Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) Services

The Australian Government encourages all working Australians to save for retirement through compulsory superannuation contributions. An SMSF takes this further by allowing you to manage those savings yourself in a low-tax environment, with greater flexibility than standard industry or retail super funds.

SMSFs can have up to six members, all of whom must act as trustees (or as directors of a corporate trustee company). This means every member has a direct say in how the fund is run and how investments are made.

At ELTAX Accountants, our experienced SMSF specialists help you establish and administer your fund correctly — ensuring you meet all ATO obligations while maximising the benefits of self-managed super.

SMSFs offer a far wider range of investment options than standard superannuation funds. You can invest in direct property, shares, managed funds, physical gold, artwork, collectables, and more — as long as investments meet the sole purpose test. Small business owners can also purchase commercial property through their SMSF and lease it back to their business at market rates.

As both a trustee and member, you can tailor the fund’s rules to your specific needs. You can respond quickly to market changes, take advantage of sudden investment opportunities, and adjust your portfolio without waiting for a large fund’s investment committee to act on your behalf.

SMSFs are taxed at the same concessional rates as other super funds, but give you far greater ability to implement tax strategies suited to your situation — including contributions timing, capital gains tax planning, and pension phase income that may be entirely tax-free.

You have complete visibility of how your super is invested and how it is performing in real time. Unlike industry or retail funds where performance results are aggregated and often released months later, an SMSF gives you up-to-date information so you can track your decisions and outcomes as they happen.

SMSFs allow up to six members to pool their superannuation together. This opens up investment opportunities — such as purchasing direct property — that might not be achievable for an individual member alone. It can also help spread costs and build a larger, more diversified investment portfolio.

In most cases, creditors cannot access superannuation assets held within an SMSF. This provides an additional layer of asset protection for members — provided contributions have not been made specifically to defeat creditors, in which case clawback laws may apply.

As an SMSF trustee, you are personally responsible for all investment decisions and for ensuring your fund complies with superannuation legislation. The ATO can impose significant penalties for breaches — including personal liability and, in serious cases, tax rates of up to 47%. A sound understanding of investment markets and compliance obligations is essential.

Running an SMSF requires an ongoing time commitment. Trustees must monitor investments, maintain accurate records, arrange annual audits, and lodge tax returns. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, partnering with a professional SMSF administrator like ELTAX Accountants can significantly reduce this burden.

The majority of SMSF members must be Australian residents. If you or any member plans to move overseas permanently or make contributions while living abroad, this could render the fund non-compliant. Professional advice should be sought before making any significant changes to living or residency arrangements.

SMSF compliance and administration costs are largely fixed, which can erode the savings of smaller funds. The general consensus is that you should have at least $250,000 in superannuation assets before an SMSF becomes cost-effective. As your fund grows, these fixed costs become proportionally smaller.

Establish your SMSF with a special purpose corporate trustee company — offering greater asset protection and simpler member changes.

For pricing information, please contact us.