- Switzer Report - https://switzerreport.com.au -

The case of the missing trust deed

“I can’t find my SMSF trust deed. What should I do about this?” There aren’t too many SMSF administrators who don’t have to deal with an email or phone call that starts along these lines on a regular basis.

Unlike other some other trusts, you can’t run an SMSF without a written deed.

One of the most important jobs that SMSF trustees have to do is always obey the terms of their trust and these terms are set out in the fund’s trust deed.

This means that without a trust deed you’ll probably be materially confused about how to run your fund.

So in short, a lost trust deed must be replaced. What steps do you need to follow?

Here are some popular solutions:

If none of the above are appropriate or possible, you may have to resort to some of the less popular solutions such as:

A lost trust deed is very inconvenient and costs money to fix. The best thing is to not lose it in the first place. One way of doing this is to make use of electronic document suppliers who can store and keep copies of all your fund’s documentation.

Important: This content has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. It does not constitute formal advice. Consider the appropriateness of the information in regards to your circumstances.