ATO approves courses for education directions

Since 1 July 2014 the ATO has had the power to direct a recalcitrant trustee of a self managed superannuation fund (and also directors of corporate trustees of such funds) to undertake an approved educational course.  Such a direction would be given if the trustee (or director) was involved in a contravention of the rules and regulations relating to self managed superannuation funds.

The ATO has now approved three courses being CPA-ICAA (jointly) SPAA and SMSF Wisdom.

Courses may be offered by other providers, if and when they are approved by the ATO (as to appropriateness and as to content).

No fee can be charged by the provider of the course and the courses must be offered on-line.  While the courses are approved by the ATO, the ATO is not liable for the content of the course and is certainly not liable for any actions or omissions taken by individuals who have completed the course.