SMSF Investing in collectables (wine, artwork & memorabilia)

What are collectables?

Collectables and personal use assets are things like:

  • artworks
  • jewellery
  • vehicles
  • boats
  • wine.

When can SMSF invest in collectables?

Investments in such items must be made for genuine retirement purposes, not to provide any present-day benefit.

Collectables and personal use assets can’t be:

  • leased to, or part of a lease arrangement with, a related party
  • used by a related party
  • stored or displayed in a private residence of a related party.

What other rules apply?

  • your investment must comply with all other relevant investment restrictions, including the sole purpose test
  • the decision on where the item is stored must be documented (for example, in the minutes of a meeting of trustees) and the written record kept COLLECTABLES MUST NOT BE STORED IN YOUR PRIVATE RESIDENCE OR OFFICE.
  • the item must be insured in the fund’s name within seven days of the fund acquiring it
  • if the item is transferred to a related party, this must be at market price as determined by a qualified, independent valuer.
  • You can only lease collectables and personal use assets to an unrelated party and the lease must be on arm’s length terms.
  • Collectables and personal use assets can be sold to a related party provided the sale is at market price as determined by a qualified, independent valuer.

For collectables and personal use assets you held before 1 July 2011 you had until 30 June 2016 to comply with these rules.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

these include any of the following:

  • Artwork (such as paintings and sculptures)
  • Jewellery
  • Antiques
  • Cultural or historical artefacts
  • Motor vehicles and motorcycles
  • Recreational boats
  • Memberships of sporting clubs or social clubs
  • Coins, medallions and bank notes if their value exceeds their face value
  • Rare books, manuscripts and folios
  • Memorabilia
  • Wine or spirits
  • Postage stamps and first-day covers

No.

That means that you can not lease vintage car from your SMSF, not can your business lease artwork to display at the offices.

Yes, provided the gallery is not owned by a related party and the lease is on arm’s length terms.

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