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ATO flags changes to SMSF member verification service
The ATO has made changes to its SMSF member verification service, which will be replaced with a new service to electronically verify the SMSF’s complying status.
Previously, APRA-regulated super funds currently use the SMSF member verification service (MVS) to confirm whether a member requesting a rollover to an SMSF is a member of that SMSF. Super Fund Lookup is also used to determine if an SMSF is a complying fund.
The ATO announced that the MVS will soon be replaced by the SMSF verification service (SVS).
“This new service is now available and will allow you to electronically verify the SMSF complying status and the SMSF member information against ATO-held data, prior to making a rollover to an SMSF,” the ATO said.
As the SVS was deployed in March 2021, the ATO said funds may commence using this service to verify SMSF and member details, once its system functionality is built.
“As per the SVS Business Implementation Guide, should you receive a non-verified SVS response (either SMSFNOTVALID or MEMNOTVALID), there is no expectation that you request a manual verification, as the results will be the same,” the ATO said.
“In some circumstances, manual verification may be required, and you may be prevented from using SVS, such as when you do not hold the member’s TFN and if the SVS is not operational or unavailable for an extended period.”
Where manual verification is required, the ATO reminded that, until 30 April 2021, funds can continue to submit manual verification requests to
From 1 May 2021, the ATO noted funds can submit their member verification requests to
“From 1 May, responses for the manual verification process (and expected actions) will align with the responses received from the SVS,” the Tax Office said.
“Where information provided matches ATO systems, funds will receive a SMSFVRFY.VALID response, and where information provided does not match ATO systems, funds will receive either a SMSFNOTVALID or MEMNOTVALID response.”
The ATO noted that, currently, the MVS is available via the Business Portal, but it will not be available in Online Services for Business (OSB).
“If the Business Portal is decommissioned prior to you having commenced using the SVS, you will be required to use a manual verification process,” the ATO added.
“Further information will be provided once the Business Portal decommissioning date is known.”
Tony Zhang
Tony Zhang is a journalist at Accountants Daily, which is the leading source of news, strategy and educational content for professionals working in the accounting sector.
Since joining the Momentum Media team in 2020, Tony has written for a range of its publications including Lawyers Weekly, Adviser Innovation, ifa and SMSF Adviser. He has been full-time on Accountants Daily since September 2021.
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