How Much Does an SMSF Cost in Australia?
Adenix SMSF services start from $1,499 per year, which includes the annual audit, tax return, administration, and unlimited phone and email support. For context, SMSFs nationally typically cost around $2,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on complexity. Because a large part of the cost is fixed rather than a percentage of your balance, SMSFs are usually most cost-effective for larger balances.
How an SMSF Helped Sarah Buy Her First Investment Property
Client: Sarah, 41, Sydney-based small business owner. Goal: use her $360,000 super balance to invest in property. Solution: we set up her SMSF, helped roll over her super, and structured a property purchase through a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). Outcome: Sarah now owns a $720,000 property in Sydney, using her SMSF and rental income to build wealth tax-effectively.
This example is based on real client outcomes, with details adjusted for privacy.
How Do I Set Up an SMSF? (The Steps)
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Establish the trust and trust deed, and decide on individual vs corporate trustee.
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Register the fund with the ATO and obtain an ABN and TFN.
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Set up a dedicated SMSF bank account.
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Prepare a documented investment strategy.
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Roll over your existing super into the fund.
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Start investing, then meet your annual reporting and audit obligations each year.
We manage every step for you and keep the fund compliant from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SMSF?
A self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation fund you manage yourself, giving you control over investment decisions and responsibility for compliance.
How many members can an SMSF have?
An SMSF can have up to six members, and all members must be trustees or directors of the corporate trustee.
How much does an SMSF cost?
Adenix SMSF services start from $1,499 per year. Nationally, SMSFs typically cost around $2,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on complexity.
Can I buy property through my SMSF?
Yes. SMSFs can invest in property, but strict rules apply, including limited recourse borrowing arrangements and the sole-purpose test.
Do I need an accountant to manage an SMSF?
Professional advice is strongly recommended. SMSFs are complex, and an accountant helps you stay compliant with tax and super law.
Can SMSF consultations be done online?
Yes. We provide online consultations for SMSF setup, compliance, and audits across Australia, so you get expert guidance without needing to travel.
Can I keep my industry super fund as well?
Yes, it's legal to have both. Some people keep life insurance in their industry fund and grow wealth in an SMSF. We help you align both strategies.
Speak to an SMSF Accountant in Sydney
Find out whether an SMSF is right for you. Call us on (02) 9599 1674 or book online. Our SMSF services are available in person at our Rockdale office and online across Australia.
Get Your Free SMSF Setup Checklist
Thinking about starting an SMSF? Before you do, run through our free checklist. It walks you through the key setup steps, the real costs, your trustee responsibilities, and the compliance obligations you need to meet, so you go in with a clear picture and no surprises. Enter your email, and we'll send it straight to your inbox.
SMSF Accountants in Sydney
Setup, Compliance & Property
Take control of your super with expert support from Adenix Accounting. A self-managed super fund (SMSF) lets you decide exactly how your retirement savings are invested: shares, property, managed funds, and more. We make SMSF setup and ongoing compliance simple, safe, and strategic. Based in Sydney, we work with individuals and business owners Australia-wide.
Written and reviewed by Sash Denkovski, Registered Tax Agent & SMSF Specialist, Adenix Accounting. Last updated: July 2026
What Is an SMSF, and Is It Right for You?
A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation trust regulated by the ATO, where the members are also the trustees or directors of a corporate trustee. You, and up to five others (six members in total), are in charge of all investment decisions and are responsible for compliance with superannuation law. An SMSF can hold shares, direct property, managed funds, term deposits, cryptocurrency, and more. It is the most flexible superannuation structure in Australia, but it comes with real legal responsibilities.
An SMSF tends to suit you if you have around $250,000 or more in super, want direct control over your investments, and are comfortable taking on the trustee duties (with professional support). It's usually not the right fit if you have a small balance, little time to keep on top of compliance, or you want your super managed for you; in that case, a retail or industry fund is often the better choice.
Trustee Responsibilities & Risks (Read Before You Start)
An SMSF puts you in control, but control comes with accountability. As a trustee, you are personally responsible for every investment decision and for keeping the fund compliant with ATO rules.
Key responsibilities and risks to understand:
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You must prepare and follow a documented investment strategy, and keep it up to date.
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The fund must be audited by an approved SMSF auditor every year and lodge an annual return with the ATO.
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Records, minutes, and financial statements must be kept accurately for years.
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Unlike APRA-regulated funds, SMSF members generally cannot access the government's financial compensation schemes if something goes wrong through fraud or theft.
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Breaching the rules can lead to penalties, additional tax, or the fund being made non-compliant.
We handle the heavy lifting on compliance so you can focus on strategy, but the ultimate responsibility always sits with the trustees, so it's important to go in with eyes open.
Why Choose Adenix as Your SMSF Accountant in Sydney
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Registered tax agents and SMSF specialists
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100% compliant fund setups
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Transparent, fixed pricing
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Specialists in SMSF property investment strategies
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Fast, responsive service from a Sydney-based team
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Free initial consultation with no obligation
Our SMSF Services
SMSF Setup & ATO Registration
We take care of the trust deed, corporate trustee (where used), member structure, bank account and full ATO registration, so your fund is set up correctly from day one. We guide you step by step and make sure the fund meets all legal and tax requirements.
SMSF Administration & Annual Compliance
Our annual package includes:
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Tax return preparation and lodgment
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Coordination of the independent annual audit
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Ongoing ATO reporting
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Member statements
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Investment strategy reviews
SMSFs must be audited every year and meet strict ATO obligations, or face penalties; we keep your fund 100% compliant.
SMSF Investment Strategy & Property Guidance
Want to buy property, or invest in shares or managed funds through your SMSF? We help you build a compliant investment strategy that matches your goals and risk profile.
SMSF Takeover or Review
Already have an SMSF and want a second opinion, or want to switch providers? We handle smooth transitions, audit catch-ups, and full fund health checks.
Can I Buy Property With My SMSF?
Yes, an SMSF can invest in residential or commercial property, but strict rules apply. Where the fund borrows to buy property, it's usually structured through a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA), which limits the lender's claim to the property purchased. The property must meet the fund's sole-purpose test (it exists to provide retirement benefits) and generally can't be bought from, or lived in by, a related party. Rental income and any capital growth are taxed at concessional super rates. We help you structure property purchases correctly so the fund stays compliant.
SMSF vs Retail / Industry Super Fund