may include general advice but does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or tax circumstances, and so you should consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to your circumstances before acting on it. Where applicable, you should obtain and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and other important disclosure documents before making a decision about acquiring or continuing to a product. You should consider seeking independent professional financial, tax and/or legal advice before making any decision based on this information.

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