How much does it cost to manage an SMSF?

Most fixed-fee specialist administrators charge between $1,200 and $2,500 per year for a typical one or two-member SMSF, including the independent audit. easySMSF starts at $139/month ($1,668/year) for a standard fund. On top of admin you also pay the ATO supervisory levy ($259) and, for corporate trustees, the ASIC annual review ($67).

What's included in the annual management fee?

easySMSF's monthly fee covers preparation of the annual financial statements, member statements, the SMSF Annual Return (tax return + regulatory return), independent audit by an ASIC-registered SMSF auditor, BAS lodgement if registered for GST, ATO correspondence, and your trustee portal with electronic signing.

Are SMSF management fees tax deductible to the fund?

Yes — ongoing administration, audit, actuarial and tax-agent fees the SMSF pays are generally deductible to the fund. Establishment costs are capital and not deductible. Always confirm treatment with your registered tax agent.

Do fees scale with my super balance?

Not with easySMSF. We charge a fixed monthly fee regardless of balance — so a $200,000 fund and a $2 million fund pay the same admin fee. Most industry / retail funds charge a percentage of your balance, which is why the gap widens as balances grow.

What about extra services like LRBA or in-specie transfers?

Those are quoted separately. A typical LRBA setup is $1,500–$2,500 (one-off), and the ongoing admin loading is around $40/month while the borrowing is in place. In-specie transfers, actuarial certificates for pension funds, and wind-up are quoted on request.

How much does an SMSF audit cost?

A standalone independent SMSF audit usually costs between $300 and $700 per year. With easySMSF the audit is bundled into the fixed monthly fee — there's no separate audit invoice. All audits are completed by an ASIC-registered SMSF auditor as required by the SIS Act.

What's the average annual cost of running an SMSF in Australia?

The ATO's most recent SMSF statistical report puts the median total operating expense ratio at around 1.1% of fund assets, with median admin costs around $3,500–$4,000 per year across all providers. Specialist fixed-fee administrators (including easySMSF from $1,668/year) generally come in well below the ATO median, especially for balances above $300,000.

Can I claim SMSF fees from my personal tax return?

No — administration, audit and tax-agent fees are paid by the fund and deducted from the fund's taxable income, not your personal return. Personal contributions you make to cover those fees may be claimable as a personal-deductible contribution if you submit a valid notice of intent; speak to your tax agent.

Do I still pay fees if my SMSF is in pension phase?

Yes — ongoing admin, audit and ATO supervisory levy still apply whether the fund is in accumulation, pension, or both. easySMSF includes the actuarial certificate for funds with both accumulation and pension members at no extra cost.

SMSF management fees

SMSF management fees in Australia

By easySMSF, SMSF Specialist Team · Updated 29 June 2026

What it really costs to run a self-managed super fund — fixed monthly fee, independent audit included, and no percentage-of-balance charges that compound as your fund grows.

Estimate your annual SMSF management cost

Enter your balance, member count and trustee structure to see a personalised estimate — and how it compares to a typical industry / retail fund.

SMSF management cost calculator

Estimate your annual SMSF running costs vs your current fund. General information only — not personal advice.

Current super balance$450,000

Members in the fund2 members

Existing fund fee (% per year)1.00%

Industry / retail funds are typically 0.8–1.2% all-in.

Trustee structure

Fund will hold property under an LRBA — commercial, or residential entered into before 10 Aug 2026 (adds $40/mo)

Base admin: $139/mo for a 1-member non-property fund. Loadings (+$20/extra member, +$40 LRBA) are calculator-only modelling.

easySMSF — estimated annual cost

$2,234

$159/mo admin + audit included

Admin & audit (annual)$1,908

ASIC annual review$67

ATO supervisory levy$259

Your existing fund (1.00%)$4,500

Estimated annual saving

$2,266

Indicative only. Excludes optional services (LRBA setup, actuarial certificates, in-specie transfers).

General advice warning

Figures shown are illustrative only and based on the inputs and assumptions you provide. They are general information, not personal financial product advice. Consider your objectives, financial situation and needs, and seek personal advice from a licensed financial adviser before acting. easySMSF does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL).

What's included each year

Annual financial statements

Full statement of financial position, operating statement, and member balances prepared to ATO standards.

SMSF Annual Return

Combined income tax + regulatory return lodged with the ATO, including all member contribution and pension reporting.

Independent audit

Mandatory audit by an ASIC-registered SMSF auditor — bundled into the monthly fee, not billed separately.

Trustee portal & e-signing

Secure portal for trustees to review, query and electronically sign the annual accounts and return.

Member statements + contribution / pension reconciliations
BAS preparation and lodgement (where the fund is GST-registered)
ATO correspondence handling on behalf of trustees
Investment strategy review reminders each year

Frequently asked questions

Switch to a fixed monthly fee

No percentage of balance, no surprise add-ons, audit included.