Here’s why consolidating super makes sense
Save your money
Maintaining multiple super accounts often means paying multiple sets of fees, which can erode your retirement savings over time. By combining your super into one account, you reduce fees, allowing more of your money to work for you.
Save time
Managing multiple superannuation accounts can lead to administrative hassles and confusion. Consolidating your super into a single account simplifies the management and saves time, allowing you to focus more on your retirement planning.
Save faster
By consolidating your accounts, you eliminate multiple fees, freeing up more money to invest and unlocking greater growth potential for your retirement savings.
How to consolidate your super
Here are the ways you can consolidate your super:
Online
Log in with your legalsuper member number on MemberAccess and select 'Consolidate Super'. We'll handle the rest.
Call us
Prefer a phone call? Call 1800 060 312, and we'll assist you.
Pen & paper
Download the 'Rollover request' form, complete and send to us online or send it by post.
Considerations before you consolidate
Before you consolidate, check these factors:
- Fees and Taxes: Ensure there are no fees or taxes when leaving your other super fund.
- Match your details: Make sure your name, date of birth, and tax file number match on all accounts you're consolidating, otherwise it may cause delays.
- Self-Employed? If you're self-employed and claim tax deductions for contributions, finalise your tax return before consolidating.
- Review other benefits: If you currently have insurance with another super fund you'd like to transfer, it's essential to check your coverage. Moving money out of a super fund can cancel your insurance and other benefits associated with that fund. If you have insurance with another super fund that you want to transfer to legalsuper, please download and complete the 'Insurance roll-in' form provided below. After submitting the form, wait for confirmation that your insurance has been successfully transferred before proceeding with the consolidation process. This ensures that you maintain your insurance coverage
Consider obtaining financial advice if you need clarification on what suits you best. Before deciding, you should compare the benefits, investment performance and costs of different super funds.
Important Numbers
Important identification numbers can be found here if you're filling in forms from another super fund or a new employer.
Transferring a UK Pension
legalsuper is currently unable to accept transfers from the UK due to recent changes in the United Kingdom's requirements, which affect Australian superannuation funds.
Should those requirements be amended, legalsuper may, in the future, be able to resume accepting transfers from the UK. For more information, please contact us.
Need some help to combine your super?
Transferring an SMSF
If you're moving an SMSF, consider the following steps. We do recommend that you seek qualified professional advice prior to this, particularly for pension-related transfer's from SMSFs.
We do recommend that you seek qualified professional advice prior to this, particularly for pension-related transfer's from SMSFs.
- Step 1: The Trust Deed will outline procedures for winding up your SMSF or making a withdrawal(s). It is important to ensure that all decisions are minuted and members are notified.
- Step 2: You will need to convert your assets into cash. Assets cannot be transferred in-specie to legalsuper.
- Step 3: Depending on whether you are winding up your SMSF or only transferring a portion of the account, you will need to ensure that your actions are appropriately recorded and that you make allowance for the relevant tax liabilities and any professional fees that may be incurred for the accounting and auditing of your SMSF.
- Step 4: Once the SMSF has been terminated, the assets can be transferred via EFT or cash. A Rollover benefits statement (RBS) must be provided alongside the funds.
EFT:
Bank account name: legalsuper
Bank: Westpac Banking Corporation
BSB: 032021
Account number: 560011
SWIFT code (for overseas transfers): WPACCAU2S
Branch address: Corner of Pitt & Bridge Streets Sydney, NSW 2000
Please remember to include your membership number in the transaction description.
Email your Rollover Benefit Statement to mail@legalsuper.com.au
Cheque:
Draw a cheque payable to 'legalsuper', with your name and member number on the back. The cheque must be posted with an RBS, as we cannot allocate funds to your account without the RBS.
legalsuper
Locked Bag 5081
Parramatta, NSW, 2124
Rollover benefit statement
Download and complete a Rollover benefits statement.
Rollover benefits statement (302.59 KB)
For help completing the Rollover benefits statement, visit the ATO website.
- Step 5: To lodge final returns, you must advise various organisations of the winding up, such as your SMSF's bank and the Australian Taxation Office. You may also need to decide what to do with the company acting as your SMSF's trustee. The ATO offers help on their website.
Disclaimer:
This information is of a general nature and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information and obtain and read the relevant legalsuper Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination before making any decision. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
Frequently asked questions
Consolidating superannuation means combining multiple super accounts into a single fund. This helps reduce fees, simplify account management, and maximise retirement savings.
Consolidating is generally advisable, however, this will depend on your personal situation.
Advantages:
- Saves money on multiple account fees.
- Simplifies super management by having one account.
- Easier tracking of investment performance.
Disadvantages:
- Loss of specific insurance benefits attached to other accounts (please note, insurance can often be transferred to your new fund).
- Potential exit fees from some funds.
- Tax implications depending on your circumstances.
Before consolidating, check the details of each account to ensure you don’t lose valuable benefits. You may also want to book a free appointment with a legalsuper Client Service Manager.
After consolidating, you should:
- Confirm that the transfer has been completed successfully.
- Update your employer with your new super fund details.
- Review your investment strategy and insurance coverage.
- Monitor your super balance regularly.
Once you start the transfer, the ATO handles the rest. Both your super fund and the ATO will notify you once the process is complete. Although it usually takes a few days, it's wise to monitor your accounts to make sure everything goes through smoothly.
Consolidating your super is generally tax-free when transferring between compliant Australian funds. However, tax may apply if moving from a taxed to an untaxed fund or if preserved benefits are involved. If you’re uncertain, seeking advice from a financial expert is recommended.
Yes, you can consolidate your super from an SMSF.
You can transfer super from a previous employer’s fund to your current fund by logging into myGov, checking your current super funds under ‘super’, selecting the fund you’d like to roll into and consolidating into it.
There are generally no fees associated with consolidating your super, however, some funds may charge buy-sell spread fees. It’s recommended to check with your individual fund.
Before consolidating:
- Review the Life, TPD, and income protection insurance in your current funds.
- Check whether you can transfer existing cover to the new fund.
- Check the impact of consolidation on premium costs.
Contact your fund to confirm insurance details before proceeding.
The easiest way to combine super accounts is through the ATO’s online services. After logging into MyGov and linking it to the ATO, you can see all your super accounts. Select the accounts you want to consolidate and follow the prompts to transfer balances into your chosen super fund.