The ATO offers seminars to trustees of self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to help them increase their knowledge about their responsibilities and obligations.

The two seminars that are offered are held at various locations around Australia during the year.

For existing trustees

The seminar for existing trustees is 'Running a self-managed super fund'. This seminar provides an in-depth look at the rules and regulations that govern super with respect to SMSFs.

The topics covered in this seminar are:

o your obligations as a trustee when running an SMSF

o the ability of the fund to accept contributions and rollovers, including the rules around the age of the member and the types of contributions

o your duties and responsibilities when making investment decisions and managing your fund's investments

o paying benefits when your members are legally allowed to access them

o reporting and administrative obligations, including lodgment of the annual return and record-keeping requirements

o where to go for more help and information.

'Running a self-managed super fund' is not intended for new trustees or those individuals thinking of starting an SMSF.

Who should attend:

o trustees who have been running their own fund for more than 18 months

o trustees who outsource a considerable amount of the management of the fund.

For new and intending trustees

The seminar for new and intending SMSF trustees is 'Role and responsibilities of new trustees'. This seminar covers the essentials that you need to know about being a self-managed super fund trustee.

The topics covered in this seminar are:

o your role and responsibilities as a trustee

o what you need to know and put in place when you start to operate your fund

o accepting contributions and paying members' benefits

o additional information to help you run your fund

o where to go for more help and information.

Who should attend:

o trustees who have been running a fund for less than 18 months