How much does it cost to set up an SMSF in Australia?

easySMSF charges a single fixed setup fee — $899 for individual trustees and $1,499 for a special-purpose corporate trustee (includes the $611 ASIC registration). During the New FY Special, both prices are 50% off, so setup starts from $449.50. No percentage-of-balance fees and no surprise add-ons.

What's the cheapest way to set up an SMSF?

Individual trustees are the cheapest structure — $899 standard (or $449.50 during the New FY Special) — because there's no Pty Ltd company and no $611 ASIC registration fee. For most members a corporate trustee is still better value over the life of the fund, but if minimising upfront cost is the priority, individual trustees are the lowest-cost option.

Are SMSF setup costs tax deductible?

Establishment costs are a capital expense and are not deductible to the fund. They are usually reimbursed from the SMSF once it has funds, or treated as a personal contribution by a member. Ongoing administration, audit, and tax-agent fees the fund pays each year are generally deductible. Always confirm the treatment with your registered tax agent.

What's included in the SMSF setup cost?

The fixed setup fee covers the trust deed and product disclosure statement, ATO registrations (TFN, ABN, regulated super fund election), ASIC registration of the corporate trustee (if chosen), an investment strategy template compliant with reg 4.09, trustee declarations, fund bank account assistance, an Electronic Service Address for SuperStream, and rollover paperwork for each member.

How long does an SMSF setup take?

Most easySMSF funds are fully established and ready to receive contributions within a few business days. The slowest steps are the ATO TFN/ABN (typically 3–5 business days) and the bank account opening (same day with Macquarie, longer with the big four).

Is a corporate trustee worth the extra cost?

For most members, yes. A corporate trustee provides cleaner asset separation, easier member changes, and significantly lower ATO penalty exposure (penalties apply per trustee). The extra one-off cost is typically recovered the first time a member joins or leaves the fund.

Can I set up an SMSF myself without an accountant?

Technically yes — the ATO doesn't require you to use a professional — but you still need a compliant trust deed, ATO and ASIC registrations, an investment strategy that meets reg 4.09, an Electronic Service Address for SuperStream, and a registered SMSF auditor each year. Most trustees use a specialist like easySMSF to handle the establishment paperwork and the ongoing annual return and audit so the fund stays compliant.

Is there a minimum balance to set up an SMSF?

There's no legislated minimum, but ASIC and the ATO have indicated that funds under about $200,000 can struggle to be cost-effective compared to industry or retail super. With easySMSF's fixed monthly fee (no percentage-of-balance charges), the break-even is lower than the industry average — most members find an SMSF makes financial sense from around $150,000–$200,000 combined.

Can I transfer my existing super into a new SMSF?

Yes. Once the fund is established and has an ABN, easySMSF prepares a rollover request for each member's existing super fund. Most rollovers complete within 3 business days via SuperStream. You can roll across as much or as little as you like — partial rollovers are fine, and you can keep insurance in your old fund if you want.

Do I need an SMSF accountant or can I use an admin platform alone?

An admin platform like easySMSF combines both — we're a registered tax agent and ASIC-registered SMSF auditor network, so the annual accounts, tax return, and audit are all handled in one fixed fee. You don't need a separate accountant on top. We can't give personal financial advice on investments, but we work alongside your financial adviser if you have one.

SMSF setup costs

SMSF setup costs in Australia — fixed fee, no surprises

By Tim Roff, Founder & SMSF Specialist · Updated 29 June 2026

A clear, upfront breakdown of what it costs to set up a self-managed super fund — including the trust deed, ATO and ASIC registrations, bank account and investment strategy. New FY Special — 50% off on now.

New FY kickoff — 50% off SMSF setup (limited time)

Limited-time new financial year offer — 50% off Individual and Corporate Trustee setup fees. Ends midnight AEST, 31 July 2026.

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What you'll pay

Individual trustees

Lowest-cost setup — best when keeping fees minimal is the priority.

$449.50$899

New FY Special — 50% off

Corporate trustee

Special-purpose Pty Ltd — recommended for most funds. Includes $611 ASIC fee.

$749.50$1,499

New FY Special — 50% off

What's included in your SMSF setup

Current SMSF Association-reviewed trust deed and PDS
ATO registration — TFN, ABN, and regulated super fund election
ASIC registration of the corporate trustee (if chosen)
Investment strategy template compliant with reg 4.09
Trustee declarations and member application forms
Fund bank account assistance (Macquarie, ANZ, NAB, CBA, Westpac)
Electronic Service Address (ESA) for SuperStream contributions
Rollover paperwork for each member's existing super

What's not included

The ATO supervisory levy ($259 in year one), ongoing annual administration and independent audit, and any limited-recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) or bare-trust setup for SMSF property are quoted separately. See administration fees for ongoing costs.

Estimate your ongoing SMSF costs

Setup is one-off — running the fund is the long-term cost. Try the calculator below to see how easySMSF's fixed monthly fee compares to your existing 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)

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).

Frequently asked questions

Ready to set up your SMSF?

Fixed fee, fully online, Australian SMSF specialists.