Do I need an SMSF actuarial certificate?

An SMSF generally needs an actuarial certificate to claim exempt current pension income (ECPI) under the proportionate method. A fund wholly in retirement phase for the whole year may instead use the segregated method without a proportionate-method certificate. The fund's pension types, assets and dates matter.

Four questions to check

1. Did the fund pay a retirement-phase pension during the income year? A transition-to-retirement income stream that has not entered retirement phase does not itself generate ECPI.
2. Was the fund wholly in retirement phase throughout the year? If so, it generally uses the segregated method, but check disregarded small fund assets and any legacy pension rules.
3. Were accumulation and retirement-phase interests present together? Pooled assets during those periods generally lead to the proportionate method and a certificate for the ECPI claim.
4. Could disregarded small fund assets or a defined benefit pension apply? These can change the method or certificate requirements. Check before lodging.

These questions are a guide, not a determination for your fund. Check the ATO's ECPI guidance and ask your accountant or TCW about unusual circumstances.

When to obtain it

If the proportionate method applies and the fund claims ECPI, obtain the actuarial certificate before lodging the SMSF annual return. The percentage is reported in the return; the certificate itself is retained with fund records, not attached to the return. See section 295-390 explained.

What to send

Email the detailed Statement of Financial Position, Operating Statement and General Ledger. TCW may need pension and member details to assess the calculation. See example documents and email instructions.

Reviewed 4 October 2026 · TCW Actuarial editorial team · General information, subject to review by the signing actuary for individual cases.

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