Super Shifts: What’s Changed and What SMSF Auditors Need to Know in 2025

As the superannuation landscape continues to shift, staying on top of legislative, procedural, and compliance changes is essential for SMSF auditors. The days of static super rules are long gone – with frequent updates to caps, contribution limits, and regulatory interpretations, SMSF audits require constant vigilance and up-to-date expertise.

This session forms part of your SMSF Audit CPD and has been designed to help auditors stay compliant, competent, and informed. In Super Shifts: What’s Changed and What Auditors Need to Know, expert Shirley Schaefer, Partner – Superannuation at BDO (Adelaide), unpacks the most recent developments affecting audit practices, while also offering a timely refresher on key historical changes that still impact audit obligations today.

Key Topics in This SMSF Audit CPD Session:

🔹 Changes to Caps and Thresholds

A review of the latest indexing and contribution cap changes, with practical implications for verifying compliance during SMSF audits.

🔹 Downsizer Contributions – Evolving Rules and Audit Triggers

An update on the refined eligibility rules and practical guidance on the audit checks necessary to verify downsizer contributions.

🔹 Non-Arm’s Length Expenses (NALE) – Still Raising Red Flags

With NALE rules under scrutiny, auditors must understand how these impact fund earnings and how to identify potential breaches during audit procedures.

🔹 Work Test and Contribution Eligibility

The revised work test rules are often misunderstood – this session will clarify how they affect contributions and how auditors should approach testing for compliance.

🔹 SuperStream – Still a Problem Area?

Despite being in place for some time, SuperStream rollovers and contribution data standards still present issues. The session will revisit the essentials and provide insight into lingering practical concerns.

🔹 Division 296 – The $3 Million Cap in Sight

A look at the current status of the proposed additional tax for members with super balances over $3 million – and what SMSF auditors should keep an eye on moving forward.

🔹 Recent Case Law – Auditor Accountability in Focus

Notable legal cases including Islam v ASIC [2024] and Murphy v ASIC [2025] have reinforced expectations around auditor conduct. Shirley will dissect the key takeaways and the compliance standards they reinforce.

🔹 Emerging Developments

The session will conclude with an overview of further updates and trends that may soon affect SMSF auditors, helping professionals future-proof their approach.

Whether you're looking to refresh your knowledge or ensure you’re aligned with the most recent regulatory movements, this SMSF Audit CPD session is designed to support audit readiness in a shifting environment.

Register Now

Join us at our upcoming conference and secure your place in this essential SMSF Audit CPD session with Shirley Schaefer. Stay informed, meet your CPD obligations, and gain valuable insights into the evolving super landscape.

👉 Register here to attend or read the full program.