SMSF setup costs in 2026: a transparent Australian breakdown

If you're researching SMSF setup costs in 2026, the honest answer is: it depends on whether you choose individual trustees or a corporate trustee, and whether your provider charges a flat fee or unbundles every line item. This guide breaks down exactly what you pay, what's included, and where most providers add hidden costs.

The two cost components of any SMSF setup

Every SMSF establishment in Australia involves two cost layers: professional fees charged by your accountant or administrator, and statutory fees paid to ASIC and the ATO. The professional fees are negotiable and vary widely. The statutory fees are fixed by the regulators and are the same no matter who you use.

Individual vs corporate trustee — what's the cost difference?

An SMSF with individual trustees is the cheaper setup option because there's no separate company to register. A corporate trustee structure requires ASIC to register a special-purpose company, which carries a one-off registration fee plus an ongoing annual ASIC review fee.

In 2026, expect the all-in setup cost for individual trustees to land around $700–$900, and around $1,500–$2,000 for a corporate trustee structure once the ASIC company registration is included. easySMSF charges a single flat fee for either option — see the pricing page for current rates.

What's typically included in an SMSF setup fee

• Trust deed and product disclosure statement (PDS)
• ATO registrations: TFN, ABN, and GST where relevant
• ASIC registration of the corporate trustee company (if you choose one)
• Investment strategy template tailored to your members
• Bank account and broker account setup assistance
• Member application forms and trustee declarations

Are SMSF setup costs tax deductible?

SMSF establishment costs are generally treated as a capital expense, which means they are not deductible against the fund's assessable income. They can usually be reimbursed from the fund once it has cash, or treated as a personal contribution by the member. Talk to a registered tax agent before reimbursing yourself.

Watch out for these hidden costs

Cheap setup quotes often exclude the ASIC company registration fee, the trust deed itself, or the audit in year one. Before you sign anything, ask the provider to confirm in writing whether the price includes ASIC registration, the trust deed, the investment strategy, and any first-year audit.