Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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 EOFY Special, both prices are 50% off, so setup starts from $449.50. No percentage-of-balance fees and no surprise add-ons.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Individual trustees are the cheapest structure — $899 standard (or $449.50 during the EOFY 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.

Question 3

Are SMSF setup costs tax deductible?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What's included in the SMSF setup cost?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What's not included in the setup fee?

Accepted Answer

The ATO supervisory levy ($259 in the first year), ongoing annual administration and independent audit, and any limited-recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) or bare-trust setup if you're buying property — those are quoted separately on the administration fees page.

Question 6

How long does an SMSF setup take?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 7

Is a corporate trustee worth the extra cost?

Accepted Answer

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.

SMSF setup costs in Australia — fixed fee, no surprises

What you'll pay

Individual trustees

Corporate trustee

What's included in your SMSF setup

What's not included

Frequently asked questions

Ready to set up your SMSF?