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 $129/month ($1,548/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.

SMSF management fees

SMSF management fees in Australia

By Tim Roff, Founder & SMSF Specialist · 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.

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 (adds $40/mo)

easySMSF — estimated annual cost

$2,114

$149/mo admin + audit included

Admin & audit (annual)$1,788

ASIC annual review$67

ATO supervisory levy$259

Your existing fund (1.00%)$4,500

Estimated annual saving

$2,386

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

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.