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Subject overview


STUDY MODE

100% online

AQF LEVEL

9

NEXT INTAKE

13 Jan 2025

SUBJECT DURATION

12 weeks

SUBJECT FEE

$2,600.00


This subject focuses on the legislation and regulations that underpin the operation of a self managed superannuation fund (SMSF). It provides the specialist technical knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary to provide competent and compliant advice to clients in the complex and dynamic SMSF sector. This subject covers the establishment, operation, and management of an SMSF as well as the contribution standards, taxation rules, pension and estate planning, and investment restrictions unique to an SMSF. Learning is applied in the assessments via a range of client case studies, developing and justifying an SMSF strategy as well as discussion and collaboration with other students.

Additionally, individuals are able to attend drop-in sessions throughout the study period, where they can ask their tutor questions to gain further clarification on key concepts and assessments.

Individuals must successfully pass this subject to be eligible to apply for the SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) designation with the SMSF Association.

Find out more about how to combine the Master of Financial Planning with the SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) designation here.

Master of Financial Planning >

Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning >

Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning >

Attaining the SSA™

Unlock the SMSF Association’s SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) designation, branding and associated specialist member benefits when you successfully complete this course and are also a current SMSF Associate member.

Individuals enrolled in this subject can access up to 12 months of complimentary SMSF Associate membership (valued at $640). Claim your complimentary SMSF associate membership once you’ve enrolled in this subject*.

*Note: Terms and conditions apply. To be eligible, you must register for this offer within 12 months of enrolment in SMSF Regulations and Taxation, and not be a current financial member of the SMSF Association..

Subject information

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, individuals should be able to:

  • Research and critically evaluate the legal regulations that apply to SMSFs.
  • Research and critically evaluate the special taxation rules applicable to superannuation contributions, superannuation funds and superannuation benefits.
  • Develop an SMSF strategy to deal with regulatory and tax requirements in a complex SMSF scenario.
  • Justify an SMSF strategy to deal with regulatory and tax requirements in a complex SMSF scenario.

 

Topics covered

  1. SMSF regulatory framework
  2. Regulating SMSFs
  3. Contribution standards
  4. Investing in an SMSF
  5. Taxation and SMSFs
  6. Members interests and preservation standards
  7. Pension payment standards and paying a benefit
  8. Taxing superannuation payments
  9. SMSF controls — planning for life

 

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Kaplan Professional has assessed this subject. Click here for the following CPD hours applicable from 1 January 2019 on successful completion of this course. For subjects or courses completed prior to this date, please contact Kaplan Professional’s CPD Support team on 1300 527 526 or pdmail@kaplan.edu.au.

Reading list

There is no prescribed text for this subject. Individuals are provided with key readings and access to Kaplan Professional’s online databases. Individuals are encouraged to research and read widely on the topic.

Reading list

Assessments

Assessment TypeAssessedWeighting
TaskWeek 410%
Assignment 1Week 635%
QuizWeek 1020%
Assignment 2Week 1235%

Previous study requirements

Assumed knowledge

Kaplan Professional assumes individuals have completed FPC003 Superannuation and Retirement Advice and FPC008 Investment Advice, or understand the content covered in those subjects, prior to undertaking FPE020 SMSF Regulations and Taxation.

Course transition subject equivalence

Individuals may not be required to complete this subject if they have transitioned from a SIA/Finsia/Kaplan Professional course and have completed the following subjects:

Key dates

Study Period 6 2024

30 Sep 2024 - 17 Jan 2025

❌ Enrolments now closed

Early access opens 30 September 2024

Early access to assessments 14 October 2024

Study period commences 28 October 2024

Enrolments close/census 13 November 2024

Study period ends 17 January 2025

Assessment dates See assessment information

Study Period 1 2025

16 Dec 2024 - 4 Apr 2025

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens 16 December 2024

Early access to assessments 30 December 2024

Study period commences 13 January 2025

Enrolments close/census 29 January 2025

Study period ends 4 April 2025

Assessment dates See assessment information

Study Period 2 2025

10 Feb 2025 - 30 May 2025

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens 10 February 2025

Early access to assessments 24 February 2025

Study period commences 10 March 2025

Enrolments close/census 26 March 2025

Study period ends 30 May 2025

Assessment dates See assessment information

Study Period 3 2025

7 Apr 2025 - 25 Jul 2025

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens 7 April 2025

Early access to assessments 21 April 2025

Study period commences 5 May 2025

Enrolments close/census 21 May 2025

Study period ends 25 July 2025

Assessment dates See assessment information

Study Period 4 2025

2 Jun 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens 2 June 2025

Early access to assessments 16 June 2025

Study period commences 30 June 2025

Enrolments close/census 16 July 2025

Study period ends 19 September 2025

Assessment dates See assessment information

Study Period 5 2025

25 Aug 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens 28 July 2025

Early access to assessments 11 August 2025

Study period commences 25 August 2025

Enrolments close/census 10 September 2025

Study period ends 14 November 2025

Assessment dates See assessment information

Study Period 6 2025

27 Oct 2025 - 16 Jan 2026

❌ Enrolments now closed

Early access opens 29 September 2025

Early access to assessments 13 October 2025

Study period commences 27 October 2025

Enrolments close/census 12 November 2025

Study period ends 16 January 2026

Assessment dates See assessment information

Fees and FEE-HELP

Enrolment feesFee
Subject fee 2024$2,600 (GST free)

Note: If this subject is undertaken as a standalone subject, no FEE-HELP is available.

FEE-HELP is available for individuals undertaking this subject as part of a qualification. Click here to find out if you’re eligible.

Click here for a full list of fees and allowances.

Subject enhancements

We are pleased to announce that the following enhancements have been made to this subject:

  • replaced the exam with a second assignment and quiz, moving to four (4) assessments (task, assignment 1, quiz and assignment 2)
  • timing and positioning of the drop-in sessions revised to align with new assessment schedule
  • made recordings available for drop-in sessions to accommodate those who cannot attend live.

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