Release Notes - February 2026
In our February 2026 platform update webinar, CEO Aaron Dunn outlined a significant set of enhancements across the Smarter SMSF platform (Oct - Dec 2025), along with important document updates, regulatory readiness initiatives and a preview of what’s coming next. These updates are designed to improve workflow efficiency, strengthen compliance outcomes, and prepare advisers for upcoming legislative change.
Below is a detailed summary of what’s new and what’s on the horizon.
Platform Features & Enhancements
Tab-Based Order Forms
Smarter SMSF has rolled out a new tab-based structure across a growing range of order forms. This enhancement allows users to move quickly between sections of an order without losing data, significantly improving speed and usability when preparing documents.
The new format removes unnecessary payment steps for document subscription members (except where ASIC fees apply) and introduces a pop-up preview function, allowing users to review an order before submission. Where Smarter Legal Review is available, this now appears as a dedicated tab, making the review process clearer and more streamlined.
Notify Tab – Save Orders for Review
A new Notify tab has been introduced within tab-based order forms for document subscription users. This feature allows an order to be saved and sent to another user (such as a manager or reviewer) with comments attached.
The nominated user receives an email notification advising that the order is ready for review, supporting stronger internal workflows and reducing back-and-forth communication outside the platform.
[Screenshot placeholder – Notify tab and email notification]
Admin Console – “Ready to Submit” Status
Enhancements to the Admin Console now allow parent or authorised users to mark a reviewed document as “Ready to submit”. This provides a clear visual status indicator and supports multi-user review processes, particularly for larger teams managing high document volumes.
Saved Orders – Rework Workflow
The Saved Orders workflow has been expanded to include a Rework function. Reviewers can now formally request changes on a saved order and include comments explaining what needs to be amended.
Once rework is requested, the original preparer receives an email notification with the reviewer’s comments. This creates a clear audit trail of feedback and ensures accountability within the document preparation process. Timestamped comments are planned for a future update.
Completed Orders – Transfer Documents Between Users
From the Completed Orders tab, users can now transfer a document to another team member within the same document subscription. This is particularly useful where different team members handle different stages of a workflow, such as SMSF establishment followed by ABN/TFN lodgement.
Once transferred, the receiving user is notified by email and the order appears in their completed orders list. Admin users retain visibility via the Admin Console.
ABN/TFN Application Enhancements
Several improvements have been made to the ABN/TFN application process. Orders that are subject to ATO manual review are now displayed with a new amber status, and users can follow up directly with the ABR using the document reference number.
Importantly, document subscription members can now prepare and lodge ABN/TFN applications without an additional fee, with usage deducted from their document counter. PAYG users will continue to be charged $55 (including GST).
Additionally, updated ATO validation rules now require international and area codes for phone numbers. The form has been updated to pre-populate “+61” and includes a tooltip to guide users.
Integrations
Integration capabilities continue to expand across Class, BGL and SuperMate. Users can now connect Class to multiple businesses via API, and BGL connections support both Simple Fund 360 and CAS 360. The “Send to CAS360” function has also been updated.
Further improvements are underway to simplify fund selection and connection management directly within order forms.
Third-Party API Access
Smarter SMSF has released its own API, enabling members to integrate their internal systems and forms directly with the Smarter SMSF document platform. Orders created via API are automatically saved for review and submission.
Currently supported documents include New SMSFs, Special Purpose Trustee Companies and Standard Companies. API documentation is being expanded to include pension commencements, LRBAs, SMSF deed upgrades and death benefit nominations.
Document Updates
Smarter SMSF Deed – Financial Compensation & AFCA
The Smarter SMSF Deed has been updated to address financial compensation arrangements and residual amounts received via AFCA. New rules clarify trustee powers post wind-up, how compensation payments are treated, and how residual amounts received after wind-up are handled.
Key new definitions have also been introduced to support these changes.
Division 296 Tax – Deed Readiness
Work has commenced on reviewing the impact of the proposed Division 296 tax on the Smarter SMSF Deed. Updates are being scoped to fund earnings allocation rules, release authorities, and new definitions relating to large and very large superannuation balances.
These updates are being prepared in anticipation of final legislation and regulations.
QROPS & ROPS Deed Updates
Upcoming changes to UK pension law will increase the normal minimum pension age to 57 from 6 April 2028. As a result, QROPS trust deeds will need updating from 6 April 2026 to reflect the new qualifying age.
Smarter SMSF is preparing deed updates to ensure continued compliance for affected arrangements.
Coming Soon
Division 296 Tax Hub
A new Division 296 Tax Hub will launch mid-February 2026 as a central resource for advisers navigating the proposed changes. The hub will include white-labelled client materials, checklists, FAQs, calculators (work in progress), order forms and educational videos and webinars.
Admin Console – Users & Permissions Overhaul
Significant upgrades are underway for user management within the Admin Console. The new permissions framework will move beyond simple parent/child roles, allowing account holders to customise access levels for each team member.
Permissions will cover areas such as saved and completed orders, credit card access for ASIC fees, user management and cover page editing. The ability to add or remove users will include mandatory transfer of any associated orders.
Major Document Generation Upgrade
Smarter SMSF has commenced its largest-ever platform transformation, migrating its document generation system from a proprietary 2016 server to a modern cloud-based solution. This backend change will not disrupt existing workflows but will unlock significant new functionality.
Planned enhancements include native digital signing, integration with DocuSign and Adobe Sign, and the ability to auto-populate ATO forms such as trustee declarations and change-of-details forms. Phase 1 will migrate approximately eight of the most commonly used order forms, with beta testing scheduled for March 2026.
Smartie AI – SMSF Technical Assistant
Smarter SMSF is building Smartie AI, an AI-powered SMSF technical assistant trained exclusively on Smarter SMSF content and authorised materials. Smartie AI is designed to provide reliable, citation-based answers with no hallucinations.
The tool will support advisers with client communications, file notes and advice documentation, and will escalate to support when it cannot confidently answer a query. Smartie AI will be integrated into the Smarter SMSF platform via single sign-on, with beta access expected around SMSF Days 2026.
CPD & Education Updates
New CPD content continues to be added to the learning platform, including the upcoming State of SMSFs 2026 and the SMSF Masterclass – Trustee & Member Changes. Based on member feedback, the Changing Face of SMSF series will return to a quarterly format.
All CPD members can access recorded events on demand, including videos, slides, supplementary materials and assessments to generate CPD certificates.
CPD Business Subscription Changes
Updates have been made to the CPD Business subscription model. Existing subscriptions will remain unchanged until 30 June 2026, after which they will transition to the new pricing and inclusions, offering increased CPD hours and greater flexibility for growing teams.
💬 Support
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- 📧 support@smartersmsf.com
- 📞 1300 95 94 76
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